Juneteenth is an annual holiday commemorating the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas – the last Confederate state to practice slavery – in 1865. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19, has been a significant holiday for many Black Americans for over 155 years and is often celebrated with cookouts, festivals, church events and storytelling.

In recent years, the holiday has grown in popularity and importance for Black Americans and the country as a whole. Currently, 47 states and Washington, DC, recognize Juneteenth as a public or state holiday. In June 2021, The US Senate passed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Here are a few American cities where you can celebrate (whether physically or virtually) this significant milestone of the Black American experience.

Houston, Texas

Galveston, Texas, was the site where the first Emancipation Day was celebrated in 1866, but it's in nearby Houston, America’s fourth most populous city, where you'll find the most devout Juneteenth celebrants.

Though an official Juneteenth city parade won't take place this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a host of family-friendly events, festivals and concerts dotted throughout the city.

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is hosting a BLCK Market Juneteenth Celebration which will showcase small Black businesses. For those looking for more active events, tour the first black settlement in Houston, along with Freedmen's Town & 3rd Ward on a Juneteenth Historical Bike Tour, headed by Lets Do This Houston.

The Heritage Society is hosting a Juneteenth Weekend Fun event that will include tours of the Jack Yates House, Kellum-Noble House and the Fourth Ward College in Sam Houston Park.

Juneteenth officially became a public holiday in Texas on June 7, 1979 – it was the first state in the country to do it.

Atlanta, Georgia

As the birth city of Martin Luther King, Jr., and a host of other Civil Rights icons, Atlanta’s interest in Juneteenth celebrations should go without saying. Black Georgians have been holding Emancipation celebrations for as far back as the 1800s. In 2011, Georgia became the 37th state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.

This year, Atlanta is pulling out all the stops. Perhaps the most exciting is the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival – a mega three-day event at Centennial Olympic Park that will include speakers, African drum and dance, face painting, a 5K run/walk and lots of food.

For those looking for something a little quieter, The Atlanta History Center is hosting a virtual event that will, according to its website, "honor Black innovation, creativity and activism throughout the entire month of June." Events will include a blood drive, author talks with esteemed historians and ambassadors discussing the biggest moments in Black American history.

Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas

Texan twin cities Dallas and Fort Worth have long celebrated Juneteeth. Fort Worth is home to the Miss Juneteenth pageant, a long-standing tradition that dates back to the mid-20th century and promotes independence and scholarship in young Black women. There are pageants all over the country (there's even a movie about it).

In an effort to give back to people in need, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center will hold an MLK Juneteenth Drive-Thru Celebration; people can donate or receive non-perishable food items, household staples and hygiene kits.

Fort Worth’s top Juneteenth event centers around the work of 94-year-old social impact leader Ms. Opal Lee. The lively, long-time Fort Worth resident has been a champion of Juneteenth celebrations and this year will lead the 2nd annual "Opal's Walk LIVE Caravan" – a 2.5- mile walk from Historic Southside to downtown Fort Worth.

The distance symbolizes the two and a half years it took to implement the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas. But Ms. Opal's work isn't done yet; now, the retired home/school counselor is walking to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Folks can support Ms. Opal by participating in the walk (registration fee is $20) or watching via live stream. Virtual donations are also being accepted.

Charleston, South Carolina

Alongside Charleston’s architecture and excellent Lowcountry food scene lies a great deal of history and sites that reveal the city’s past as a hub for the trafficking of enslaved people.

Though South Carolina officially recognized Juneteenth in 2018, the state has yet to make it an official legal holiday.

Among the places celebrating Emancipation Day is Middleton Place, a former plantation-turned-cultural-education attraction and home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens. The site has organized a Juneteenth celebration packed with activities to honor the 3000-plus enslaved people who lived on the plantation and to celebrate their eventual emancipation.

Discounted tickets (free for children 5 and under) for the day will grant access to presentations and a screening of the documentary Beyond the Fields: Slavery at Middleton Place.

Other events around the city include The Gullah Juneteenth Freedom Celebration and the inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Fest.

Memphis, Tennessee

This Tennessee city has Black music (the “Home of the Blues”) and history flowing through its veins. The prominent National Civil Rights Museum will join forces with 10 Black American History museums for a virtual " Juneteenth: Lift Every Voice ” event "celebrating the victory and liberty of African American people." Details are currently mum, but you can sign up on their website or follow their Instagram page for updates.

The Health Sciences Park is the new home of the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival. (Coincidentally, Health Sciences Park is where Confederate General and first KKK Grand Wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest's remains are buried.) The three-day Emancipation celebration will feature a host of musical acts and elected city officials and community leaders.

For shopaholics, Memphis resident and event planner entrepreneur Cynthia Daniels is relaunching Juneteenth Shop Black. In 2020, the event was entirely virtual; this year, Daniels is creating "Block Party Vibes" with food trucks, live music and of course, black-owned vendors.

In 2020, Tennessee recognized Juneteenth, but like so many other states, has not passed legislation to make it an official public holiday.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The first Juneteenth celebration in Philadelphia took place on June 18, 2016. There were just two floats, 50 vendors and 5000 people. Nearly five years later, Philly's Juneteenth parade draws over 25,000 people with over 2,000 participants, over 20 floats and 250+ vendors.

The celebration took on a new meaning when Gov. Tom Wolfe made Juneteenth a state holiday in 2019.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual 1.5-mile parade has been canceled, but there will be a Freedom Day March to promote the push for Juneteenth to become a national holiday. Following the march, there will be an "Art in the Park" exhibit at Malcolm X Park.

In lieu of the parade, houses and businesses in West Philadelphia will be decked out to highlight and promote Black solidarity at the Juneteenth Freedom Day Float House Contest. Bring your family to roam the neighborhoods and marvel at the creative scene.

The African American Museum is scheduled to host a Juneteenth event that will feature storytelling, music, speeches and art highlighting the Black experience.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo has been celebrating Juneteenth since 1976 when a community-based organization – B.U.I.L.D. – blocked off part of Jefferson Avenue for a weekend celebration. Since then, as the event grew more popular, the Juneteenth celebrations have moved to the Martin Luther King Jr. Park located on the city's East Side.

This year marks the 46th consecutive festival and though the official Juneteenth celebration, "The Continual Evolution of Juneteenth," will be online, there will be outdoor festivals filled with children's activities, entertainment and vendors.

In 2020, the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, signed legislation declaring Juneteenth an official public holiday.

