Famous for its cultural heritage and charming hospitality, Dublin lies between Howth in the north and the headland of Dalkey to the south on a wide bay. The River Liffey, which flows into the harbor, slices the city in two. Several bridges span the north-south divide, the most famous of which is O'Connell Bridge. Any are a lovely place to stroll and take in the essence of the capital.

Pre-independence Dublin was once the second city of the British Empire, the graceful Georgian architecture and picturesque parks bearing testament to a troubled legacy. Ireland's capital has given the world such renowned literary figures as Yeats, Beckett, Joyce, Shaw, and Wilde. Dubbed a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, Dublin's written tradition stretches back to AD 800 with The Book of Kells, now on permanent exhibition at Trinity College.

Although Dublin sprawls rather than soars, the city center is easily explored on foot, and a convenient transport network takes you wherever you wish to go. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Dublin.

1. Trinity College and College Green

rinity College is probably the best spot to kick off your Dublin tour. It's at the heart of the capital, packed full of incredible history, and it's the oldest university in Ireland having been founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.

Occupying an enviable 40-acre site, Trinity retains some of its ancient seclusion of cobbled squares, gardens, and parks and is famed throughout the world for its collection of great treasures. These include, on permanent exhibition, the 9th-century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, the Books of Durrow and Armagh, and an ancient Irish harp. The priceless artifacts are displayed in the Treasury and the awe-inspiring 18th-century Long Room, which houses more than 200,000 of Trinity's oldest books and hosts regular literary exhibitions. Book the Early Access Book of Kells Tourto avoid the long lines. It also includes a trip to the exterior of Dublin Castle.

Trinity is a haven in an otherwise bustling area. Alumni over the centuries include such figures as Jonathan Swift (most famously known as the author of Gulliver's Travels), Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), and playwright Samuel Beckett. Entering through a timber-tiled archway, you are instantly brought back in time. The immaculate green lawns, 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and cobbled pathway are reminiscent of a more gentile age and ooze a sense of hushed academia.

It's best to time your visit strategically, as buildings open to the public can become crowded during peak season. As well as taking in the must-see sights, do make time to relax and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Opposite the college on College Green is the old Irish Parliament building now a branch of the Bank of Ireland.

2. Grafton Street

A short southerly stroll from Trinity College takes you down towards Dublin's premier shopping location, Grafton Street. A statue of Molly Malone sits at the bottom of the street, so it's impossible to miss. This eclectic stretch buzzes morning, noon, and night and is a magnet for buskers, from classical quartets to traditional fiddle players and singer-songwriters. Many famed bands and musicians have given impromptu performances here, including Bono of U2.

Aside from buskers, you will find a broad range of boutiques, jewelers, and department stores, including upmarket Brown Thomas. Many would say that the jewel in the crown is Bewley's Oriental Café, a Dublin institution at this location since 1927. If you're on a shopping spree, it's well worth taking a slight diversion to the arty Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, with its designer shops and trendy places to eat.

3. St. Stephens Green

After eating your fill at Bewley's Oriental Café, an easy stroll to the top of Grafton Street brings you to Fusilier's Arch, the main entrance to St. Stephen's Green. Georgian buildings surround "the Green" (as it's known locally), although some sadly fell by the wayside during redevelopment, mainly in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.

The 22-acre park is a Dublin treasure and an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of downtown city life. When weather permits, you should do as the locals do and stretch out on the grass for some rest and relaxation, or grab a picnic lunch. Immaculate flowerbeds fringe the lawns. Also in the park is an ornate fountain at its center, a bridge over a duck pond, and a children's playground.

Incidentally, the park was the scene of bitter combat during the 1916 Uprising, however it was agreed by both sides that hostilities should cease while the park-keeper fed the ducks.

4. The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum is a hidden gem tucked in a charming space amid all of the city's historical sights. A couple of minutes' stroll from Fusilier's Arch, at the top of Dawson Street, it is a must-see for those interested in how Dublin and its people lived their lives and evolved over the past century. James Joyce once famously said, "in the particular is contained the universal," which neatly sums up the ethos of this treasure trove. In the minutiae of people's belongings, history is indeed writ large.

