Niš (pronounced Neesh) is the third-largest city in Serbia and a fun day-trip destination both from Sofia, Bulgaria, and Belgrade, Serbia. This humble city will take you on a historical merry-go-round and, if you scratch just beneath the surface, is full of fun things to do.

Here are the best attractions and unusual activities in Niš, as experienced during our last trip (you’ll find a map with all the locations at the end of the article).

#1 Look over the city from the walls of Niš Fortress

Niš Fortress | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Niš Fortress was built by the Ottoman Turks and, despite its historical significance, remains free to visit. Nowadays, families amble along the fortress’ paths, shaded by an abundance of greenery. Children (and sometimes adults) ride the tourist ‘train’, while hip young people wash down beers and chat in cafes. Climb the stairs to get to the top of the main gate, then enjoy views over the city from between the stones. There’s an archaeological hall at the fortress too.

#2 Explore the summer villa of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (who was born in Niš)

Mediana, the summer villa of Emperor Constantine the Great (the handsome guy on the right) in Niš, Serbia | Photos: © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com and WikiCommons

Niš happens to be the birthplace of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (if you skipped this history class, he was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and the one who proclaimed tolerance to Christians in the Roman Empire with the Edict of Milan in 313). Constantine’s journey from Niš to the throne was complicated.

Challenge: trace the chain of political events that lead to Constantine’s ascension to the throne of the Roman Empire. 

What you can see today is Mediana, Constantine’s huge summer villa. Most of the findings are not exhibited in situ, so you’ll mainly see floor mosaics and wall foundations. The guides are very friendly and super talented at transferring you back to the fourth century.

#3 Remember the horrific past at Crveni Krst, a Nazi concentration camp

The Nazi concentration camp in Niš, Serbia | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Red Cross Concentration Camp (Crveni Krst) is one of the few Nazi camps that remains completely intact. Communists, Jews, partisans and Serbs were all held here during the Nazi occupation of Serbia in WWII. During your visit you’ll see lines etched into the cell walls by desperate prisoners counting the days of their captivity, as well as photos, stories of prisoners and floors covered in barbed wire.

Counting the days | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#4 Sit at a table with legendary local writer Stevan Sremac

The monument of Stevan Sremac and Kalča in Niš | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

This lovely urban sculpture is one of the photo hotspots of Niš. Here you can figuratively share shots of rakija (the local highly alcoholic spirit) with Serbian writer Stevan Sremac, his character Kalča the hunter, and Kalča’s faithful dog. From this monument you will see a narrow street branching off from the main pedestrian boulevard – it used to be the main street for the city’s artisans. Today it’s full of cafes and traditional restaurants (kafana) where you can try grilled meat and spicy salads.

#5 See the tower made of skulls

The Skull Tower, Niš | WikiCommons

The Skull Tower (Ćele-kula in Serbian) is a monument to a major battle during the Serbian uprising movement (1804-13). When the 40,000-strong Ottoman army engaged in fighting with 12,000 Serbian revolutionaries, the tragic result was predestined. The dead Serbs were decapitated and their heads were built into the walls of a roadside tower. Only about 50 out of almost 1,000 skulls remain today, because many of the dead people’s relatives risked their lives to steal the skulls and bury them.

#6 Have a glass of wine while soaking in the mineral pools of Niška Banja

Niška Banja (literally Niš Spa) is where your hectic day of galloping through history should end. The spa resort is 10 km away from the center of Niš and is extremely popular in summer thanks to its hotels, swimming pools, and wide range of luxury therapies. There’s even a popular Serbian song about the hot water in Niška Banja (if you have Serbian friends, they’ll be extremely impressed with your local knowledge when you mention this song).

>>> Read more about Serbia

Useful information:

If you visit Niš for a day, you can tour all four of these paid attractions (the Skull Tower, Red Cross Concentration Camp, The Archaeology Museum and Mediana) with a single ticket costing 200 Serbian dinars (around 1.50 euros). Alternatively, you can visit each site separately for 150 dinars per attraction.

Map of the main attractions in Nis:

Tip: 

If you like cycling, Niš is one of the best cities in Serbia to do it. You can see all of the mentioned attractions by bike stopping here and there for a portion of grilled meat, or join a group bike tour. Bicycle rentals and tours you can find at Eco Bike Tours Nis. 

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Floating bungalows: hear the sounds of the jungle at night

Kayaking to our floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park, Thaialand | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A night in a floating bungalow will easily turn into a highlight of your trip to Thailand. There are popular 2 day/1 night tours in Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand, where you’ll explore Cheow Lan Lake and sleep more than an hour by boat from the nearest shore. The bungalows are very basic: essentially just a floating box containing a mattress with a mosquito net over it. During our stay the raft house gently swayed, while the whole jungle orchestra performed a lullaby for us, including monkey calls, insect mating cries, and the roars of indistinguishable beasts. The views at sunset are magical and the night sky makes you believe it’s the first time you’ve really seen the stars.

Tree houses: see how monkeys live

What better place to live like a monkey than in jungle-rich Thailand? In a recent collaboration post, Alexandra Black Paulick from the Positive Impact Journey blog told the story of her stay at Pai Treehouse Resort.

Night trains: watch the sunrise out the window

The night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

If you’re traveling on a budget (although you don’t really need a lot of money to travel in Thailand) and you’re struggling to find cheap flights to the far-flung destinations on your list, you’re sure to experience Thai night trains at some point. During the high season, tickets for long-haul trains on popular routes such as Bangkok – Chiang Mai and Bangkok – Suratthani sell out very fast, and you’ll have to book your seat/bunk bed a week or two in advance.