Denver, Colorado

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Denver's Juneteenth Music Festival is heading back to the Five Points neighborhood with a two-day event of live music, vendors, food trucks and art. There will be the annual parade, whose beginnings date back to the 1950s, as well as interactive and educational activities for kids, a street festival and Black Pride Events dotted throughout the city.

The city of Denver recognized Juneteenth as a commemorative holiday in 2021.

New Orleans, Louisiana

A hub for Black culture for years, it should come as no surprise that New Orleans offers a host of Juneteenth events. The New Orleans African American Museum will host a Black arts market featuring Black farmers, artists and vendors on its campus in Treme. It's free and all ages are welcomed.

For something a little fancy, chef Serigne Mbaye's Dakar Nola is honoring Juneteenth by collaborating with four New Orleans chefs to produce a prix-fixe, five-course tasting menu. Reservations are required for this unique yet tasty event.

There will be small Juneteenth festivities at Congo Square and Bayou Road.

You might also like:

Honor the struggle for civil rights in the Southern US
Lonely Planet Q&A with United Street Tours owner, Chakita Patterson
Creole trail rides highlight black cowboy history

This article was originally published in June 2020 and updated in June 2021.

Juneteenth celebrations around the USA

European Union (EU) countries have agreed to update guidelines for travel by reportedly adding the United States to their 'safe' travel list, meaning American tourists could be permitted to visit this summer without restrictions.

The US and five other countries are expected to be added to the list of regions the EU permits non-essential travel from, according to Reuters. Albania, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Serbia and Taiwan are to be approved, alongside the current list of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. The Chinese administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau will also be included.

EU governments agreed to recommend lifting the ban on nonessential travel for visitors from these regions on Wednesday but the New York Times reports the decision is expected to be "formally adopted on Friday", with the change to come into effect shortly after.

Countries can be added to the so-called 'white list' if they have recorded fewer than 75 COVID cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the past 14 days.

Residents of these countries and regions can travel to the EU without restrictions as per EU recommendations, regardless of their vaccination status — though individual countries may still decide to request PCR tests from arrivals, or introduce a quarantine period.

Read more: Portugal reopens borders to US travelers from today

Some EU member states, including France, Spain, Greece and Portugal, have already lifted restrictions for American tourists, though Portugal and France require that US visitors — even those who are fully vaccinated — present a negative COVID-19 test result too.

The EU closed its borders to all non-European travelers in March 2020 to limit the spread of the coronavirus. All member states co-ordinated border restrictions, except Ireland which shares a common travel agreement with the UK and is outside the Schengen Area.

As the EU prepares to lift restrictions for more visitors, it's also preparing to launch its digital COVID-19 certificate on July 1 to facilitate travel between countries inside the bloc this summer. Available to EU residents, the certificate proves the holder has been vaccinated, has tested negative for the virus, or has recovered from it.

You might also like:

Everything you need to know about the EU's digital COVID-19 certificate
Canada expected to loosen US border restrictions
Greece opens beaches as international visitors return

Travel from the US to Europe is closer with the EU's new safe travel list

In 1924, a team of aviators from the USA successfully completed the first ever circumnavigation of the globe by airplane, a feat that took 175 days, 76 stops, a cache of 15 Liberty engines, 14 spare pontoons, four aircraft and two sets of new wings. This achievement ushered in an era of international air travel, and nearly a century later, travelers are still creating their own round-the-world itineraries.

You might not have the same worries as those early aviators, but planning a round-the-world trip is still a complex process. There are several options for booking your airfare, as well as flexibility on timing, destinations and budget, so there are a lot of possibilities to sort through and research to be done.

Here’s our guide on how to plan that round-the-world trip you’ve always dreamed of.

The basics of round-the-world plane tickets

The most economical way to circumnavigate the globe is to buy a round-the-world (RTW) plane ticket through a single airline alliance. These are confederations of several different airlines that make it simple to maximize the number of places you can travel and pay for it all in one place or with points. There are three primary airline alliances to choose from: Star Alliance, OneWorld and Skyteam. Star Alliance is a coalition of 26 airlines that fly to 1300 airports in 98% of the world’s countries. OneWorld includes 13 airlines traveling to 1100 destinations in 180 territories. Skyteam is made up of 19 airlines that serve 1000 destinations in 170 countries.

Once you pick an airline alliance, whether because of a loyalty program you’re already a member of or because you like its terms, conditions and destination list, you can purchase a single RTW airline ticket made up of several legs fulfilled by that alliance’s partners. The RTW ticket rules vary between each of the airline alliances, with particulars like Star Alliance’s rule that a RTW ticket can include two to 15 stops. But there are some general principles that apply to most RTW tickets, no matter which airline group you go with.

You typically must follow one global direction (east or west – no backtracking); you must start and finish in the same country; and you must book all your flights before departure, though you can change them later (though this could incur extra charges). Typically you have one year to get from your starting point to the finish line.

How long do I need for a round-the-world trip?

You could whip around the world in a weekend if you flew non-stop, especially with the advent of new ultra-longhaul flights that can clock in at 20 hours of flight time. However, the minimum duration of most RTW tickets is 10 days – still a breathless romp. To get the most out of your round-the-world ticket, consider stock-piling vacation days, tagging on public holidays or even arranging a sabbatical from work to take off at least two months (but ideally six months to one year). Because most airline alliances give you up to a year to use your ticket, you can maximize your purchase if you plan well.

When should I travel on a round-the-world trip?

The weather will never be ideal in all your stops, so focus on what you want to do most and research conditions there. In general, city sightseeing can be done year-round (escape extreme heat, cold or rain in museums and cafes), but outdoor adventures are more reliant on – and enjoyable in – the right weather.

Research ahead of time if any must-see destinations or must-do activities will mean facing crowds. For example, if you’re hoping to be in Austria for the famous Salzburg Festival, you’ll want to plan ahead and book your tickets months in advance. If you’re hoping to fit a shorter thru-hike into your round-the-world trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re going in the correct season and starting in the right spot. You won’t get far or have as enjoyable experience if you’re, say, attempting the Tour du Mont Blanc during the dates of the annual winter marathon or headed northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail in July, missing most of the warmer months.

Accept youʼll be in some regions at the "wrong" time – though this might offer unexpected benefits. For example, Victoria Falls has a dry season each year, which means a slightly less thunderous cascade, but it does open up rafting opportunities and a chance to swim right up to the lip of the falls in The Devil’s Pool. Going to Venice in the winter might mean grayer skies but fewer crowds. Heading to Kenya and Tanzania in April is likely to mean fewer humans, but not fewer chances to spot wildlife, all while saving money on safari.