Opened in 2011 following an appeal for mementos and artifacts, the museum has gone from strength to strength and now hosts an array of temporary exhibitions and events, as well as permanent installations, including a U2 retrospective with exhibits donated by band members. Other treats include the lectern used by John F. Kennedy when he addressed both houses of the Irish Parliament (Oireachtas) in June 1963.

5. Kildare Street Museums and Houses of Parliament

From the Little Museum of Dublin, a saunter past the legendary hotel The Shelbourne Dublinwill take you to the top of Kildare Street, home to the Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann) on the left hand side. The parliament building was once known as Kildare House after James Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare, who commissioned its construction in 1745 and set out to create a grand Georgian mansion to reflect his lofty social status. When he became Duke of Leinster in 1766, the house was renamed Leinster House.

On the opposite side is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology), with outstanding permanent exhibitions including Ireland's Gold, Prehistoric Ireland, the Viking Collection, and the Treasury, including the magnificent Ardagh Chalice.

If you're interested in literature, you should visit the National Library close by, which has a permanent W.B. Yeats exhibition.

6. The National Gallery of Ireland

A right turn at the end of Kildare Street will bring you to the National Gallery of Ireland with entrances on Clare Street and Merrion Square West. Housing the finest collection of Irish art in the world alongside an outstanding collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day, this is a must-see while in the capital.

The gallery opened in 1864 with wings being added in 1903, 1968, and most recently, 2002. Collections include the Yeats Museum, seven rooms devoted to Irish art, Italian Painters, the Shaw Room, and Baroque Room. The gallery, which is spread over four levels, regularly hosts impressive temporary exhibitions, and there's an excellent café popular with locals and visitors alike.

7. Merrion Square

Exit the National Gallery's main portal, and you're on Merrion Square. Made up of stately private houses and offices, this is arguably Dublin's grandest Georgian square and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. At its center is a pretty park with a vibrant statue of that most colorful writer and renowned Dublin wit, Oscar Wilde.

An amiable stroll around the square is a journey back in time to the Georgian era. You may notice that the top windows in many buildings are smaller than those lower down. This was done in order to create an optical illusion of the houses being taller than they really are. At weekends, local artists line the perimeter of the park and display their paintings on the railings.

8. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Ireland has long been an exporter of people. Scratch the surface of America's East Coast, and you'll find the influence of the Irish everywhere. Dublin's superb EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is aptly situated in the city's docklands area, the scene of many a sad farewell.

Established in 2016, this fascinating museum offers an in-depth — and often moving — account of Irish emigration over the centuries. All told there are more than 20 separate themed galleries to explore, dealing not just with the history of Irish migration, but also the influence this dynamic people have had in the places they settled. If you've got the time, be sure to visit the Irish Family History Centre for tips and advice — along with resources — to track your family history.

A nearby related attraction is the Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story. The centerpiece of this excellent museum is an accurate replica of the fabled Jeanie Johnston, a sailing vessel from Canada that was built in 1847 and which transported untold numbers of Irish across the Atlantic.

9. GPO Witness History Museum

O'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare, is home to the iconic GPO (General Post Office) built in 1814. The failed 1916 Uprising began here, and bullet holes still dot the Neoclassical portico. Inside, the city's newest attraction, the GPO Witness History Museum, is a must-visit for those wanting to gain a better understanding of this pivotal event in Irish history.

While focusing predominantly on the period leading up to the uprising and the uprising itself, there's plenty of information on hand via interactive displays about other key events, including the Irish War of Independence right up to the Northern Ireland peace process. Guided tours are available, and come highly recommended.

10. National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History (Collins Barracks)

Originally an army barracks, the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History opened in 1997. The collections include silver, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, Irish haute couture fashion, and exhibitions exploring Irish military history. There are several other permanent exhibitions, including a retrospective of modernist designer Eileen Gray; Irish Silver dating from the 17th to 20th centuries; Asian Art; Irish Country Furniture; and Soldiers and Chiefs, which displays historic military artifacts and uniforms.

Another branch of the National Museum of Ireland worth exploring, the Natural History Museum was established in 1856 and remains little changed since, a fact that has led to its being known as a "museum of a museum" (or, less flatteringly, the "Dead Zoo"). Highlights include exploring the museum's large collections of specimens from countless species, fossils, and dioramas... all for free.