The sleeping cars in Thailand come in two varieties – with AC and with fan (cheaper). The fan option was quite bearable despite all the bad reviews we had read about it (and we also met Santa Claus from Australia in that car, but that’s another story to be told some other time). When the sun sets, the attendant unfolds the seats into beds and gives you linen and pillows. When the sun rises, make sure you wake up to see the majestic light and mist show out the window.

Sleep in a riverside hostel tent for as little as €2.50 ($3)

The view from this hostel says it all | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Our $3 riverside camping spot in Mapping Hostel, Chiang Mai felt so much like home that every day we woke up with the irresistible urge to stay for another night, and in the end we prolonged our stay four times. The hot weather in Thailand makes it pleasant to sleep outside at night – a mosquito net is all you need and it’s crazy cheap.

Become part of the family at a family-owned hostel

Family is important in Thailand | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

I got the impression that most hostels in Thailand are family-owned, which means that from day one you are considered a family member and treated as such.

True story: Our first night in Bangkok was a nightmare with a happy ending (not that kind!). We arrived from the airport late in the evening and took a tuk-tuk, handing the address of our booked hostel (Love Hostel) to the driver. But what a sense of adventure overwhelmed me when, already at the desired address, we discovered there was no such hostel here. After 10 minutes of wandering around, we were sure this supposed hostel did not exist anywhere within a radius of 10 streets. I called the hostel’s telephone number and nobody answered. We continued searching in the hope that we’d notice a hidden tiny sign to our hostel, and in the process we accidentally entered a Buddhist monastery, which was fun but not really helpful. In my despair, I called again and this time the owner answered. After 20 minutes of discussions and zigzagging the streets, he finally found us and took us to our refuge for the night.

At first, we thought he and his wife didn’t speak English, but a day later we realized they spoke English with Thai pronunciation, i.e. not pronouncing a single consonant (or so it seemed). Just try to speak this way and get the message across that there’s a leak in the upper-floor bathroom… Anyway, once we started understanding them, we also came to understand that they were constantly joking about us, themselves and everything else around. We loved these people and prolonged our stay with them by two additional days.

Then, two weeks later, we had to stay another night in Bangkok and chose the same hostel. Not only did the owners give us a huge discount on the already cheap room, but they also supplied us with free bananas for our night train ride the next day. From time to time, they still send us photos of their family and cats on Facebook.

With this oversized story, I’m putting an end to this post and wishing you a homey and adventurous stay in Thailand!

Read more: 7 quotes that explain why everyone loves Thailand

See more information about Thailand tours.

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#1 Go far away from the city at night to gaze at the stars

City lights prevent you from seeing the sky in all its splendor. Go a few miles out of town and you will see so many more constellations. Take a blanket to lie on the ground comfortably. Download a constellation identifying app (like Sky Map, for example). Find Mars, Venus, Saturn, the Zodiac constellations.

#2 Bathe in a waterfall

Enjoy together a free shower from nature.

#3 Lost and found couples challenge

Go on a vacation with your loved one in a faraway city. Once you arrive, split up and try to find each other. The biggest question is how you will play the game: whether you will do what you usually do so that your partner can find you; or you will look for activities you think your partner will be doing? Romantic cities with compact city centers (like Vienna, Bratislava, and Amsterdam) are a good option.

Lost and found couples | Photo: Tord Sollie/Unsplash

#4 Climb a new peak and open a bottle of wine there

Hike up in the mountains and feel like deities looking over their lands. Celebrate reaching the top with a bottle of champagne and share it with your special one. This is an achievement worthy of a proper celebration!

#5 Create your own romantic travel challenge – the crazier, the better

The world is full of crazy people who fulfill their own crazy challenges. Create your own freaky idea and set to accomplishing it together. It could be anything from walking every street in your town to visiting every national park in the country or eating ice cream in front of every castle in Europe.

#6 For thrill junkies: go bungee jumping together

Sharing moments of thrill makes the bond between you stronger.

#7 Jump in the snow after taking a sauna

Spice up your spa day with something many Scandinavians do. Cooling down after a sauna is as important as heating up. It shouldn’t happen too abruptly but if you go to Finland in the winter, you’ll see people jumping into the ice-cold water of a lake or rolling in the snow after a sauna. Not that it’s strictly considered normal, but it’s not an uncommon sight, either. After this shock to your body, don’t forget to pat yourself down with the birch twigs that can be found in every Finnish sauna.

#8 A monthly date on a bench

Choose a favorite bench at a beautiful place that fills you with energy (it could be in the mountains, in a park, in a favorite town). Sit on it together every month. Take 12 photos and make a collage of them. Notice how everything around you changes and how you have changed.

Monthly date on a bench | Photo: Gary Bending/Unsplash

#9 Have a bottle of local wine with a view

“Years, lovers and glasses of wine; these things must not be counted”, said someone and we completely agree.

Not every date needs to be in a fancy restaurant. Keep this date simple and local; buy a bottle of local wine. Find a place with a view (of the sea, mountain tops, over the city) and share the bottle with your loved one. No hurrying, no talking required.

#10 Have a drink at an ice bar

Put on your snowboots and fluffy headphones and order a drink at a bar where you won’t need ice with your drink… Some of the world’s best ice bars are in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, at Hotel de Glace (Quebec, Canada), Chillout Bar (Dubai), Bar Minus 5 (New York, USA), Aurora Ice Bar (Alaska, USA), Xtracold Ice Bar (Amsterdam, the Netherlands), Ice Club Roma (Rome, Italy).

#11 The random stop date

Set out at least once on a journey with only one point on your itinerary – the starting point. Sometimes it’s good to leave things to fate. And fate always has interesting ideas about who and what to introduce you to.