Where should I go on my round-the-world trip?

The classic (and cheapest) RTW tickets flit between a few big cities, for example London – Bangkok – Singapore – Sydney – LA. If you want to link more offbeat hubs ( Baku – Kinshasa – Paramaribo, anyone?), prices will climb considerably. The cost of the ticket is also based on the total distance covered or the number of countries visited.

Remember, you donʼt have to fly between each point: in Australia you could land in Perth, travel overland and fly out of Cairns. Or fly into Moscow, board the Trans-Siberian railway and fly onwards from Beijing. Pick some personal highlights and string the rest of your itinerary around those. For instance, if youʼre a keen hiker, flesh out a Peru ( Inca Trail) – New Zealand ( Milford Track) – Nepal ( Everest Base Camp) itinerary with stops in Yosemite, Menz-Gauassa and the Okavango Delta.

If budgetʼs an issue, spend more time in less expensive countries and plan budget city breaks along the way. You’ll spend more in metros like Paris, Dubai and San Francisco than in Nusa Tenggara, Budapest and Buffalo.

Tips, tricks and pitfalls of round-the-world tickets

Talk to an expert before you book a round-the-world ticket: you may have an itinerary in mind, but an experienced RTW flight booker will know which routes work best and cost least. A few tweaks could mean big savings in time and money. Hash out a budget well ahead of time, not only for your RTW ticket, but also for the whole trip. Reach out to friends or travel bloggers who have done a round-the-world trip or are full-time travelers because they can offer tips on how to budget for a trip around the world.

Be flexible: moving your departure date by a few days can save money. Mid-week flights are generally cheaper, as are flights on major holidays such as Christmas Day. Avoid days and times popular with business travelers to escape higher prices and more crowded cabins.

Think about internal travel: it can be cheaper to book internal flights at the same time as booking your RTW ticket, but with the global increase of low-cost airlines, you may find it better (and more flexible) to buy them separately as you go.

Be warned: if you donʼt board one of your booked flights (say, on a whim, you decide to travel overland from Bangkok to Singapore rather than fly it) your airline is likely to cancel all subsequent flights.

You might also like:
10 destinations perfect for solo travel
Has COVID-19 killed the city break?
Can visiting lesser-known places offer a better travel experience?

How to plan a round-the-world trip

The idea of traveling solo can be a daunting one for a first-timer. It raises a number of questions: will I be safe? What route should I follow? Who will take photos of me staring off into the distance atop scenic vantage points?

A major factor in mastering the art of solo travel is selecting the right destination. Whether it be a multicountry trip or a city break, some regions are more suitable for a solo travel experience than others. Here are 10 sure-fire destinations for lone travelers, organized by interest. Whether you’re into raves, reiki, cycling or sightseeing, these spots are certain to ensure your solo travel adventure starts off on the right foot.

South America: best for adventure

With mountains to climb, rivers to raft, ancient ruins to uncover and jungles to explore, South America is the ultimate adventure destination. Don’t let its size daunt you – South America is more conducive to solo travel than you may think. The well-worn Gringo Trail, which encompasses the continent’s most popular destinations along a vertical path, promotes recurring rendezvous with fellow adventurers and, for those inclined, provides ample opportunities to buddy up with travelers heading in the same direction. This, paired with the general warmth of local people and the continent’s premium hostel network, makes travel relatively simple.

Epic solo travel experience : Mountain biking down Bolivia ’s infamous Death Road and debriefing with your fellow riders over a few beers afterwards.

Can't miss cuisine in South America

Ubud, Indonesia: best for self-reflection

Whether you loved or loathed Elizabeth Gilbert’s seminal solo travel memoir Eat, Pray, Love, there’s no denying it: Bali ’s artistic and spiritual center – where the author found love (and presumably ate and prayed) – remains a wonderful place for solo travelers to relax, reflect and recharge. Nestled among emerald rice fields ringed by mist-wrapped mountains, Ubud is a magical place. Solo travel is extremely common here, meaning no more probing glances upon arrival at a morning yoga class or when dining at one of the town’s salubrious vegetarian cafes. To really harness the healing power of Ubud (and for some serious solitude), check yourself into one of the many health retreats that dot the verdant hills surrounding the town.

Epic solo travel experience : Indulging in one of the area’s holistic classes, from yoga to reiki. Classes are offered at several establishments, including Taksu Healing Haven.

What to know before visiting Bali

Berlin, Germany: best for nightlife

Some say you are more likely to get into Berghain, Berlin ’s most famous nightclub, if you arrive alone. Whether or not that’s the case, the rumor typifies the German capital’s penchant for solo travelers, who are drawn by its deserved reputation as one of the friendliest, most inclusive cities in Europe. Berlin is one of the best places on the continent to party, offering a collection of colossal clubs and graffiti-spattered beer gardens, but the city’s attractions aren’t reserved for the hedonistic holidaymaker. The sense of history surrounds you, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Holocaust Memorial, while quirky cafes, cool boutiques, weekend flea markets and a growing food-truck scene offer more leisurely delights. Visit alone or as part of a walking tour.

Epic solo travel experience : Heading out to a bar or nightclub and seeing where the night takes you.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Berlin

East Africa: best for a group tour

Have you always dreamed of viewing gorillas in the jungles of Rwanda, meeting a Maasai chief in Kenya or spotting the “Big Five” in Tanzania but lack the confidence to tackle East Africa independently? A group tour can simplify the experience of visiting this stunning region of the world. While East Africa’s tourism infrastructure is well developed and traveling solo in most countries here is perfectly achievable, opting for a group tour means you can bundle in a number of big animal-viewing experiences together in multiple countries, without getting hit by lone traveler supplements – not to mention having the transport between them organized for you. Encompassing a number of bucket-list destinations, the tours attract a diverse group of travelers, meaning you’re unlikely to be the only solo traveler sandwiched between canoodling couples.

Epic solo travel experience : Cruising past hippos, elephants and crocodiles along the Kazinga Channel in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Where you should go on your first safari in Africa

Singapore: best for a solo stopover

With a plethora of cultural attractions to explore, a growing offering of hostels and one of the world’s best public transport systems (including excellent airport links), there are few more stress-free solo travel experiences than finding yourself in Singapore on a sunny afternoon. Whether you choose to amble with an audio guide through the Chinatown Heritage Centre, gawp at the otherworldly Gardens by the Bay or plunge into a lavish rooftop pool, the city feels well-suited to solo travel. And then there’s the food; the city is famed for its hawker stalls, where visitors and locals nudge elbows around rickety tables, bonding over bowls of steaming laksa (spicy noodle soup).