Few countries offer the chance to hike a glacier, trek to the top of a volcano, visit the driest desert on Earth, and experience some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet - and to do it all within a few kilometers of each other. The photography possibilities are as diverse as the landscape

Chile is separated from Argentina by the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world. And one of the most mysterious islands in the world, Easter Island, sits just a few kilometers off the coast of Chile. With so much to see and explore, it's no wonder Chile is one of the most stunning destinations in South America. See more of the country in pictures with our list of beautiful places to photograph.

1. Torres del Paine National Park

Sitting at the heart of Patagonia, Torres del Paine is home to glaciers, icy rivers and lakes, and towering mountains covered in subpolar forests. A rugged landscape of icy lakes and soft glaciers makes this is a perfect destination for hiking and boating. The park has some of the best hiking trails in Chile. You may see guanacos, pumas, and foxes, which are the most common mammals in the park.

2. Mano del Desierto

The 11-meter-tall iron and concrete hand stands as one of the most distinctive sights in the Atacama Desert. Sitting at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level, along a dusty highway, the sculpture is meant to represent human helplessness.

3. Miscanti Lake

Deep blue and arrowhead-shaped Miscanti Lake is a slightly saline lake in northern Chile. Miscanti Lake sits against a background of mountains, including the towering 5,622-meter-tall Cerro Miscanti. The average annual temperature is just over two degrees Celsius, and the surface of the lake is often covered in a shimmering, thin layer of ice in winter.

4. Rano Raraku, Easter Island

Easter Island, just off the coast of Chile, is stunning in its own right - but the Rano Raraku volcanic crater tops it all. Most of the stone used to build the statues on Easter Island comes from the quarry in this area. Just outside the quarry, a number of moai - monolithic human figures - buried up to their shoulders stand guard.

5. Carretera Austral

Chile's Route 7 is best known as "carretera austral" (southern highway). The road runs through Patagonia for 1,240 kilometers, and traveling the entire length of it requires three ferry rides in addition to lots of driving. Much of the road remains unpaved, flanked by forests, glaciers, and towering mountains.

6. National Park Laguna San Rafael

Laguna San Rafael National Park covers over 17,000 square kilometers and is home to the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, the second largest mass of ice outside the Poles. The fjord at the edge of the park is home to dolphins, seals, and sea lions.

7. The Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is the driest nonpolar desert in the world. It extends over 1,000 kilometers of dusty, stony terrain that's very similar to the soil of Mars. Atacama's otherworldly appearance makes it a favorite of NASA, which often tests space equipment here.

8. National Park Huerquehue

Chile's most famous trekking destination is so for a reason: icy mountain lakes, plenty of waterfalls, and well-marked trails are everywhere. Wild camping is allowed, and those ready to chase adventure can try climbing the park's highest peaks: Araucano at 2,000 meters and San Sebastian at 1,800 meters. From the top, open views of the river valleys, canyons, and green hills abound.

9. Marble Caves

Accessible only by boat, the marble caves are a 6,000-year-old stunning sight of swirling blues. The caves are located in a glacial lake, whose azure waters reflect on the cave's walls and cause the famous blue hues. Between September and February (the hottest months), as the ice melts, the color's almost turquoise.

10. Puritama Hot Springs

Located deep in a canyon in the Atacama Desert, the eight pools that make up the geothermal Puritama Hot Springs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Archeological sites and waterfalls surround the area and attract outdoor lovers year-round.

Dreamy beaches, silky warm seas, lush scenery, and endless sunshine: These are some of the top ingredients of the ideal tropical vacation. But each destination offers its own sultry charms. Some dazzle with their natural beauty. Others add cultural attractions to the mix, with exotic customs, architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. A few offer eco-adventures and wildlife-rich wilderness, and some sleepy islands seem to take you back in time.

Divers flock to thriving coral reefs, and surfers seek the perfect wave. It's just a matter of finding the perfect fit. From Asia to Australia and the US to the Caribbean, this list of tropical vacation hot spots covers some of the most beautiful islands in the world, as well as ideas of fun things to do and destinations for all budgets, whether you're seeking an over-the-water bungalow in Bora Bora or a bamboo hut on a Bali beach.