Here’s a complete guide to spontaneous travel with specific ideas by car, by train, etc.

#12 Soak in a warm, open-air mineral pool while it’s snowing

Find the nearest warm, mineral pool in the open air and visit it in winter, when snowflakes are falling from the sky. Take your favorite warm drink in a thermos for pure bliss (coffee, cappuccino, tea and rum, etc.). Read the full idea here.

#13 Join a night sky watch

Find the nearest astronomical observatory and check possible dates for a night sky watch through a telescope. Some observatories host special events, such as dinners under the sky.

#14 Organize a completely free or almost free trip

#15 Celebrate a traditional holiday in a non-traditional way

Traditions are to be changed from time to time. Bring something different into your life (and that of your loved one) by turning a classical holiday upside down. It will certainly be a holiday you will remember for years to come. Here are our guides with 21 unusual Christmas travel ideas and DIY: a cheap and unusual Easter travel idea.

#16 Sunrise and a morning picnic

Get in your car and drive at night. Go to the beach or another beautiful place to watch the sunrise. Watch the sun coming up with your loved one. Have a picnic in the morning and then take a short nap on the blanket.

>>> Discover more fun and unusual picnic ideas.

Photo: ©Maria Angelova/203challenges

#17 Sign up for a crazy marathon together

What a better way to make people closer than difficulties? These crazy marathons held around the world have enough difficulties to make you lean on each other and to make you feel you’ve accomplished something really big.

When two people are participating in the competition, you can work together in one direction, encourage each other, and help each other. This is the real purpose and meaning. You can customize love marathon or half marathon medals for the competition you participated in this time, keep them at home, and they will be a sweet memory to see in the future.

#18 The slow return trip date

Choose a destination and go there as quickly as possible. But on the way back home choose the slowest possible transport and way of returning. Swap the several-hour flight for a several-day exciting road trip. Stop, change transport, take detours, postpone your arrival – even if only by five minutes. Enjoy every place, every encounter and your time together.

#19 Organize a surprise trip for your better half

The birthday boy/girl may think they have plans for the special day until you kidnap them in an unknown direction… Here’s our foolproof 30-minute guide to organizing a surprise birthday trip.

Photo: ©Maria Angelova/203challenges

#20 Get lost on purpose

Getting lost in an unknown city is the best way to find interesting things and experiences, to meet interesting people (who are rarely among the crowds of tourists) and come across unexpected treasures. Choose a random remote part of the city you are visiting and get lost together.

#21 Close your eyes, turn the map of your country three times and then point to a place

Оpen your eyes and discover your destination for next weekend. Well, if you live in Canada or the USA, you may want to take a map of the state/province or county.

#22 Go to the rooftop of a building in your own city and see the city from above

When in a foreign place, tourists are ready to pay significant amounts of money to go up the Empire State Building or other observation decks upon skyscrapers. They don’t do it in their own town, though, where the pleasure is most probably free. Even if there are no skyscrapers around, find a tall building where a friend of yours works or lives, go to its rooftop and have a drink while enjoying the view.

#23 Cycling

Cycling is a wonderful date idea that allows couples to explore new places and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can choose a scenic route that takes you through picturesque landscapes, beautiful parks, or charming towns. Moreover, riding a bike is a fantastic date idea for couples with children because it provides an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and spend quality time together as a family. If your child is too young to ride their own bike, you can bring a bike seat (for instance, this one https://threo.co.uk/product/front-mounted-child-bike-seat). It is not only fun but also healthy and great for bonding. So, gear up and hit the road for a memorable cycling date with your loved ones!”

#24 Go to the concert of a favorite band abroad

Tickets for a concert of your favorite band are a perfect romantic gift but they are even better if you add plane tickets to them. For music fans it’s a double win – they listen to their favorite artists live and visit new places. Check regularly the websites of your favorite bands for concert dates in countries you’d like to go to anyway.

#25 Have breakfast at home. Have lunch 200 miles away. Have dinner abroad.

One of my all-time favorites.

#26 Go to the airport and buy a ticket for the cheapest destination of the day

Go to the airport with your luggage packed. You can go together with your friends. The destination is not important. Spend the weekend there.

#27 Ski or snowboard only in your underwear

Or even without.

#28 Go skinny-dipping in the nearest lake

Just because.

The post 28 unusual and adventurous date ideas for travel loving couples appeared first on 203Challenges.

Even if you are slim and skinny as a beanpole, you may wish to skip breakfast on the day you plan to visit the narrowest street in Prague.

Its width of a mere 50 cm (1.6 ft) is the reason why even a traffic light has been installed to regulate the flow of people. To find it, you should head to the Charles Bridge and Kafka Museum and make sure to look carefully to your sides, because you may miss it if you don’t know what to look for.

How to get to the narrowest street in Prague – see its location on the map:

Not exactly a street, in fact…

Further research has revealed that the street is not actually a real street, but in fact one of the last fire brigade passes left in Prague. The traffic lights were installed for fun and thanks to coverage from a few publications on the internet, it turned into a tourist attraction. At the bottom of the lane, you get a view of the Charles Bridge and there’s a small restaurant (with, as it seems from its reviews, a very dubious reputation and an owner spoiling for a fight).

The other narrowest streets you can walk in Europe

The struggle for the “Narrowest Street in the World” title has been bitter, although the numbers can’t be argued with. Here are a few other tiny lanes around Europe that have turned into tourist attractions:

Spreuerhofstraße in the Old Town of Reutlingen, Germany. At its narrowest point it is only 31 cm (12.2 in) wide. This is, in fact, the world’s narrowest street according to the Guinness World Records. 

Strada Sforii in Brasov, Romania is 109 cm (42.9 in) at its narrowest point. 

