Truly one of the most stunning cities of Peru, and South America for that matter, is Cusco. Filled with a variety of ancient temple, monuments and plazas on its own Cusco is a place that definitely must be visited. Combine all of this with Cuzco’s proximity to Manchu Picchu – the famous Inca capital – and you have a very special vacationing location indeed. Though most visitors focus on seeing Manchu Picchu it is a mistake not to enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco as well! A few of the best things to do in Cusco include.

Plaza de Armas
Portal de Comercio, Historic Center
Plaza de Armas’ long history stretches back to the time of the Inca Empire. The Inca’s originally built this square – which had been twice its present size – for ceremonies and festivals. The Inca’s considered the plaza to be the exact centre of their empire. Within this very same square the Spanish conquistadors constructed both La Compañia and the Cathedral which both were built in the location of the former Inca Palace. In contemporary times visitors to the city enjoy the combination of both Spanish and Andean history as well as the overall buzz and energy that is in the plaza. Plaza de Armas is located in Cusco’s historic centre and is easy to locate.

Machu Picchu
Remarkable Manch Picchu was not discovered by the Spanish for hundreds of years during their South American conquest. The aptly named “lost city of the Incas” is a matrix of temples, aqueducts, and gardens that were hidden away in the mountains and hills of the Peruvian country side. A few of the most beloved locations within Manchu Picchu include Funeral Rock, the House of the Terrace Caretaker, the Temple of the Sun – which has a wealth of fantastic Incan masonry and architecture, the Temple of the Three Windows, which offers fantastic views over Machu Picchu from its trapezoidal lookouts. Last but not least visit the iconic Temple of the Condor, which was the ancient symbol of the Incans of the heavens. There are two ways to get to Manchu Picchu, either you can take the 24 mile trek along the Incan trail or take a Peru Rail train closer to the site. Trains depart every 15 minutes from downtown Cusco. Visitors must pick up a ticket from the Instituto Nacional de Cultural office in Cusco or Aguas Calientes for around $42 US dollars. Visitors are welcomes to Manchu Picchu from 6 am until 5 pm.

The small Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik fits in a lot to do in a little space. A lovely city that is filled with historical things to do, perhaps none better than walking the fortified inner city’s walls, as well as great beaches and even a nearby island to explore. Minus the hustle and bustle of larger European cities Dubrovnik brings ample opportunity for its visitors to take some time to relax and just enjoy themselves. A few of the best things to do while in Dubrovnik include.

City Walls
Built and rebuilt 3 times between the 13th and 15th centuries the Dubrovnik city wall were constructed to protect this beautiful city from foreign invasion. At some points the walls are 20 feet thick. There are also outpost towers and forts around the whole periphery. In modern times the threat of foreign invasions is waning so the walls now just act as a great vantage point to look down upon the old town of Dubrovnik and out into the Mediterranean Sea. During the summer certain festivals, like the Shakespeare Festival, even take place in some of the wall’s towers. Be sure that you have a hat and some water while you walk the walls circumference as the Croatian sun can and will take its toll. The wall is open to walk from 9 am to 5 pm (7pm in the summer) and costs around $9 US dollars.

Dubrovnik Cable Car
Twenty years after its bombing back in 1991 the cable car has been re-opened in Dubrovnik during that year’s Summer Festival – the biggest yearly event in Dubrovnik. There is universal agreement that the best views over Dubrovnik are from Srd Hill, which the cable car delivers people to after a scenic ride in the car itself. Some travelers suggest saving some money, and adding to the experience, by just purchasing a one way ticket on the cable car then enjoying a lovely downhill walk back to Old Town Dubrovnik soaking in the wonderful views over the Southern Dalmation coast. Re-fuel before the walk back at the hills elaborate snack bar. Cable car rides are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for a round trip cost around $14 US dollars.

Dubrovnik Cathedral
Kneza Damjana Jude 1 | 20000, Dubrovnik
Often called the Church of the Assumption Dubrovnik Cathedral is actually the third church that has been built on this site. Previously there had been a Byzantine style building in the 7th century before it was replaced by a Romanesque Church in the 12th century. When an earth quake destroyed that church in 1667 the present structure, in its Baroque style, was erected. The most noteworthy element of the church is its collection of art which features Titian’s The Assumption at the main altar. Visitors are welcomes to the church from 9 am until 5:30 pm, with the exception of Sunday morning during mass. For a small fee, of around $2 dollars US, visitors can explore the cathedral’s treasury as well.

Perhaps the calendar event each year in Munich is Oktoberfest, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of things to do year round in this very cosmopolitan city. Despite being heavily damaged during the Second World War many of Munich’s traditional buildings and locales have been re-built. These city attractions are paired with a fantastic shopping and bar culture to make for a great experience for visitors. A few things to do in Munich include.

English Garden
One of the best attractions to be enjoyed in Munich is the massive public park which has affectionately been labeled the English Garden. Named for the its open landscapes and rolling hills, which make an informal English park style (think Richmond Park in London) , the Englischer Garten – as it is referred to in German – has much varied diversions. Inside the park grounds there are eclectic monuments, several popular beer gardens, a boating lake, and mile upon mile of jogging and biking trails. Many visitors recommend renting a bike or a row boat to fully enjoy the park. The park can be reached by taking Tram 17.

Church of Our Lady
Known in German as the Frauenkirche, the Church of our Lady is a fantastic example of Gothic Period architecture. Long a unique component of the Munich skyline the two dome topped towers is compared by residents – in a fitting Munich tribute – to two bubbling over beer steins. Though the church dates as far back as the 14th century allied bombing during World War II required large scale repairs to be made after the war. Wandering around the church is free, but there is a small fee charged if you want to go to the observation deck. A trip to this higher vantage over the city is highly recommended.

Marienplatz
Marienplatz has long been the central square of Munich. As far back as 1158 there have been a variety of events taking place here including jousts, festivals and even executions. In modern times, thankfully the macabre events have been removed and in their place the square is filled with mimes, musicians, street performers, shops, and of course – this being Munich – a beer garden and plenty of restaurants and bars. A particularly lovely time to visit Marienplatz is during the yearly Christmas festival, which really captures the season with its festive decoration.