1. Maldives

Strung across the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the 26 natural atolls of the Maldives exude an almost surreal beauty due, in large part, to the luminous blue waters that surround them. If slipping into the crystal-clear, soul-warming sea is a top criteria for your perfect tropical vacation, this is the place to do it, as water comprises 99 percent of the Maldives. Paradoxically, it also threatens to inundate the shores of this low-lying island nation.

Male' is the capital city, but most visitors head straight out to one of the remote atolls, where luxury resorts and bone-white beaches fringed by aquamarine waters await. Diving and snorkeling are world-class, and the Maldives is also a top surfing destination with the most popular surf spots in the North and South Male' Atolls.

Other popular activities here include swimming with manta rays and whale sharks as well as big-game fishing. With water being a focal point and so many islands to choose from, the Maldives is also the perfect candidate for a cruise vacation.

2. Bora Bora, Tahiti

Bora Bora is the quintessential South Pacific paradise. This lush and dramatically beautiful island in French Polynesia rises to a sharp emerald peak ringed by an azure lagoon. Clusters of coconut palms bristle along the beaches, and luxury bungalows perch over the crystal-clear waters, some with glass floor panels, so you can peer into the thriving sea below.

While Bora Bora scores top points for natural beauty, it also ticks the box if you're seeking some cultural appeal. The official language is French, and you can taste the Gallic influence in the gourmet cuisine. Add a bevy of fun water sports, kayak trips to tiny motu (islands), picturesque hiking trails, and adventures such as shark dives, and, it's easy to see why many travelers rank pricey Bora Bora as a top honeymoon destination and the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime place for a tropical vacation.

3. Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you're looking for beautiful beaches, culture, and zesty cuisine all wrapped up with an affordable price tag, the Riviera Maya (Mayan Riviera) in Mexico is a great choice. On the tip of the Yucatán peninsula, along the Caribbean coast, the Mayan Riviera encompasses the resort destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel.

You don't have to stay at a big bustling all-inclusive resort here, though you'll find plenty fronting the long, postcard-worthy beaches. Intimate boutique hotels and yoga retreats are also in the mix. Swimming with stingrays and dolphins, diving, snorkeling, and fishing are popular activities in the warm, clear waters, and culture vultures can explore the magnificent ancient ruins of Tulum, in a stunning setting above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, or Chichén Itzá, a few hours' drive away from the resort strip.

4.Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, with close ties to New Zealand, is a dream destination for would-be castaways. Blessed with a luminous aqua lagoon, lush peaks, sublime beaches bristling with palms, and some of the friendliest people in the South Pacific, Aitutaki ticks all the boxes for the perfect exotic tropical vacation.

Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, and the main tourist gateway, but Aitutaki, a 45-minute flight away, is the jewel in the crown, and that's saying plenty in an archipelago of 15 ravishing tropical isles. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing are all fantastic, and the island offers a window into the laid-back village life, which slows to a halt on Sundays for church services.

More than 20 motu (small islands) are sprinkled around the lagoon, and the small island of Tapuaetai (One Foot Island), in its southeast corner, is a popular excursion with a beautiful perspective of the lagoon. If you really want to splurge, opt for a luxurious over-the-water bungalow. From here, you can paddle to your own private motu, plonk down under a palm tree, and pretend you're Robinson Crusoe for a day.

5. Kaua'i, Hawaii

Called the Garden Isle, Kaua'i is a tropical Eden, with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and spectacular green coastal peaks. A natural masterpiece of dramatic lava-sculpted landscapes, the island has a more laid-back vibe than its popular sister islands of Maui and Oahu. Though Kauai is known for being home to one of the rainiest places on earth, the island is comprised of several microclimates, and the area around touristy Poipu tends to be drier.

Underwater, you'll find colorful coral reefs, where turtles and tropical fish swim. On land, you can bask on golden beaches, admire the cloud-capped scenery from the cliffs above Hanalei Bay, hike among the velvety peaks of the breathtaking Napali Coast, and explore the deep and jungly 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon. Tropical gardens, waterfalls, cute coastal towns, and fantastic surf breaks are other top tourist attractions.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing the beach with slumbering monk seals; nature reigns here, and that's a big part of the island's allure.