Parliament Street in Exeter, England is 64 cm (25 in) wide at its narrowest part.

>>> Read the full article: The narrowest streets in Europe to squeeze through

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#1 Take a ski lift to the top of Mount Baldy in the summer

You may think you can’t hit the slopes in the area if you come during the warmer summer months, but Mount Baldy offers trips to their summit by way of ski lift at that time too. We took a lovely hike at the top and ate lunch (which was included in the ticket at the time). They even have a disc golf course, so bring those discs with you to the top.

#2 Try this muddy adventure playground

I am a family travel blogger, so I had to include something totally unique to do with the kiddos when you visit. For a small admission of $3 per child (adults are free) you can bring your kiddos to what is essentially a mud city. They have rafts to play on in their mud lake, a rope bridge to climb across, and a mud waterslide! It’s a child’s paradise for fun and adventure. They even let children 5 and older use hammers and nails to build structures on their kid construction site.

#3 Hike Yucaipa

I have hiked a lot of places around California, but if you hike in the city of Yucaipa in the spring you will see rolling green hills and the most beautiful shades of flowers. I recommend hiking the trails by the foothills. I haven’t been to Ireland yet (it’s definitely on my list), but Yucaipa in the spring reminds me of the pictures I’ve seen of the Emerald Isle.

#4 Stand on the Center of the World

Yes, for a small fee you can stand on the center of the world. They give you a certificate and everything. To think it is right here in California! The French government has recognized it as the official spot and even more recently the Imperial County has legally recognized it as well. It’s only $3 for a tour and only $2 more for the certificate that you stood there. The spot is in a pyramid in the middle of the Sonoran desert, so pretty cool in my opinion. If you like quirky roadside attractions, this is the place for you.

#5 Visit the ghost Bombay Beach

Once a place of luxury and lakeside retreat, this former resort area by the Salton Sea has now turned into a ghost town. You can see the remnants of old resorts and restaurants of the past. The Salton Sea is a terminal lake, which means water runs in from rain and rivers, but it has no way to flow out. There is a small community of people who still live around Bombay Beach, but the unique landforms and abandoned structures make it feel like a place on another planet!

#6 See Salvation Mountain

Close by the Salton Sea lays a fantastic example of folk art. Late artist, Lenoard Knight created a masterpiece of epic proportions; a psychedelic art installation that covers an entire hillside with bright colors, Bible verses, and inspirational sayings, all created by one man with a singular vision. Even though he recently passed away, his legacy lives on and continues to spread his message of God’s love and perseverance. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the beauty of this intricate masterpiece. We met Leonard back in 2007 when we visited and he was truly the kindest human. He told us how he came to live there and how he created his work of art. Truly fascinating.

#7 Stay in a castle cottage

It’s a pretty popular concept to rent a cabin in the mountains of Big Bear, but a lesser known option is the themed cabin options at Castlewood Resort. We rented the Castle Cabin and it was equipped with a dungeon dining room, indoor forest Jacuzzi, upper level royal suite, and a moat with a drawbridge! They have other themed cabins as well, but if you go, you might as well go big and stay in a castle!

#8 Visit the free Cabrillo Beach Museum

There are many aquariums to visit around Southern California, but a lesser known one that is actually free is located in the little seaside community of San Pedro. They have great exhibits, a touch tank, and it’s located right across from a great beach with some great tide pools. It is really easy to get to if you are visiting Los Angeles. Just head straight down the 110 freeway.

#9 Go snorkeling off Catalina Island

I know snorkeling is usually saved for those warmer tropical locations, but you would be missing out if you didn’t take an hour boat trip across to Catalina Island and snorkel off the back of the casino. The kelp forests are mesmerizing and you will see your fair share of our state fish, the brightly colored Garibaldi. We even snorkeled in December; cold, but worth the experience. Oh, and night snorkeling here is awesome too. Bring along an underwater flashlight and be prepared to see lobsters, seals, and maybe a small shark or two. Not to mention Catalina’s little town of Avalon will give you a taste of heaven. It reminded me of visiting the Isle of Capri off the coast of Italy.

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Well there you have it, Janelle Vecchio’s top 9 unusual places to visit in Southern California. Check out her blog My Vacation Pants for other traveling tips. 

Photos: My Vacation Pants. Featured photo: Kevin Dooley/Flickr

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Try to ignore the eyes watching you from all roofs in the historic center

You don’t even have to be paranoid to freak out at the feeling that someone (or something) is watching you all the time as you stroll through the historic center. Are they watching you or are they just sleepy and trying to close their eyelids? The City With Eyes, a.k.a. Sibiu, got this interesting architectural influence from the Germans centuries ago. Urban legends had it that these attic windows – designed to appear as if they are looking down on you – were added to control and monitor the population. They did their job perfectly.

The roofs with eyes in Sibiu, Romania | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Visit the square where people were once kept in cages

Okay, this is a bit of an overreaction: don’t imagine a zoo-like scene but more like a kind of public humiliation for those who didn’t respect their neighbors. Grand Place (or Piața Mare in Romanian) has been the main stage of urban stories for centuries, and this is where a cage was installed for a little more than 30 years in the 1700s. Its purpose? To lock up people caught disturbing the city at night.

Sibiu, Romania | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Explore the home of homeopathy at the Pharmacy Museum

This museum dedicated to old-time remedies is set in a more than 400-year-old Gothic house (where a pharmacy called The Black Bear used to exist). Peek into jars with medicinal plants and potions arranged in long rows, see your travel partner’s nose enlarged through the glass of the measuring flasks, then head to the back room dedicated to homeopathy and Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy. It is known that Samuel spent two years in Sibiu, where a local nobleman offered him a librarian and a physician to help him with his research.

