Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sightseeing

One day in Fresno, let's have fun!

cabingirl — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:49:46 -0800

How should I spend my afternoon in/near Fresno next weekend? I'll be in Fresno for about 7 hours next Saturday and I'm looking for something to occupy myself. My usual fallback activity is browsing yarn shops and drinking coffee, but I'm open to other types of stuff, including a driving tour or something. Is Sequoia National Park too far away? What else would you suggest?

72 hours for Venice's secrets, aiutiamo noi per favore

avocade — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:04:05 -0800

I'm going with my family down to Italy from around Oct 18-30th, including a week at a farm house in Ancona (looking forward to that, for sure!). We'll also be in Venice for around three whole days in the beginning and end of the trip (we fly in/out from Venice). So, considering our short stay, what are some hidden, secret, word-of-askmetafilter stuff that we should seek out, apart from the touristy gondolas and San Marco, etc, etc?

I for one often find that I discover a new city best by just spending hours walking around (flaneur, n'est-ce pas?), and that's what I plan to do. Just give me a first goalpost and I'll do the rest.

No links to any fancy NYT Travel articles, please... :)

Planning for Las Vagas

dragontail — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:22:32 -0800

Planning a trip to Las Vagas with a couple of friends. We're students from the UK, so any help for making the trip awesome is welcome! Particularly getting the cheapest plane tickets, accommodation and things to see. We're planning the trip for summer, from July to September. Hopefully staying in Vagas for about a week. There will be 2-4 of us, all over 21.

1. Firstly, (and most importantly), which method will be best for buying the cheapest plane tickets? We don't care if we have to sit in the luggage hold :)

2. For hotel rooms, somewhere in the middle of the strip would be awesome, but keeping the price cheapish. Sub $40 a day/person would be great. Sharing a room is the way to go. Any recommendations?

3. We plan on playing a little low stakes poker and blackjack. Any recommendations for decent casinos? Is there anything else that is a must see? Free is best, but if it's worth going to, then our wallets will oblige I'm sure :)

Ferris Bueller, you're my hero

Diagonalize — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:17:58 -0800

How can I channel my inner Ferris Bueller and have one great day, except in New York? It's my little brother's very first trip to the East Coast! He's coming to see me in Boston, but he also really wants to see New York while he's out here. I've gone looking through a ton of the old NYC touristfilter questions, but trying to combine all of those great suggestions with my limited understanding of New York and an extremely ambitious timeline is proving daunting.

Mostly because of limited funds, we were hoping to make this a one day affair; we take the Chinatown bus out there, see whatever sights we can manage, stay up all night, and then take the first bus back in the morning. I've never taken the Chinatown bus before, so please talk me out of this if it seems like a tremendously bad idea.

My brother is a lot like Cameron: sarcastic, funny, fairly disinterested in most things, but still an all-around good guy and generally more easy-going than Cameron. The only thing I know for sure he wants to see is Times Square (I know). We're both in our early- to mid-twenties, kinda square, but still adventurous, and this East Coast trip is supposed to be his big last hurrah before becoming a grown-up. “Life moves pretty fast”, so how can we have one great day in New York, on the cheap?

What's the best Toronto can offer a couple this weekend?

Anonymous — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:12:49 -0800

Romantic getaway this weekend in Toronto, staying at Sutton Place Hotel near university. What's the coolest stuff to do relatively nearby when we're outside the room? We'll be in Friday night and Saturday. Can you help us pick the best Toronto has to offer within walking distance, or 20-30 minutes by public transportation? (Anonymous because it's a surprise.)

Particular interests:

Good ethnic eats. Recommendations for nearest good Chinese, including must-hit Chinatown dumpling shop, or other great cheap ethnic food? Arab, Indian, Asian, what have you?

Value dining. Not the most expensive restaurants in town, but one where you can have a fine romantic meal without getting skinned.

Gardens. Botanical, hobbyist, public, what have you.

Waterfront attractions. Looks like there's lots to do along the waterfront. Which places have something particularly interesting this weekend? Are there any boat tours you'd recommend?