6. The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

If you're dreaming of an idyllic South Seas island bathed in sunshine, the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji fit the bill. A short boat ride from the gateway town of Nadi, this picture-perfect string of about 20 islands are popular for their gleaming palm-studded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and thriving coral reefs. When you first glimpse these tropical beauties, it's easy to see why Survivor and the Tom Hanks movie Cast Away were filmed on islands in this chain. When choosing where to stay, your budget and interests will determine the best Fiji island for you.

Accommodation ranges from lively backpacker resorts to family-friendly hotels with thatched bures (traditional huts), and luxury hideaways like Vomo Island Resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, and the adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort. Popular mid-range resorts include Matamanoa Island Resort, Malolo Island Resort, Mana Island Resort, and Castaway Island.

One of the planet's top surf breaks, Cloudbreak, lies about a mile away from Tavarua Island Resort, but you can access this legendary break from other island resorts as well. Fijians love children, so this is also a fabulous destination for families with youngsters looking to relax.

7. St. Barts, The Caribbean

If you like the glittering jet-setter scene, private villas, and pretty beaches, French-influenced St. Barts should be top on your list. But it all comes at a price. A constant stream of visiting movie stars and mega-moguls means that accommodation and food costs more here than other destinations - especially during high season. However, in return, you'll find beautiful blond beaches backed by green hills, world-class shopping and dining, and a cultural sophistication that many other tropical destinations lack.

Like everywhere, low season offers great deals, and all the beaches are public, so you can hide away in a private villa or boutique hotel and live the life of the rich and famous for less. Besides basking on the beaches, shopping, and feasting on mouthwatering continental delicacies, popular activities here include snorkeling, diving, kite-surfing, kayaking, fishing, surfing, and sailing.

The top beaches are Saline Beach, Gouverneur Beach, and Lorient, and the red-roofed capital of Gustavia is one of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean.

8. The Abacos, The Bahamas

Almost 300 kilometers east of Florida, the beautiful Abacos, in the Bahamas, offer some of the world's best waters for boating and sailing. These peaceful Atlantic islands, also called the Out Islands or Family Islands, seem a world away from the crowded tourist strips of nearby Florida, with their secluded pine-fringed beaches; flourishing coral reefs; and sleepy fishing villages, where golf carts and boats are the main mode of transport. British Loyalists settled these islands, and you can witness this heritage in the cute and colorful colonial cottages lining the narrow streets.

Prime areas for a low-key vacations include cute Elbow Cay, with its famous candy-striped lighthouse; charming three-mile long Green Turtle Cay, which feels like stepping back in time to the old Bahamas; and Treasure Cay, on Great Abaco, with its ravishing white-sand beach lapped by waters in technicolor turquoise. Guana Cay, Walker's Cay, and Man "O' War Cay are other popular islands. Favorite pursuits include fishing, diving, snorkeling, relaxing, and chatting with the locals, and with miles of pristine beaches, it's easy to find your own private patch of soft, white sand.

9. Ambergris Caye, Belize

Off the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, Ambergris Caye in Belize is one of the country's top tourist destinations and the largest of its 200 cayes. While its Caribbean beaches are generally better for fishing than swimming, thanks to their flourishing turtle grass flats, the magnificent Hol Chan Marine Reserve more than compensates with superb diving and snorkeling less than a half-mile from shore.

This underwater wonderland is part of the Belize Barrier Reef system, the second largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Shark Ray Alley is a popular site, where divers can come face to face with nurse sharks and stingrays. Anglers also flock here to prowl the flats for bonefish and try their luck for permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda.

Part of the island's charm is its colorful town of San Pedro, where golf carts rule the streets, and funky restaurants showcase fresh seafood and Mexican-inspired cuisine. Since the northern part of the island lies a stone's throw from Mexico, the island has a strong Mexican influence, and many locals speak Spanish.

10. Dominican Republic

On the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is a top choice for budget-minded travelers, but this popular vacation destination is much more than glorious beaches and great-value resorts. Rich in history and culture, "DR," as it's called, also boasts some of the most diverse eco-systems in the Caribbean, with steamy jungles, deserts, mangroves, coral reefs, savanna, and soaring green peaks.