Tell the truth and cross the Bridge of Lies

Think of the biggest lie you can tell and try to cross the iron Bridge of Lies. It was built to replace an older wooden bridge, which according to legend could tell if a person crossing it was telling the truth or not. If the bridge ‘heard’ a lie, it started shaking and squeaking. Today’s iron bridge is the oldest of its kind in Romania, and the second oldest in Europe.

The Bridge of Lies, Sibiu, Romania | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

See trophies at the August von Spiess Hunting Museum

August von Spiess was a famous hunter whose legacy was preserved in his mansion, turned into a museum by his daughters. The walls of the rooms are covered in animals from both Romania and abroad (you’ll see lots of African game trophies) and hunting arms, while the yard is green and serves as the perfect spot for a short rest by the pond with the turtles.

Get the best rooftop view from the Evangelical Cathedral

Rooftop views make my heart rate rise (confession time: sometimes I even enter skyscrapers illegally, um, without authorization to have a small bottle of wine on the roof or on a terrace). If you also get overly euphoric at the mere thought of a high place with a panorama of the city, head to the Evangelical Cathedral (Catedrala Evanghelică C.A. Sfânta Maria). As Sibiu is a really cool city, it also has a second notable vantage point: the Council Tower (where the view is not as rewarding but still beautiful).

The view from the Evangelic Cathedral in Sibiu

Travel back in time at Astra open-air museum

While you wait for time travel to be invented (or finally disclosed by the military as it is rumored to be a fact already), you can take a short drive out of the center of Sibiu to experience the next best thing. Astra Museum spreads across a huge area where you can amble among wooden and stone houses, windmills and wooden churches. When you get tired, sit down for a drink or a bite at one of the traditional inns.

Astra Museum near Sibiu, Romania

If you prefer to explore the city with locals – see tours in Sibiu by Romanian friend.

Here are the aforementioned spots on the map of Sibiu (except the roof eyes, they are all over the historic center):

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See also: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Romania

The post 7 unique and unusual things to do in Sibiu, Romania (+map) appeared first on 203Challenges.

#1 Marvel at The Floating Forest

Located near Olympic Park, a short train ride from Sydney CBD, are some old shipwrecks – one of them with a difference. Definitely something to check out on your 482 visa. Over the years, the trees and bushes from the nearby mangrove swamps have taken root in the hull of the SS Ayrfield creating a mini-floating forest. While the tree ships look amazing all day, the absolute best time to visit them is sunset or sunrise when the golden light reflects them back beautifully in the water. Put SS Ayrfield in Google Maps to see where to go.

#2 Visit an Adult Fairground

Children might be allowed in Archie Brother’s Cirque Electriq until 8 pm, but after that, its big kids only as you drink hard-shakes topped with Tim Tams (a famous Australian biscuit), ride dodgems to your heart’s content and try and win enough tickets on the games of skill (or chance) as humanly possible. See more here.

#3 Spot the Sydney Seal

The Sydney Seal | Stilgherrian/Flickr

He’s totally wild so there’s no guarantee he’ll be there, but a New Zealand fur seal can be found lounging about on a set of steps just behind the Opera House. He’s so famous he’s even been in a Simpson’s cartoon. Look for the signs that say ‘Don’t Feed the Seal’ and you’re in the right place.

#4 Visit the Underwood Ark

Look down one of the side roads as you walk down Sydney’s busy George Street and you might do a double take. Way above your head, poking out the side of a building are some tree roots… wander down the road and you’ll realise it’s actually an entire tree suspended horizontally along an empty alleyway! Called the Underwood Ark it’s supposed to symbolise the old boat-building history of the area. Not sure if it does but it’s a good talking point. Find it at the junction of Dalley and Underwood Streets.

#5 Climb the Harbour Bridge Pylon

Sydeny Harbour Bridge | Jorge Láscar/Flickr

Everyone has heard about climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but fewer people know that you can get equally amazing views for a tiny percentage of the price if you climb the Pylon Lookout of the bridge instead. This costs just $15 yet still gives you an incredible 360-degree view of the harbour.

#6 Visit Wendy’s Secret Garden

Wendy’s Secret Garden | Teresa Parker/Flickr

When Wendy Whiteley’s husband died she threw herself into restoring the patch of land under their home – it’s now a quiet, peaceful garden with tiny fairies, old sinks and little silver owls among the hidden treasures scattered around for you to find in your own personal scavenger hunt. It’s a few minute’s walk away from North Sydney station or the Luna Park funfair which also offers the odd quirky thing to do – summer time sees them offering dining on their Ferris Wheel.

#7 Drink in a Viking Themed Bar

Where else, well in the Southern Hemisphere at least, are you going to get the chance to drink a beer from an old hunting horn or quaff cocktails containing bone broth, seawater or mead and honey? Mjolner is a super hip underground bar snuck behind a secret door between Sydney’s Redfern and Surry Hills. Should you also wish to feed your inner Viking, you can choose meat and cheese plates at the bar or go the whole hog (almost literally) with their carvery menu in the restaurant.

#8 Try a Silent Disco In The Street

Disco D Tours offer a one hour chance to dance your way around the historic Rocks area of Sydney, or more touristy Darling Harbour, grooving to sounds only you (and everyone else on your dance tour) can hear. Yes, at first it feels strange but you’ll quickly get over that and have the time of your life. From $35 a person.