And anything else you want to suggest. Thank you kindly.

Seeing New Zealand in a bit less than a week?

fermion — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:28:00 -0800

Five days in New Zealand, starting from Christchurch and visiting Wellington somewhere in the middle. How can I narrow down my options for fabulous things to see and do? Very shortly, I will be leaving for New Zealand. I'm flying into and out of Christchurch, and I'll have five days to travel around in between. I've read the previous AskMe threads on things to see in New Zealand, and each one just leaves me more overwhelmed than before with all the possibilities. How can I choose? Is there one place, or a few, that exemplify New Zealand's best qualities? How should I calculate the tradeoffs between travel time and amazingness?

The one definite point on my itinerary is that I'll be visiting friends in Wellington. Currently I'm planning to get there from Christchurch by taking the train up the coast, but I'm open to other suggestions (should I fly instead?) I'd like to see and hike around on some of New Zealand's famously spectacular scenery. I wouldn't mind spotting some interesting wildlife. I'm not sure of the best ways to get from place to place, so advice on that point is particularly helpful. Please help me develop a do-able itinerary!

(Bonus question: where can I get some really good coffee on my travels?)

Sightseeing during conferences

xm — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:30:21 -0800

Sightseeing during conferences. Would you do this? Attendees of conferences typically take time out for sightseeing, especially if the conference is in a foreign country. Taking into consideration that the travel money comes from grants or department funds and such, how ethical is this? I am not talking about taking a few hours out in the evenings but an entire day or so off during the time lectures are going on. I want to hear your opinion.

Radical lefty sightseeing in The Bay Area?

willie11 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:51:03 -0800

Fun things for a lefty to do whilenon San Francisco for a few days? I'm in the bay area for the next few days and would like to check out some fun radical spots. Either in SF, Berkeley, Oakland or the surrounding area. I have a car. If it matters, I'm here until Thursday.

Bonus points for anything having to do with labor activism.

What to do at Dartmouth?

oinopaponton — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:23:48 -0800

I have a few hours free in Hanover, NH-- what should I do? I'll have most of this evening free in Hanover, NH. Is there anything I should check out before I leave tomorrow morning? I've already gone to the Hood Museum and read in the Baker Library Tower Room.

I'm alone, so I won't be going to a bar or a restaurant, but a great café or bookstore would be right up my alley. I have a car, but don't want to use it, so I want to stay within the downtown/Dartmouth area.

If you were stranded in Oxford, OH, what would you do?

waxboy — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:55:15 -0800

I have a chance to spend a day or two in Oxford, OH, home of Miami University. What is there to do? I live in Cleveland, and my band just booked an April 30th, Thursday night gig in this town. I'll be staying overnight and have all day Friday and potentially the rest of the weekend to see the sights, probably on bicycle. I've never been there, and I don't know anyone who has, so I'm wondering if there's anything worth checking out while I have the chance. Things like restaurants, other concert venues, cultural gems like museums, or even neat architecture, parks, natural wonders, unique stores, etc would be great. Anything south of Columbus that I could hit on the way home would also be good. Hell, while I'm at it, if you live here and would be willing to let four musicians crash at your place for a night or two let me know.

weekend in Phoenix!

beandip — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:08:12 -0800

I'm visiting a friend in Phoenix next weekend - what are some fun things to see and do? A dear friend of mine moved from the midwest to Phoenix two years ago and is gradually getting acquainted with the area. I finally have a chance to spend a long weekend visiting her (yippee!!) We are looking for ideas of what to see and do during my visit. We'd prefer not to spend more than a couple hours driving anywhere and our budget is modest.

Things on our list so far:
the botanical gardens
the Heard Museum
some easy/moderate hiking not too far from town

Things I am wondering about:
The Science Center - is it worth a visit?
looking for a couple great local restaurants (in the less-than-$20-a-meal range)
maybe a good low-key place to grab a beer and hear some music

Things I'm not particulary interested in:
driving to the Grand Canyon (too far!)
Taliesin West (I hear it's really expensive to tour?)
shopping

What else should we check out?? Her apartment is on the northern end of Scottsdale, I think, so things to do and see in that area would be especially welcome.