Epic solo travel experience : Checking out the cozy cafes and quirky boutiques in the gentrified 1930s housing estate of Tiong Bahru.

The top 25 free things to do in Singapore

Rome, Italy: best for culture

From ancient icons like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the towering masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that is St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome ’s cityscape is a kaleidoscopic canvas of artistic flair, architectural wonderment and historical marvels. Whether you’re visiting for two days or two months, there's so much to see that there's little risk of becoming bored, and, though English is not by any means ubiquitous, it’s hard to feel lonely among the 14 million-odd other tourists that visit this cultural hub each year. But don’t spread your itinerary too finely, as Rome rewards relaxation. Mingling with strangers over a glass of vino is an essential pastime in The Eternal City.

Epic solo travel experience : Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and walking the 7km (4.3 miles) of halls that comprise the Vatican Museums.

Rome's food critics share their favorite restaurants

Portland, Oregon: best city break

One of the USA 's coolest cities, Portland has all the cultural advantages of a major metropolis, but the intimacy of a small town. This sense of affability reverberates from the town’s urban wineries, microbreweries and coffee roasters, where conversation flows quicker than the drinks are poured. But there’s plenty more to this bastion of counterculture than its love of a good chinwag, with a host of whimsical attractions highlighting its quirky streak, from a museum dedicated to vacuum cleaners to an urban herd of goats. It’s also a cinch to navigate, with good public transport and a bike-share initiative. While the city is famous for its artisan restaurants, a more social – and undeniably more fun – way to dine is at some of the city’s 500 street food carts.

Epic solo travel experience : Exploring the Alberta Arts District. Time your visit to coincide with the Last Thursday art walk.

The best time to visit Portland, Oregon

Vietnam: best for food

Don’t tell Thailand, but if only one Southeast Asian nation can be crowned the crème de la crème for its food, it’s Vietnam. Subtle in its flavors and outstanding in its diversity, Vietnamese cooking is a huge draw for travelers, who’re lured into lingering at cramped tables swapping travel tales over a fifth plate of bánh cuốn (rice batter filled with ground pork, mushroom and shallots).

All over the country, you can mingle with villagers, sample local dishes and sip rice wine in Vietnam’s many regional markets, while a myriad of street food tours and cooking schools foster social environments in major cities. Those seeking respite from the crowds should make for the hill treks around Sapa (fear not, voracious voyagers – a bowl of pho is never far away).

Epic solo travel experience : Learning how to cook a Vietnamese feast; highly recommended is Green Bamboo Cooking School in Hoi An.

A guide to visiting Vietnam for the first time

Caye Caulker, Belize: best for an island escape

Enchanting atolls aren’t reserved for honeymooners. Pastel-hued, car-free Caye Caulker has always been a great place for solo travelers thanks to its compact size and easy-going, backpacker-friendly vibe, which draws a relaxed, international crowd in search of a slice of paradise. It’s easy to lose days lounging at The Split, the island’s premier beach, but there are plenty of other activities on offer, from snorkeling and diving over variegated reefs to kayaking to lesser-visited parts of the island while keeping a beady eye out for crocodiles. Join other travelers at local reggae bars during the afternoon happy hour before sampling Creole-style street food come nightfall. What's arguably the greatest blessing of solo travel? You don’t have to share your shrimp.

Epic solo travel experience : Snorkeling or diving in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, which teems with turtles and sharks.

8 reasons Belize should be on your travel radar

East Coast Australia: best for road-tripping

It’s difficult to explore the East Coast of Australia alone. So many travelers plough the snaking stretch of road that runs from Sydney to Cairns – seduced, in part, by stories of late-night revelry – that solitude is often harder to find than companionship. But it’s not just the good-time vibe that makes this stretch of coastline so spectacular. The classic road trip route is studded with bucket-list attractions, whether that be lolling on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, rambling through the ancient Daintree Rainforest or bobbing in the Great Barrier Reef. The most memorable moments will likely come from interactions with locals in coastal towns and windswept villages, or simply the cathartic sight of the single road stretching out ahead of you.

Epic solo travel experience : Exploring the quaint villages and stunning waterfalls that dot the far north coast hinterland of New South Wales by car.

You might also like:
Female solo travel: what it's like to travel solo at every age
How Black LGBTIQ+ travellers navigate a challenging world
What it's like traveling with kids as a single parent

10 destinations perfect for solo travel 

Toronto is one of the planet’s most ethnically diverse cities – a creative, harmonious convergence of histories and cultures. Jubilant locals, united by a love for their city, defy harsh winters, an aging public transit system and traffic mayhem, and they all get along pretty well. Take a page from their book and arrive ready to explore the flavors and aromas of Toronto’s myriad friendly neighborhoods. This is Toronto, where all are welcome and supply meets demand – whatever floats your boat, you’re bound to find it here.

Toronto's size and a habit of constantly re-inventing herself makes it hard to get to know the Big Smoke in a short period of time, but we’ll give you a tip: take a neighborhood on as its own mini-adventure and get to know what really makes Torontonians tick.

Yonge and Dundas

First get your bearings at Yonge-Dundas Square, the unofficial center of downtown, just south of the Bloor/Yonge subway interchange. Revitalized in the late 90s, the square has become Canada's busiest intersection and is often referred to as "Toronto's Times Square." There’s usually something free going on here, and the massive Eaton Centre Mall atop Dundas and Queen subway stations is a shopper’s paradise, especially in winter. The mall's Urban Eatery Food Court has something for everyone, but also try the Senato Restaurant for retro, homestyle dining charm. Further south on Yonge, it’s worth catching a tour of the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre, the only surviving double-decker theater in the world.

25 top things to do in Toronto

Yorkville

West on Bloor St from the Bloor/Yorkville subway interchange, is Toronto’s "Mink Mile," where the rich and famous shop and dine. Further west you’ll also find one of Toronto’s best attractions, the Royal Ontario Museum. Take your time here: the ROM is the largest natural-history museum in Canada, and you can spend an entire day wandering through its exhibits. The museum also offers walking tours that provide a wonderful insight into city life. Hungry after all that learning? The Annex Food Hall is great for quick, tasty eats in an industrial-chic setting.