#9 Hunt ghosts

Sometimes it seems that everywhere in Sydney has their own ghost but possibly the eeriest place you can visit to spot them is Q Station. This area, near Manly, is the old quarantine station where migrants suspected of possibly carrying disease were held before being allowed to enter Sydney itself. Obviously, a lot of those who came here never made that journey to Sydney and the site is said to be haunted by those left behind. You can tailor your ghost tour to your fear factor starting with just a few scary stories working up to full-on paranormal investigation. The truly brave can even sleep overnight in the old hospital on the grounds. Now, that is unusual.

Here’s a map of the spots mentioned above:

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Journalist Helen Foster runs Destination>Differentville – a travel blog aiming to find the quirky things to eat, see or do in a place.

See also: An essential guide to exploring Australia’s Beautiful North West

Searching for luggage storage in Sydney? Whether you want to drop your bags off and head into town before your next flight or waiting to check in to your Airbnb, we’ve got you covered! Thanks to a network of hundreds of local shops and hotels, Stasher offers you affordable and fully insured Sydney luggage storage in the vicinity of all major transport hubs. Read more about our alternative to traditional storage lockers in Sydney.

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1. Rub the snout of the boar

Fontana del Porcellino in Florence

The bronze boar statue (La Fontana del Porcellino) is a long-time favorite of miracle-seekers and millionaire-wannabes, as you can judge by its well-worn snout. Legend says that if you rub it, you will become rich or a wish of yours will come true. Sacrifice a coin to the statue’s gaping mouth to double your chances.

2. Hunt for road sign art

Road sign art in Florence

Check out the street signs even if you are not driving in Florence; you’ll spot some of the tongue-in-cheek alterations painted by French artist Clet Abraham, such as carabinieri in love, which turns an ordinary no-entry sign into a work of romantic art.

3. Spook yourself out with the creepy wax human models in La Specola Museum

La Specola Museum in Florence

When it was inaugurated 250 years ago, La Specola was one of the first natural science museums open to the public. Today, however, it’s simply eerie. Among the bizarre exhibits are stuffed animals from all over the world, including a centuries-old hippo who used to be a pet of the Medici family, alongside realistic, elegantly posed wax scientific models. The museum rarely features in tourist itineraries, so you will probably have it all to yourself.

4. Climb the hill where Leonardo tried to fly

Monte Ceceri Hill in Fiesole, a view to Florence

Climb the Monte Ceceri Hill for a view over the suburban Florentine town of Fiesole and stand at the spot where Leonardo da Vinci experimented with flying in 1506. Actually, he didn’t try to fly himself, but found a volunteer to jump off the hill with wings strapped to his back. The brave man failed, but fortunately only broke a few bones. There is a small sign at the very spot, but it is notoriously hard to find.

5. Search for Dante Alighieri

Verses from a Dante’s work in Florence

You can visit Dante’s House Museum, or you can just admire the pieces of Dante-themed street art scattered all across the center of his home city. Keep an eye on the walls of the city’s buildings, as verses from Dante’s works lurk here and there. In Santa Margherita Church, the legend claims, Dante cast for the first time his eyes on Beatrice, the woman whom he immortalized in his poetry.

6. Row along the Arno River

Rowing along the Arno River, Florence

You might have seen the rowing enthusiasts on the Arno River while crossing Florence’s bridges, but you can actually join the party and sign up for a summer rowing course if you’re staying longer in the city. Canottieri Firenze Club was established in 1886; join the club to be part of the next chapter of Florence’s long rowing history. Another option is to row in a restored historical boat with Reanioli (the guided tour is 45 minutes and it’s in Italian, but if you book in advance, an English-speaking guide can be provided).

7. Buy medicines prepared from recipes of Medieval monks

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, Florence

The oldest pharmacy in Italy, and probably one of the oldest still operating in the world, can be found at 16, Via della Scala. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy was founded in 1221 by Dominican monks who prepared medicines from the herbs they grew. Today, the same recipes are still used to prepare balms, remedies and professional facial cosmetics. If you decide to buy any of these products, expect high prices for high quality. If you don’t look carefully, you might miss the building; although richly decorated inside, it isn’t remarkable from the outside.

8. Get some sun at the public beach

Easy Living Beach in Florence | ©Marina Garbeva/www.203challenges.com

Florence isn’t famous for its beaches, so you might be surprised to learn there is a public beach with free umbrellas on the banks of the Arno River. It’s called Easy Living and, true to its name, offers colorful cocktails at sunset, outdoor yoga, rugby, live concerts and DJ sets.

9. Witness the middle finger of Galileo

Galileo’s middle finger in Florence

The most ironic exhibit in the Galileo Museum is the scientist’s middle finger pointing in that I-told-you-so gesture under a glass cover. Almost 100 years after Galileo’s death, a bunch of his admirers managed to obtain three fingers, a tooth, and a rib from his body while his remains were transferred to his tomb in Santa Croce Basilica. In 2009, two of the fingers and the tooth were bought at an auction and put on display in the Galileo Museum.

[Speaking of middle fingers, have you seen the giant middle finger in Milan? This controversial but iconic piece of public art points towards the Stock Exchange in Italy’s second biggest city]

10. Eat lavender gelato

Try exotic gelato tastes in Florence

In Italy, gelato is much more than ice cream – it incorporates fresh ingredients, seasonal flavors and creativity when combining aromas. Many family-run ice cream parlors use fresh produce from the region to seduce customers with traditional gelato flavors like lavender or rose, as well as more modern combinations like salted caramel.

11. Find a refuge from the crowds in the Rose Garden

The Rose Garden in Florence

The Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose) is a sight for sore eyes after a day among the crowds in Florence. It was commissioned in 1865 when the capital of Italy was moved from Turin to Florence and the municipality wanted to beautify the city. It is open all year round, from 9 am till sunset, and the best time to visit it is in late spring or summer. The famous Piazzale Michelangelo is a short walk away.