What to do in Boise, ID?

arniec — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:11:11 -0800

If I only go to Boise, ID once in my life what MUST I do there to get the Boise experience? I am going on a business trip to Boise, ID from 11/10-11/13 (my office sends me to the nicest of places...). Google shows me a penitentiary for sightseeing and a golf course, neither of which really interest me.

My interests run to sightseeing, theater, or general tourist-y stuffs.

I'm not really a fan of museums unless they're really special. Same for zoos, etc.

I'm very into photography, especially nature photography if there's anything really scenic. I'm also a foodie if there's some great place to eat while I'm there.

What's a good architecture catalog website?

askmeacct — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:31:43 -0800

Contemporary architecture: Is there a website that lists notable pieces of recent architecture, organized by city, with pictures and descriptions? I'm traveling to Paris and London and I need a tool to plan out my time in those cities so I can see cool buildings in an efficient manner. So, any resources devoted solely to architecture in London or Paris would also be appreciated.

Do you know the (best) way to San Jose?

ClanvidHorse — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:43:14 -0800

Things to do in San Jose! And how to get there... I am working in San Jose for a few weeks from Monday and flying out to San Francisco from the UK tomorrow.

I intend to spend my middle weekend doing things in SF but was wondering what there is to do in and around San Jose at night. I will have the full day Sunday in San Jose too so any ideas for then would be great too. Bars/restaurants/sights... I am interested in anything that the hive can think of!

Also, I won't be driving, how easy is to get to San Jose from San Francisco International airport? What is the best method? Am I best to just get a taxi?

Thanks

What is there to see between KC and Eugene, OR?

samurphy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:31:10 -0800

I'm driving from KC to Eugene, OR (round trip) and I'm in no hurry. Any suggestions? On August 11th I will leave Kansas City bound for Eugene, OR. I'm driving there and I'm camping in the bed of my truck. I'd like to see what there is to see. My deadline: September 2nd. On that day I have to be back in Kansas City to report for work. In the mean time I'd like to go... anywhere. My initial thought was to drive more northerly than Google Maps suggests, then, once I get to Oregon, I'd head down the coast and drive back through the southwest. Any ideas?

London by limo in 3-4 hours?

cowbellemoo — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:35:15 -0800

I will have a ~6 hour layover in Heathrow. Can anyone recommend a good private sightseeing tour of London? (More details: just me, Sunday arrival at 11am, departure 5pm, 2 weeks hence)

I'd love to hire a chauffeured car with a talkative driver and 5 minute curbside stops to get out and take some photos. Something like this, only shorter and with stops for junk food. I'd prize punctuality above all else, naturally.

Should I try and work out an amended tour package or just hire someone for 3-4 hours and try to map my own route? Does anyone have advice or recommendations?

Ich bin ein Berliner... sorta.

disillusioned — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:55:20 -0800

What should I do to have some fun/see some sights around my hotel in Berlin, Germany? I'm off to Berlin and arrive at my hotel at about 9am on Sunday. No car, just foot/public/taxi transport, so what's great in the vicinity? We're doing a sightseeing trip on Monday but nothing at all is planned on Sunday so if there are any neat/off-the-beaten-path type places or MUST-SEE attractions nearby, let me have 'em!

I like art, museums, pubs, parks, people-watching, great food, etc. I'm pretty easy-going, really.

Dog Friendly Vacation Spot

pieoverdone — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:31:41 -0800

Your recommendations for dog-friendly vacation spots in the midwest! We're looking to take a local, driveable, weekend trip with one of our dogs this summer. She's a mellow Bluetick Hound and loves the outdoors. This would just be a camping/sightseeing/chillout excursion 0-8 hours by car from St. Louis, Missouri. If you know of any camping spots or hotels or just small towns in general that are dog friendly, please tell us.

Discussions about taking dogs on vacation or dogs as family members or dogs in public places are for some other question, not this one. We're looking for places that already specifically accept dogs, not 'maybe I can bring dog here and they're cool with it we hope'.