Harbourfront and Corktown

Toronto’s undisputed tourism hub, lakeside Harbourfont is where you’ll find the unmissable CN Tower, mammoth Rogers Centre stadium and Ripley’s Aquarium. It’s also the boarding point for ferries to Toronto Island for summer antics and Toronto’s best skyline pics. The grand, Victorian Fairmont Royal York Hotel and Union Station transport hub are also here. Replenish at Against the Grain Urban Tavern then head east to Corktown for Toronto’s oldest architecture, including the must-visit St. Lawrence Market and the galleries, boutiques and cafes of the Distillery District.

Top 9 beaches in Toronto

Entertainment District

The mainstays of Toronto’s theaters, nightclubs and a smattering of exceptional restaurants and bars are found in the Entertainment District, located on King and Adelaide Sts, west of Yonge. The Bell Lightbox cinema, proud home of the Toronto International Film Festival, is located here. And some fine places to eat reside here: a sampling of top restaurants should include at least one of Lee, Wvrst, Khao San Road, Patria or Terroni. For modern, sharp accommodations, stay at Thompson Toronto, where the rooftop pool bar is one of the city’s best kept secrets.

Queen West, Chinatown & Kensington Market

These adjacent neighborhoods appeal to an international, bohemian crowd. Heading west on Queen between University and Ossington Avenues, a concentration of eclectic merchants and shops hawk just about everything. Head north on Spadina Ave through Toronto’s Chinatown to find Mother’s Dumplings – perfect for a cheap, hearty feed. Check out the Art Gallery of Ontario, which has an extensive collection of Inuit and First Nations art. South of College St, the grungy-but-hip Kensington Market awaits. One of Toronto's most photographed neighborhoods, Kensington Market was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2006, and it has everything a good neighborhood needs: grocery stores, festivals, arts, restaurants and bars. Stop for a coldie at Sneaky Dee’s, the original dive bar institution.

The Annex, Koreatown & Little Italy

Heading north to Bloor St, you’ll find the Annex with its dwindling conglomeration of bookstores and cafes. It’s favored by the intellectuals and students of nearby University of Toronto, but is best known for an unexpected sight: Casa Loma, Toronto's only castle. Built between 1911-1913, the 98-room mansion was the residence of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, who made his fortune in the electricity and rail industries but lost it to unfortunate real estate speculation (such as managing a castle), and the estate had to be auctioned off. The building is now a museum with guided tours. In this area you’ll also find Planet Traveler’s Hostel, one of Toronto’s best budget options, as well as Country Style, a Hungarian diner that serves up gargantuan breaded schnitzel – incongruous to the plethora of Korean restaurants on this strip of Bloor.

Church & Wellesley

Toronto is one of the most LGBTIQ-friendly cities in the world, with most of the excitement happening in the Church & Wellesley area, east of Yonge on Church St between College and Bloor Sts. On a sunny day, cruise from one cheery patio to the next, making friends along the way. We recommend starting at Hair of the Dog, but you might end up there all day. Partygoers won’t want to miss the enormous Pride Toronto, one of the largest gay pride festivals in the world.

You might also like:
The best time to go to Toronto
How to get around in Toronto
Top 12 parks in Toronto

This article was originally published in September 2014. It was updated in June 2021.

Top neighborhoods to explore in Toronto

Ask almost anyone around the globe what their initial impression of Los Angeles is, and the universal consensus is that it’s a fun city –and they’re not wrong. Add kids into the mix and that fun factor skyrockets to another level! Whether you’re looking for safe outdoor places for the kids to burn off energy, or want to discover cultural or educational attractions for the whole family to enjoy together, there’s no shortage of exhilarating options to pass the time – both indoors and outdoors.

Is Los Angeles good for kids?

In short, yes! With consistently beautiful weather, beaches and wildlife nearby, and a long list of unique attractions that truly deliver on entertainment, education, and inspiration, LA simply has it all. One thing’s for sure: Your kids will never be bored in this sprawling SoCal city.

The restaurant scene is diverse and active, so you make your choices about where to take your kids. Of course there are places that are less kid-friendly than others, but in general, the city is welcoming to youngsters and expect to see them in a variety of places.

Transportation options abound. You can rent bikes and take to the beach-side bike paths, there is a subway and the train system for getting out of town a bit is just about as quick as driving. However, you may find that while there are fairly robust public transportation options, renting a car may be easiest. LA is very spread out and the different areas are diverse and wonderful to explore. To easily hop from one place to the other with your brood in tow, a personal car is probably the best way to go.

Best things to do in Los Angeles with kids

The Arts District Wall Murals

Add some color to your life with a trip to the trendy Arts District in downtown LA (aka, DTLA). Here, you can find dozens of fabulous wall murals and cool painterly creations that will undoubtedly inspire an Insta-worthy photo session for the whole family. We have a feeling that older kids, tweens and teens will likely appreciate this area more so than little ones, and be sure to check out the up-and-coming retail shops and fun eateries (like Salt & Straw Ice Cream or The Pie Hole) for a treat in the area, too.

California Science Museum

This very kid-friendly museum located at Exposition Park is a winner with its educational exhibits on life sciences, ecosystems, human innovation, and powered flight. Top billing at the Science Center goes to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, one of only four space shuttles nationwide, where visitors can have a multi sensorial experience while simultaneously learning about life in space. Admission is free, but certain exhibits and IMAX movies may require an entrance fee.

Aqua Surf School Surf Lessons

It doesn’t get more LA than an afternoon catching some waves! Book a surf lesson for your little ones and make memories while soaking up the sun in Santa Monica. Aqua Surf teaches private lessons, surf camps, team building events, and more for all ages (4 and up) and abilities, and you can rest easy knowing that this insured and certified school prioritizes both safety and education. Bonus: They also pride themselves on teaching students how to surf in two hours or less!

You could also take a picnic to one of Los Angeles' fabulous beaches.

Duff’s Cake Mix

Put your culinary talents to the test at this kid-friendly do-it-yourself cake decorating studio founded by Food Network star, Duff Goldman. With five locations throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas, it’s never been easier to pop into an interactive experience that’s totally unique and fun for all. Duff’s Cake Mix provides absolutely everything you need to bring your cake vision to life, and may inspire some budding bakers to follow their decadent dessert dreams one day. If anything, the whole family will most definitely enjoy a few delectable treats together in a fun, lively setting.

Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo is special and extraordinary, and not just because of its oceanic size. Built on 133 acres in the hills of Griffith Park, this family-friendly attraction is the place for visitors of all ages to get up close and personal to many endangered animals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and plants of different species. There’s a classic carousel and educational exhibits for kids to interact with animals, too.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Trek down to Long Beach for an unforgettable and very worthwhile visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific. This expansive site has plenty of awe-inspiring tanks filled with beautiful species of fish and stunning sea creatures, including a shark lagoon, a sea otter habitat, and interactive exhibits like an outdoor touchable area, too. Don’t miss the Lorikeet Forest exhibit, where you can feed the small, colorful birds and snap some vibrant photos, too.