12. Haggle over leather bags

Florence has a long history of leather manufacturing, and you’ll see shops and stalls selling purses and belts throughout the city. Although haggling isn’t common in Italy, you can test your inner bargain hunter around San Lorenzo at closing time, when you might get lucky with discounts on some of the basic models.

Read more about ITALY.

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So you’ve found yourself in Florence, the amazing capital of Tuscany. Home to famous Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci, Florence, or Florence, is a city with amazing history and culture, beautiful architecture and art everywhere you look!

If you’re staying just for a day and want to explore the city, waiting for your check-in window to open or have a few hours to kill between train rides, you’re bound to need a place for luggage storage in Florence. And Stasher’s got you covered.

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#1 Whisper your secrets at the Ear of Dionysius

The Ear of Dionysius (L’Orecchio di Dionisio) in Syracuse, Sicily

Even if you whisper your secrets while you’re inside the Ear of Dionysius, everyone will hear them, no matter whether they are close to you or at the furthest end of the cave. This man-made rock formation in the city of Syracuse (southern Sicily) is designed so that even the slightest mumble is amplified clearly. Rumor has it that the local tyrant – Dionysius I of Syracuse – ordered the huge grotto hewn into the rocks to keep prisoners inside. The opening in the ceiling was specially designed so the tyrant could overhear the prisoners whispering their dirty secrets. But the truth is a little different…

Read the whole story of the cave and how to get there.

#2 Bask on the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte, Sicily | Davide Ragusa/Unsplash.com

Scala dei Turchi (literally The Staircase of the Turks, named after the Turkish and Moorish pirates who landed here) is a shiny, glittering piece of heaven adorning the coast of Sicily. This unlikely beach is a memorable spot to bask in the sun or explore the rugged rocks.

Read more about Scala dei Turchi and how to get there.

#3 Go trekking, body rafting or canyoning in Gole Alcantara

Gole Alcantara | What Kirsty Did Next

Gole Alcantara is a botanical and geological park about 40 minutes from Taormina in Sicily, or 20 minutes from Giardini Naxos. During summer, locals and tourists alike flock to this beautiful spot as an alternative to the crowded beaches, although that’s not to say that the river doesn’t get crowded too. The canyons and rock formations are spectacular, but be warned… the water is absolutely freezing, even in the height of summer. Sports enthusiasts can entertain themselves with water sports such as group body rafting tours, while small kids can enjoy the spray water park. The park also has a restaurant and pizzeria. This is certainly a different side of Sicily and one I’d recommend if you’re in the area.

Suggested by Kirsty from What Kirsty did next.

#4 Visit an unlikely church in Syracuse

The unlikely Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A monument both admired and called ‘the cement monster’, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears (Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime) is the last thing you would expect to see when you think of ‘a church in Sicily’. Its construction started in the 1960s and lasted for almost 30 years, when Pope John Paul II himself inaugurated it. The sanctuary was constructed to house a miraculous image of the Madonna, who was allegedly crying (even scientific tests were held to prove that the liquid coming form the image was tears). The best thing about this place of God is its incredible acoustics. Just sit for a while and listen to the echoes from every minor noise at the other side of the enormous building while looking at the ceiling, which soars to more than 70 m (230 ft) above you.

#5 Ski down an active volcano

Mount Etna covered in snow, Sicily | WikiCommons

How about ticking ‘skiing down an active volcano’ off your bucket list? Mount Etna is not as fancy as the other Italian ski resorts, but it has slopes and offers magnificent views from its peak. On the other hand, the weather down by the coast will most likely be perfect for leisurely strolls, and the seawater in Sicily in winter will be warmer than the Danish Bryyge Islands in summer.

#6 Sing karaoke (but take it seriously!)

“One of my most bizarre experiences living in Catania (and there were many!) was when my friends and I went to Wednesday karaoke at a local bar,” Amy from Page Traveller says. “We ordered more than a few drinks so that we could perhaps muster up the courage to sing later on.

“However, what I learnt was that Italians take their karaoke very seriously. One woman chose a song with glass-shattering high notes and she hit them all. A large, uber-masculine type who wouldn’t look out of place in the Mafioso delivered a heartfelt ballad in a deep, gravelly voice. The audience members clapped politely.

“Oblivious to Sicilian karaoke culture and several vinos in, we Brits put ourselves down for classic belter Total Eclipse of the Heart, but our drunken rendition of Bonnie Tyler was met with much tutting and more than a few scornful looks.

“If you end up doing going to a karaoke night in Catania, be aware that you will be expected to actually sing well!”

#7 Watch traditional Sicilian puppet theater

Teatro dei pupi in Sicily | Dennis Jarvis/Flickr

Take the time to see a puppet show known as opera dei pupi, which reenacts Frankish poems such as The Song of Roland with wooden handmade puppets. At the bottom of this page you’ll find a list of the major theaters in Sicily where you can see this marionette show (available in Catania, Syracuse, Palermo, Trabia and Alcamo).

Here’s a map of all these unusual things to do in Sicily:

Discover more amazing experiences in Sicily here >>>

Pin it for later, because everyone needs a touch of wonder when travels:

Are you searching for luggage storage in Sicily – see luggage storage in Palermo?

The Sicilian capital boasts over 230 opulently decorated churches, the largest opera house in the country, and 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition to its plethora of historical attractions, quaint villages and white sand beaches surround the city, providing ample opportunities for day trips.

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Whether you’re looking for an apartment, hotel, house, youth hostel, a bed & breakfast, a house exchange — we have it. If you’re the adventurous type looking for something a little different, check Cozy Milan rentals.