Venture away from the tourist strips of Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samaná, where all-inclusive resorts cluster along idyllic sweeps of palm-fringed beach, and you'll discover a world of adventures. You can climb the highest peaks in the Caribbean, raft the white waters of the Río Yaque del Norte, hike to waterfalls through the steamy jungle, and bike through pine forests along alpine trails. Cultural attractions are also a highlight.

The capital, Santo Domingo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with charming colonial architecture and a fascinating history. But if you just want to bask on a beautiful beach, dive, swim, surf, and snorkel, you'll find plenty of opportunities to do that, too.

Former British colonies in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda boast some of the most ravishing beaches in the world. Antigua proudly proclaims it has "a beach for every day of the year," and Barbuda, Antigua's sleepy sister island, is also blessed with some pristine stretches of pink-tinged sand sprinkled with chic resorts. Not surprisingly, many movie stars and moguls jet to the islands to swim, surf, sun, and swoon on these dazzling shores.

Antigua draws the majority of visitors. Many arrive at the cruise ship port in the colorful capital of St. John's, where shopping, museums, and historic buildings are the prime draws. The island preserves its history as a strategic naval port, and animal lovers can swim with friendly stingrays.

Peaceful Barbuda has less than two percent of the islands' combined population. Seclusion seekers and nature lovers cherish the tranquility, while birders love the fabled frigate sanctuary.

Water sports abound on both islands; diving, swimming, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing are all popular things to do, and golfers will find a couple of scenic courses on Antigua.

Plan your perfect Caribbean getaway with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Antigua and Barbuda.

1. Half Moon Bay, Antigua

At the southeastern end of Antigua, Half Moon Bay is fringed by one of the Caribbean's best beaches. Protected by a reef, this idyllic crescent of fine white sand and azure sea, backed by natural foliage, offers excellent snorkeling on calm days. When the wind is up, the surf can be rough.

A small restaurant serves snacks just off the beach, and you can rent chairs, and umbrellas here, too.

Note that the beach is difficult to find, so a GPS will come in handy.

2. Stingray City, Antigua

If you have a lifelong fear of stingrays, this fun face-to-face adventure should banish those fears forever. A five-minute speedboat ride off the island's east coast, Stingray City is a shallow pool with a sandy bottom amid a tropical reef, where hundreds of friendly southern stingrays glide through the crystal-clear waters waiting to be fed by visitors.

Depending on your comfort level, you can stand, swim, or snorkel with them, and after your encounter, you can explore the surrounding coral reefs. Feeling their smooth, satiny bodies brush against your skin is a highlight of this exhilarating adventure.

The trip to Stingray City is one of the most popular things to do in Antigua.

3. 17 Mile Beach, Barbuda

Those who lay eyes on Barbuda's 17 Mile Beach, will probably never see a more ravishing stretch of coast. Lapped by pale aqua seas, this stunning stretch of pink-tinged sand separates the Barbuda lagoon from the Caribbean Sea and impresses even the most jaded of beach connoisseurs.

Strolling along these sublime shores is one of the most popular things to do in Barbuda. The sand here is soft as flour, and its remote location means you can walk for miles and not see another soul.

You can either access the beach by boat, or if you prefer a bird's-eye view, fly over it in a helicopter. Tours often include a delicious lunch on the beach.

You can also combine a visit here with a stop at a nearby frigate bird colony. Both these attractions are popular Antigua day trips.

Insider's Tip: This beach has no facilities - and no shade - so if you're not on an organized tour, you should bring your own food and water, as well as plenty of sun protection.

4. Dickenson Bay, Antigua

In the far northwest of Antigua, Dickenson Bay is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Antigua. You'll find everything you need here for a relaxing - or invigorating - day by the sea.

Resorts and restaurants line this mile-long stretch of powdery white sand, and you can try your hand at a full range of water sports. Protected by an offshore reef, the bay is great for swimming, and you'll find activity booths along the sand renting everything you need for other aquatic activities, including jet skiing, snorkeling, and kayaking. The bay is also the hub for Antigua's windsurfing scene.

If you just want to stake a spot on the sand and stare out at the mesmerizing blue sea, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Dickenson Bay is also home to the iconic red phone booth, which features in many a tourist's Instagram photo op.