Descanso Gardens

Step into a stunning fairytale-like nature scene at the Descanso Gardens. This massive 160-acre botanical garden is located in La Cañada Flintridge, and features mostly forested areas with artificial streams, ponds, lawns, nine botanical collections, a miniature railroad, house museum, modern art gallery, and more. The urban retreat also boasts a redwood forest, a lake, a bird sanctuary and the largest camellia garden in the United States. There’s even programmed events like morning yoga, weekend walks, story time for kids, gardening tutorials, and annual festivals to cater to visitors of all ages.

Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens

Tucked away in the picturesque San Marino neighborhood of Los Angeles is the majestic Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. This massive research and cultural center is immaculately maintained and surrounded by 120 acres spread across 12 specialized gardens (including a Children’s Garden, Shakespearean Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and more), and also features the Library Exhibition Hall, the Huntington Art Gallery, a botanical conservatory, research library, and the Scott Galleries of American Art, to name a few. Tip: Admission to The Huntington is one of the free things to do in Los Angeles on the first Thursday of every month, with advance tickets.

Griffith Park

World-famous Griffith Park is possibly the most well-known and beloved public park in all of LA and for good reason. This massive outdoor space offers over 70 miles of crisscrossed hiking and biking trails, several mountain peaks, three golf courses, and endless attractions for visitors of all ages. Kids will have a blast enjoying different playgrounds and pony rides, in addition to exploring Batman’s caves, Travel Town, The Southern Railroad, and Walt’s Barn, an old-fashioned model train museum, with collectibles and nostalgic souvenirs from Walt Disney's life and hobbies.

Los Angeles Arboretum

Frolick outside and enjoy the good weather with the kids at the Los Angeles Arboretum. Spread out over 127 acres of natural and historic wonder, this expansive outdoor oasis is the perfect place to let the kids roam and run free in a stunning and peaceful setting. There’s free parking, a hiking path, peacocks a plenty, a serene waterfall, and rare plant collections to admire, as well. Check out their updated schedule for nature and gardening classes, bird walks, cooking classes, tram tours and train rides, family field trips, outdoor concerts, and even a vast horticultural library so your family can get outside and appreciate the beauty of nature together.

Kidspace Children’s Museum

Parents love Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena because there’s an endless stream of activities to occupy kids of all ages here. Walk through the kaleidoscope entrance and dive into a world of fun and education for the whole family. This popular interactive children’s museum offers music classes and story time, and boasts both indoor and outdoor environments that will keep the kids occupied and engaged for hours on end. Expect to find a vast variety of interactive exhibits, a climbing structure, an ant hole, a rain drop tower, tricycle path, STEM play, a physics forest, and so much more.

Santa Monica Pier

Another memorable experience that can’t be missed is the Santa Monica Pier, where you can find the Pacific Park amusement park complete with a fun solar-powered Ferris wheel, a mild roller coaster, midway games, carnival rides, food and snack stands, and endless entertainment overlooking the glittering ocean. This classic pier is also home to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and gets busy on weekends, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to avoid crowds.

Natural History Museum

For an educational experience unlike anywhere else, make a stop at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. With nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts, this site is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, and offers plenty of opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. Explore the Butterfly Pavilion, Nature Gardens, Dinosaur Lab, insect exhibits, and 3D movies for a full day of awe-inspiring memories.

Underwood Family Farms

One unique way to unwind on the weekends is to head north to Moorpark and enjoy a day at Underwood Family Farms. This working farm invites guests to experience interactive activities like picking their own super fresh, locally grown produce, educational farm tours, or petting and feeding sweet animals like baby goats, sheep, ducks, alpacas, and rabbits.

There’s also no shortage of smile-inducing attractions, including a bounce house, electric train, petting corral, and mini electric tractors for a healthy dose of good wholesome fun. Underwood Family Farms makes a great day trip from Los Angeles, take a look at these other places to get out of the city a bit.

You may also like:

See California's incredible redwoods from this new sky walk
14 best day trips on the US West Coast
5 hiking trails that will make you wish you lived in LA

Los Angeles with Kids

There is much more to Montenegro than its gorgeous Adriatic coastline. Head inland and immerse yourself in this fascinating little country’s wild side, showcased in its five vastly different national parks.

Lovcen National Park

If you visit just one Montenegrin national park, this should be the one. Looming above the Bay of Kotor, Lovcen is the black mountain that gave Montenegro its name. For centuries, this karstic massif was the very crucible of Montenegrin culture – a rocky redoubt of resistance to the Ottomans, populated by fearsome warriors, clerics and poets – and it remains the nation’s heartland to this day. The old royal capital, Cetinje, is nestled on its slopes and is the perfect base for exploring – although the park also can be easily accessed from the coastal hotspots of Kotor and Budva.

Allow time to peruse Cetinje’s palaces and museums before heading into the park proper. There’s a visitor center in the hamlet of Ivanova Korita where you can gather information on Lovcen’s numerous hiking and mountain-biking tracks. Continue to the park’s most famous feature, the striking Njegos Mausoleum, sitting at the top of its second-highest peak (5,436 feet). Gargantuan statues by acclaimed Yugoslav-era sculptor Ivan Mestrovic compete for attention with the extraordinary views, as the craggy landscape dissolves into the distance.

As you loop back, be sure to stop for a snack at the village Njegusi. As well as being the ancestral home of Montenegro’s Petrovic dynasty, it is famed throughout the region for its prosciutto, cheese and honey.

Lake Skadar National Park

Split between Montenegro and Albania, Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the most important habitats for wetland birds in all of Europe. The entire Montenegrin side of the lake has been protected as a national park since 1983. Birdwatchers from around the world come here to spy the 270 species that shelter in its surrounds, including the endangered Dalmatian pelican and a globally significant population of pygmy cormorants.

Boats and kayaks can be rented from the lake’s main settlement, Virpazar, and from the National Park Visitor Centre across the causeway near Vranjina. Birdwatching expeditions can be combined with visits to a cluster of tiny islands which are home to medieval monasteries and the Ottoman-built prison fortress, Grmozur, once known as the Montenegrin Alcatraz. Or you can paddle up the sinuous Crnojevic River to the pretty historical village Rijeka Crnojevica. Alternatively, hire a bike to explore the tiny winemaking villages and ruined fortresses hidden within the lush hinterland.