1. Take a selfie with the middle finger

This ubiquitous symbol of human mockery stands right in front of Milan’s stock exchange headquarters in Piazza Affari. The provocative Italian sculptor Maurizio Cattelan created it in 2010 and it was initially supposed to be a temporary installation. However, clearly seeing the humor in the statue, the local government decided to leave it there permanently. Cattelan never commented on the meaning of the sculpture, so you’re free to interpret it as you wish.

The Middle Finger in Milan | Photo: Joyce S. Lee

2. Discover the Navigli antique shops

Milan’s version of Venice is a small quarter with a few canals, a few boats and some floating restaurants (but no gondolas, sorry). Bustling with bohemian energy, Navigli is known for its flea markets and creative atmosphere. Unlike the city’s famous shopping malls and boutiques, which offer the latest crazes (at the highest prices), here you can find retro fashion treasures to impress even the strictest hipsters. Stepping inside the antique stores along the Ripa di Porta Ticinese is like entering into a past reality, one where you can find 50-year-old Chanel bags among collections of original clothes from a range of iconic brands.

Navigli’s Canals, Milan | Photo © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

3. Catch a glimpse of the Horned Madonna

If you dare to see Mary and Jesus with devil’s horns, follow the streets after Porta Ticinese to Sant’Eustorgio Basilica. Once there, enter the Portinari Chapel and hear the strange story behind the unusual fresco of Mary and Jesus with horns. The chapel is dedicated to the Dominican priest Pietro di Verona, who had been converting followers of the Catharism heresy movement back to Catholicism. Once, he attended a Catharist gathering where it was said that the Madonna was seen. Pietro di Verona did see the Madonna, but he also saw that she had horns on her head, leading him to believe that she was the Devil in disguise. When Pietro offered the Devil a piece of sacramental bread, he ran away. A group of nobles, however, didn’t approve of Pietro’s preaching and sent two assassins to kill him. Thus Pietro di Verona is usually depicted with an ax in his head, a reference to his grisly death.

The Horned Madonna in Milan

4. Witness the future of eco-tech at Bosco Verticale – the green vertical forest towers

The forest towers project had gone viral even before it started. Bosco Verticale, meaning Vertical Forest, consists of two residential towers (26 and 18 floors respectively) designed by Boeri Studio, featuring hundreds of trees and shrubs planted all over the edifices to absorb the notorious Milan smog and to produce oxygen. The forest is located quite far from the main tourist area, but you can reach it easily by subway (get off at Garibaldi FS or Isola stations).

Bosco Verticale in Milan

5. Indulge in aperitivo at Leonardo’s Vineyard

You’ve already marveled at Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, now it’s time to cross the street and visit Leonardo’s Vineyard. Back in 1498, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, gave a vineyard to Leonardo. Sforza was hoping to turn the Basilica Santa Maria Delle Grazie (which houses the Last Supper) into his family mausoleum and he wanted to create a neighborhood surrounded by his most loyal supporters, Leonardo among them. After almost two decades under French rule, Leonardo won back the vineyard a little before his death. The area was completely forgotten until 1919, when it was identified by architects and historians, still almost entirely intact. Unfortunately, a massive fire and new urban plans destroyed what had been preserved for centuries. In 2015, the vineyard was restored using the original vine in its original rows. Now in the vineyard’s cafe you can sip coffee or join the Saturday aperitivo at 5:45 pm (reservation required).

Note: You should book your ticket well in advance. Visitor information here.

6. Smell basil and thyme in the Botanical Garden

There’s a little-known garden, just a street away from the popular Pinacoteca di Brera, where you can stroll among rows of spices and actually rub their leaves between your fingers to release their aroma. The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera) is free, and it also offers free walking tours on Saturdays (a reservation is required).

Read more about the Botanical Garden here.

Orto Botanico di Brera (Botanical Garden) in Milan | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

7. Discover a copy of the Last Supper by one of Leonardo’s apprentices

Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of those buildings that looks like just another church until you learn that it holds a fascinating secret inside. Besides being one of the oldest churches in Milan (originally built in Roman times), it is home to a perfect copy of Leonardo’s Last Supper, painted by one of his apprentices. Some parts of this version are better preserved than the original, so you can take a close look at some of the mysteries of the famous mural – all the saints and Jesus have halos except Judas or the feminine face of John, for example.

The Last Supper copy at San Lorenzo church, Milan

8. Dine while riding a retro tram

Trams produced in Milan were exported all over the world, as far afield as San Francisco. They are an integral part of the city life, but one of them, a dark green, respectable retro machine, is more than just a means of transport. The ATMosphera tram is a traveling restaurant, serving your dinner at 8 pm while you zigzag between the main attractions of Milan. Indulge in a set menu and enjoy your complimentary wine, but remember to book your seat in advance. More information here.

ARTmosfera Tram in Milan

Bonus secret place:

The human skulls church – Santuario di San Bernardino Alle Ossa

Italy seems to have some strange idea of what to do with human skulls and you can stumble upon bone structures across the country, the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo probably being the most popular. Milan doesn’t lag behind with the small ossuary of the San Bernardino Alle Ossa church. The reason why it all started was that in 1210 the nearby graveyard ran out for space and a respectful space for the bones had to found. They stored them in a special building next to the church decorating the niches and doors with bones and skulls too. It’s a 5-minute walk from Duomo. When King Joao V of Portugal saw the church, he built a similar structure in Evora, Portugal.

Address: 4, Via Carlo Giuseppe Merlo. Opening times: 7:30 am – 6 pm (there’s a break 12 am – 1 pm).

READ MORE:

8 SECRET LOCATIONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH ITALY (+ map)

12 UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE (+ map)

Here’s a map of all the places mentioned to plan your route in Milan:

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Read more about ITALY.

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