After a day in the sun, you can feast on fresh seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the beach or book a relaxing massage along the shore.

Dickenson Bay is also home to some of the island's most popular resorts, including Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Sp and Siboney Beach Club

5. Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Antigua

Nelson's Dockyard National Park, in English Harbour, is a hot spot for tourists, packed with multiple attractions. Its main claim to fame is that it remains the only continuously operating Georgian dockyard in the world - it's home to Antigua's former 18th-century British Naval Dockyard, which was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in July, 2016.

During a visit, you can learn more about the dockyard's rich history at The Dockyard Museum in the former Admiral's House. But you can also soak up the ambience by wandering around all the beautifully restored stone warehouses, which contrast strikingly with the glitzy superyachts in the marina. Most of these old buildings are now home to hotels, restaurants, shops, and galleries.

If you want to explore a little further afield, the area is also home to some of the island's best nature trails, which lead to historic forts with panoramic views. Perched on the hilltop at Shirley Heights, Fort Shirley, offers the best vistas (bring your camera), and you can also hike to Fort Berkeley, at the west entrance to the harbor.

The park is also home to 18th-century Clarence House, originally built for the future King William IV, and you can watch a fascinating multimedia presentation on the island's history at the Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre, along the Lookout Trail near Shirley Heights.

6. St. John's, Antigua

St. John's, the capital city and cruise ship port of Antigua and Barbuda, is a kaleidoscope of candy-hued colonial cottages and market stalls piled high with tropical fruits and flowers.

Looming above the skyline are the white neo-Baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral, one of the city's most distinctive buildings. It is currently undergoing a thorough restoration.

For an overview of the island's history, head to the petite Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the 18th-century former Court House, and to soak up more stories from Antigua's past, take a stroll around Betty's Hope, the 17th-century ruins of the island's largest sugar plantation. A small museum here highlights the lives of the slaves who built it.

Since the capital is a popular cruise ship stop, it's no surprise that shopping is one of the most popular things to do in St. John's, Antigua. Duty-free shops abound at Heritage Quay, souvenir stalls beckon from touristy Redcliffe Quay, and the lively harborside public markets are the place to be on Fridays and Saturdays.

For beautiful city and harbor views hike the steep trail to Fort Barrington, built to protect St. John's from the French.

7. Devil's Bridge: Indian Town National Park, Antigua

Along the rugged northeast coast, the dramatic scenery of Indian Town National Park features the natural limestone Devil's Bridge, sculpted over the centuries by the pounding surf. At high tide, waves force geysers of water through blowholes in the nearby rock.

The park also offers some rewarding hikes and excellent birding. More than 36 avian species roost in the park among the acacia trees, and the eastern point of the park is believed to have been an Arawak campsite.

Location: Northeast shore, Antigua

8. Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is a great place to visit to get a feel for the history of these beautiful islands. You don't need much time here. The exhibits are all contained in one room, and they cover topics such as the island's geological origins, colonial history, slavery, archeology, sports, and political independence in 1981.

Highlights include a full-scale replica of an Arawak dwelling, as well as pottery, weaving, tools, and exhibits on the islands' different ecosystems. The museum is located in the former 18th-century Courthouse in St. John's.

Address: Long Street, St. John's

9. Fig Tree Drive, Antigua

Along Antigua's southern coast, Fig Tree Drive winds through rainforest, farmlands, and fishing villages. This picturesque drive offers a glimpse of local life. Banana trees (called "figs" by the locals), mango trees, and coconut palms dot the landscape, as well as the ruins of sugar mills. Look for the roadside stands selling fresh-picked fruit - especially the super juicy pineapples.

Along the route, the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery sells vibrant local art, and if you're looking for something more active, stop by Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours for an exhilarating canopy tour.

10. Frigate Bird Sanctuary, Barbuda

Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birders. Accessible only by boat, the bird sanctuary lies in Barbuda's northwest lagoon and is home to one of the largest nesting colonies of frigate birds in the Caribbean.

These large sea birds are known for their bright red gullets and one-and-a-half-meter wingspan. The reserve also attracts about 150 other species of birds such as herons, cormorants, and pelicans