The best beach is remote Murici, on the lake’s southwestern shore. It’s also fun to take a plunge in the river from the terrace of the floating restaurant at the village of Dodosi, or join the local larrikins diving off the bridge.

Durmitor National Park

The jewel in the crown of Montenegro’s national parks is mountainous Durmitor in the country’s untamed north. It is a highly dramatic landscape with around 50 peaks higher than 6,562 feet, dotted with 18 glacial lakes (known as gorske oci, or mountain eyes). It also embraces the Tara Canyon, a cleft in the limestone cut by the Tara River over many millennia, its forested walls reaching 4,265 feet at their apex.

Rafting is by far the best way to see the canyon, and numerous operators offer trips along the last 18km, where you will find most of the rapids – although you will have to book the classic two-day journey to visit the deepest part of the canyon.

In winter Durmitor is a major ski destination, offering the country’s most reliable snow cover and two ski centers: Javorovaca for beginners and Savin Kuk for more advanced skiers. In summer, the focus shifts to hiking and mountaineering. There are 93 miles of marked trails heading through the mountains, ranging from an easy two-mile stroll around the picturesque Black Lake, to major alpine expeditions where a local guide is recommended.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Located within the Bjelasica mountain range, Biogradska Gora National Park protects an exceptionally lovely six square miles of virgin forest. From the park entrance you can take a 2.2-mile trip on a tourist train to the vividly green waters of tree-lined Lake Biograd. Here you will find the main park infrastructure, including a campsite, cabins, rowboat and kayak rental, and a restaurant serving traditional Montenegrin mountain fare.

Take the easy 2.1-mile amble around the lake, and then inquire at the visitor center about the more challenging hiking and mountain-biking tracks through the surrounding mountains. In summer it is possible to take multi-day hikes staying overnight in katuns, the traditional wooden huts used by the region’s semi-nomadic shepherds. There are also glacial lakes to explore and several peaks above 6,500 feet, culminating in 7,018-foot Crna Glava (Black Head).

Prokletije National Park

For true wilderness you cannot beat Montenegro’s newest national park, dedicated in 2009 to protect a 62-square-mile expanse of the Prokletije Mountains bordering Albania and Kosovo. This southernmost and highest section of the Dinaric Alps is surely one of Europe’s least-explored corners. Prokletije translates to ‘accursed,’ which says all you need to know about the treacherous and unforgiving nature of the terrain. If you want to push your limits in extraordinarily beautiful, off-the-beaten-track wilderness, this is the place to come.

Yet visits to Prokletije need not be major expeditions. Start at the gateway town of Gusinje with a visit to its 17th-century Vizier’s Mosque and then take a half-hour walk to the beautiful Ali Pasha Springs, which bubble up from the karst at the foot of the mountains. On the way stop at the park visitor center, where you can gather information about more advanced hiking and climbing routes to suit your experience and abilities. It can also be a place to connect with local guides.

Adventure your way through Montenegro’s national parks

While it may be the beach that lures you to Montenegro, look up from your towel and you will discover a land full of culture, history and natural wonders, not to mention delicious food. These are the things Montenegrin memories are made of.

Scenic drives

There is no more spectacular introduction to Montenegro than the drive around the breathtakingly beautiful Bay of Kotor. Its fjord-like proportions get more dramatic the further you journey into the inner parts of the bay on a road wedged between brooding mountains and inky waters. Mountains remain a constant backdrop along the busy Adriatic Coast highway, as well, although your eyes will be constantly drawn to the sparkling waters below.

Most memorable of all is the white-knuckle drive along the old serpentine road linking Kotor to Lovcen National Park. As you loop up and up through 25 hairpin turns, the view continually expands until it eventually takes in the entire Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic beyond.

Quite frankly, there is barely a route in Montenegro that isn’t gorgeous. Even the main highway heading north from Podgorica to Serbia is a scenic tour-de-force, traversing the exquisite Moraca Canyon. Likewise, the road heading north from Niksic along the Piva Canyon is remarkable, clinging to cliffs as it passes between 56 small tunnels blasted through the mountainside.

Cities

Montenegro’s capital Podgorica and student-filled Niksic have a low-key charm and some buzzy bars, but don’t come expecting big-city thrills. Far more interesting are the palaces and museums of the old royal capital, Cetinje, and the ancient walled towns of the coast. One of these, Herceg Novi, is a sun-soaked holiday town which spreads along the slopes between the coastal highway and a gorgeous pedestrian promenade that winds along the shoreline.

Kotor tops the list of historic streetscapes and the magnificence of its setting. Wedged between the mountains and the bay, its ancient core is encircled by mighty stone walls which extend in a broad loop across the mountainside to a height of 853 feet. Within its fortifications is a warren of marbled lanes liberally peppered with churches.

Medieval villages

Little lost-in-time villages are a hallmark of the Montenegro hinterland. There are some particularly charming ones to explore in the countryside around Lake Skadar, where families still make wine as they have done for centuries. Pretty little Rijeka Crnojevica, on the banks of the river of the same name, has a cluster of historic structures including the modest house of Petar I Petrovic (aka St Peter of Cetinje) and a stone bridge commissioned by Prince Danilo. Also worth a visit is the nearby village of Dodosi, where you can swim from a floating bar or leap off a bridge into the river.

Is a village really a village when its composed almost entirely of grand Venetian palaces and churches? With a population of less than 300 people Perast can hardly be called a town. Located seven miles along the bay from Kotor, Perast hums with tourists in summer who flock here to dine at its excellent water’s-edge restaurants and to visit the fascinating church on Our-Lady-of-the-Rock Island.

Cuisine

Perhaps the village most synonymous with Montenegro’s heartland is Njegusi, the ancestral home of its former Petrovic rulers. It is famed for its cheese and honey, but especially its prsut (prosciutto), which is prized throughout former Yugoslavia. If you see a dish with the adjective Njeguski on a menu (whether it be schnitzel, steak or pork chops) expect it to be stuffed with top-quality prosciutto and cheese, and calculated to tug at Montenegrin heartstrings.

On the coast the cuisine is indistinguishable from that of neighboring Dalmatia: lots of delicious fresh seafood liberally doused in olive oil, lemon, flatleaf parsley and garlic. The Venetian influence lingers in the form of excellent pasta, risotto and gnocchi. Around Lake Skadar, squid and octopus is swapped for freshwater fish such as eel, carp and bleak.