Things to do in Rostock when you're heavy

dogsbody — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:23:37 -0800

Can anybody give me some ideas for fun things to do in and around Rostock, Germany? My other half wants to do a one-week course at the end of July and I'm thinking about tagging along for the trip and need to keep myself entertained during the days. A few extra details: I'll have access to a car so day-trips are no problem, I speak basic German (shops, directions, etc.) and will be pretty pregnant (about 7 1/2 months). I like cultural-type stuff and culinary adventures; not so keen getting over-heated lying on the beach all day or bars/nightlife (for obvious reasons).

Can any local Mefites hope me?

What to do in Vancouver?

Schuby — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:23:43 -0800

What do we absolutely have to see/do in Vancouver, Canada while we are there? My friends and I are going on a cruise in two days to Vancouver. We are going to be there for a day, spending the night, then leaving on a flight home the following day.

So with our limited time there, what do we absolutely have to see/do?

We like to drink, go dancing, karaoke, etc.. things young adults usually do.

PS: We come from California ;)

Where in the World to Go?

netbros — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:13:33 -0800

What is the most beautiful place on Earth? I'd like to make plans to go there. I understand the answers will be subjective and partial. Let's assume cost and time are not factors. What are your reasons for your choice? If possible, please provide links to assist with research. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Help me give my 50 year old uncle a 4 hour tourist ride through San Francisco

Chuck Cheeze — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:04:51 -0800

My 50 year old uncle is visiting San Fran this Thursday for the first time. I am picking him up at SFO at 11 and we want to be back to Novato by about 330 to beat (most of) the traffic. On the way out we will certainly go up to the Marin Headlands, and he is a big seafood guy so I am guessing we will catch lunch down near the Wharf or maybe at the Cliff House. Obviously we don't have much time, so what recommendations do you all have for a few cool things to see in the city on the way out? I think we'll do Lombard, but otherwise I'm not terribly interested in super-touristy stuff. Maybe some historic spots?

Where should we go?

Lizc — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:22:42 -0800

Planning a multi-state road trip - where should we go and what should we see? States include: IL, MN, SD, NE, WY, CO, UT, NV, and CA. In June my SO and I will be taking a road trip from Chicago, IL north to St. Paul, MN - then west through South Dakota and Nebraska (to the Chimney Rock National Park) and then west to southern California.

What are some interesting things to see along the way? We'd really love to pick the hive-mind for recommendations of any cool/interesting places to stop along the way. Any fantastic local events, delicious food & drink, haunted ghost towns, picturesque roads, historic spots and natural wonders -- anything we'd be silly to miss.

Length of trip is no option, if it's cool, we want to see it. We probably won't get the chance to travel for awhile after this trip, so we want to make it a good one.

Thanks!!

Public skyscrapers in San Francisco?

Mwongozi — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:40:45 -0800

What skyscrapers in San Francisco are open to the public? ie. Where can I go to get an amazing high-up view? Doesn't have to be free, just open to the public.

Bonus question: Best places to go in the city for a geek who enjoys shopping-as-recreation?

First time in Montreal! What now?

synecdoche — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:46:59 -0800

Montrealfilter: Next week, I am heading to Montreal for a conference with my S.O. Any tips on getting around? Where should we go? We're flying in, and we're staying at a hostel near where the conference is taking place.

Some things we're thinking about:
1) Getting to and from the airport: cheapest route? We're arriving Friday morning, leaving Sunday around dinner time.
2) Cheap and tasty places to eat nearby?
3) Cheap and interesting sights to see?
4) Good shopping nearby?
5) We've been assuming the subway will be our friend-- is there any kind of transit pass we can get for the weekend so we're not always looking for change?
6) Anything else we should know?

I'll be tied up for much of the day time with conference stuff, but she won't. I will, however, have all day Sunday free. Neither of us is really into the club scene or anything like that. Neither of us speaks French very well. Also, neither of us has a lot of cash to throw around (as you might have guessed from the repeated use of the word "cheap").