Head into the mountains and you will encounter stomach-expanding comfort food designed to get you through the long winter nights. A particular treat is meat slow-cooked ispod saca, roasted on a hearth under a dome-shaped metal lid covered with charcoal.

Archaeological sites

Waves of empire have crashed over this land since time immemorial. The Romans took over from the native Illyrians in the 2nd century BC, and the legacy of their long rule can still be seen today – most notably in the form of a wonderfully well-preserved set of floor mosaics uncovered in Risan on the Bay of Kotor. There are further mosaics in an unassuming site at the beach resort of Petrovac na Moru.

Montenegro’s buzziest beach town, Budva, was once a Greek colony and is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic. Budva Museum houses many archaeological treasures from the Classical period, some of which were unearthed from the Roman-era necropolis which can still be seen just outside the old town walls.

Immersing yourself in nature

Between the mountains, lakes and rivers of the hinterland, there are plenty of memorable places to stay and be surrounded by nature. One of our favorites is a lovely family-run campsite near Dobrilovina, above the banks of the Tara River, where you can pitch a tent, pull up a motorhome or rent a sweet little wooden cabin. Glamping is a relatively new concept in Montenegro, but a couple of sites have sprung up in recent years offering pre-pitched tents with comfortable beds. Also worth considering are the etno or eko villages, small complexes of wooden huts reminiscent of traditional katuns (shepherds’ dwellings), that are scattered around the mountainous regions at the north of the country.

Montenegro offers plenty of opportunities to escape into nature, with well-marked hiking and biking tracks all over the country. However, if we were to single out just one unforgettable nature-based activity in this action-packed country it would be to take a rafting trip through the magnificent Tara Canyon in Durmitor National Park. The scenery is truly astounding.

Montenegro’s most unforgettable experiences

The best way to explore the remarkable little country of Montenegro is to get out and about in nature. Here are the best options for doing exactly that.

Rafting

One of Montenegro ’s prime natural wonders is the Tara Canyon, a deep cleft carved by the Tara River through the mountains of Durmitor National Park in the far north of the country. At its most powerful, the river passes between forest-clad walls of rock that are more than 4,250 feet high. It is exceedingly difficult to get a good view of the scale of the canyon from above, making rafting the best option to experience it in all its grandeur.

The rafting season runs from around April to October, with the fastest flows coinciding with the spring melts in April. A 51-mile section of river is navigable, and a classic two-day trip starts near the Tara Bridge and will take you through the deepest parts of the canyon. Most day trips only traverse the last 11 miles of canyon, which is still a beautiful stretch including most of the modest rapids.

Climbing & canyoneering

The Durmitor mountain range also offers a vast array of more daring pursuits. At Pirlitor, two rock faces have been prepared for climbing, but you will need your own ropes – or to enlist the services of a specialist adventure agency.

Just south of the national park is one the country’s prime canyoneering sites, the extraordinary Nevidio Canyon enclosing a 1.7-mile-long section of the Komarnica River. Nevidio translates to ‘invisible’ which is a reference to its narrowness; at some points it is mere yards wide.

Canyoneering (or canyoning as it’s known outside of the USA) involves sliding along gorges, scrambling over rocks, abseiling down waterfalls and swimming through river basins. It is great fun but inherently dangerous, especially in a narrow gorge such as Nevidio, so it should only be attempted in the driest months (July and August) and only under the direction of experienced guides.

Other canyoneering options include the Sopot Canyon (near Herceg Novi), the Skurda canyon (above Kotor), the Rikavac and Medjurecje canyons (both near Bar), and the Grlja Canyon (in Prokletije National Park).

Paragliding

With so many accessible mountains with sheer drops, there are plenty of opportunities for daredevils to fly like the double-headed eagle on the Montenegrin flag and soak up spectacular scenery.

One particularly excellent launch site is in the mountains high above the Budva Riviera, where you can glide down to a landing on the beach. Or how about an eagle’s eye view over the Bay of Kotor on a descent from Dizdarica on Mt Orjen? Many swear flights from the peaks of Durmitor National Park are the best of the lot.

Diving

There is an awful lot of history on show in this compact nation and not all of it is above ground. A millennia’s-worth of shipwrecks – from Greek and Roman times to World War II – provide a backdrop to interesting underwater flora and fauna in waters that average around 49 feet of visibility but can stretch to 82 feet. The best time to dive in is from May to September, when the surface water is at its warmest – although you will still need a neoprene wetsuit.

All along the coast there are drop offs, underwater caves, springs and reefs. You might spot the odd sea turtle and lobster, along with schools of dentex and gilthead bream. Keep an eye out for conger eels, scorpionfish, octopuses, sea snails, red coral, colorful sponges, red gorgonian fans and the rare giant mussel. Off Ulcinj, as well as the wrecks created over the centuries by the town’s notorious pirates, there are the remains of a submerged town to explore.

Bushcraft

While Montenegro might not have bush of the classic kind found in Australia, New Zealand or Africa, it does have plenty of real wilderness to explore. In recent years Montenegrin versions of Bear Grylls have started leading guided expeditions into remote areas, imparting basic survivalist skills along the way. Expect to learn how to start a fire without matches, how to forage for edible plants, how to build a shelter, how to purify water and how to navigate using just natural cues. Think of it as Scouting for adults with a yearning for adventure.

Camping

Quite apart from the wild camping offered by the bushcraft enthusiasts, there are commercial campsites scattered all over Montenegro. Some of them are quite basic (squat toilets are not uncommon) but spectacular locations are pretty much a given, no matter where in the country you happen to be. There are even a few glamping sites, where pre-pitched tents are rented – complete with proper made-up beds.

Campgrounds cater to all proclivities, including an excellent clothing-optional site in a remote spot near the Croatian border and a complex on the Bay of Kotor where guests can keep their beer cool in a chilly spring-feed stream. Also worth considering are the eko and etno villages of the mountainous areas, where accommodation is provided in rustic wooden cabins reminiscent of traditional shepherd dwellings.

All Stories

Juneteenth celebrations around the USA

Travel from the US to Europe is closer with the EU's new safe travel list

How to plan a round-the-world trip

10 destinations perfect for solo travel

Top neighborhoods to explore in Toronto

Los Angeles with Kids

Adventure your way through Montenegro’s national parks

Montenegro’s most unforgettable experiences

Montenegro’s best outdoor adventures

Featured in Best in Travel 2021

Damaraland

Namibia

Region

Greece

Europe

Country

Faroe Islands

Europe

Region

Canary Islands

Spain

Region