Arts & Culture

The Top Nine Most Exciting Things to Do in Bangkok

Don’t waste a single minute of your trip! If you want to have a memorable trip to this exotic city, include these in your to-do list.

Bangkok is more of a touristy city than you realize. Some may not be crazy about that, but the flocks of tourists that still flood the city streets all year-round are proof that it has something great to offer to everyone.

This city has amazing cultural hotspots to offer, as well as plenty of modern amenities and unique attractions. Check out some of the things you shouldn’t miss out on.

1. Visit the Grand Palace

It’s no wonder that the Grand Palace ranks as the number one tourist attraction in Thailand’s capital. After all, a tour of this majestic site is one of the best things to do in Bangkok, especially on a sunny day.

The palace has been around since 1782 and construction concluded the same year Bangkok became the capital of Thailand. Today it’s more of a tourist hotspot since the king visits the palace only for official ceremonies.

Unlike similar structures, the Grand Palace is actually a massive complex. It features over 100 palaces, pavilions, and other builds.

You can visit the complex every day. One ticket allows entry into all the buildings and museums, including entrance to a Thai dance show hosted by the Royal Theater.

2. Shop at the Chatuchak Market

You shouldn’t shy away from the weekend markets on your Bangkok trip. And Chatuchak Market should be on your list – it’s the largest one of its kind in Thailand. However, you’ll only find it open on weekends.

Make sure you also get a map of the place. Believe it or not, the market hosts over 15,000 stands. A significant section of the market offers food. Other areas have dedicated stands for jewelry, clothes, souvenirs, and so on.

There’s a lot to see and it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of shops.

3. Take a Stroll in Lumpini Park

When you wake up to good Bangkok weather, you might want to consider visiting the city’s largest park. Plenty of tourists and locals explore it but it’s still a nice escape from the bustle of big crowds.

It also has some of the widest green spaces in the city. The landscaped paths are gorgeous and take you all around the lake. And if you travel with the kids, you can also find some playgrounds in the park. You can even rent swan pedal boats and hit the lake on a scorching day.

Lumpini Park is a great spot to take some pictures of wildlife, too. You can easily spot the local Malay lizards that look pretty similar to Komodo dragons. They can get quite big and are a common sight near the lake.

4. Enjoy a Special Dinner

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Taking a river cruise is already one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok. So why not take it one step further?

You can enhance the cruise experience by booking a nighttime trip. Then, you can enjoy a full-on dinner cruise service right on the Chao Phraya River. The cuisine is local and very tasty, with the illuminated buildings as a majestic backdrop.

Bangkok is already a beautiful city during the day. But it looks even better at night when the entire city lights up.

5. Get a Panoramic View of the City

When you’re done shopping in Bangkok, why not take in more sights? Rooftop bars are some of the hottest attractions in the city, so feel free to see a bird’s eye view of the city while enjoying your drink.

In that regard, Baiyoke Tower certainly is the cherry on top. It has a lovely terrace 77 floors above ground. You can go even higher and enjoy the best panoramic view of Bangkok from the 84^th floor.

Buy or book a ticket in advance since the spot is a tourist hotspot. Included in the ticket is a buffet, so you can spend some time on the roof deck and enjoy the scenery while indulging in some sumptuous dishes.

6. Ring Thrills

What’s Thailand’s national sport? It’s Muay Thai.

Even if you’re not a boxing fan, you have to see at least one Muay Thai match in your lifetime. It has a different kind of atmosphere from what you usually experience in western countries. It’s a real show with boxing dances, real fights, native music, and crazy crowds cheering for their favorites.

You’ll also find that boxing is almost an everyday event in Bangkok, so booking a ticket to an event shouldn’t be too difficult.

7. Relax the Traditional Way

You see plenty of Thai massage parlors all over the world. After all, it’s supposedly one of the most relaxing techniques you can experience.

So while in Thailand, why not ensure you get an authentic massage, at least for the sake of comparison? It’s one of the best things to do in Bangkok and not as pricey as you may think.

You’ll get off the table a bit sore but at the same time stretched and relaxed like never before.

8. Explore the Floating Markets

Chatuchak Market is quite the experience. But there’s no reason to deny that you’ll run into big crowds. Bangkok’s neighboring floating markets, on the other hand, provide a different kind of experience.

Touring and shopping at a floating market is one of the top exciting things to do in Bangkok.

It’s the reason why these markets flood tourists with vibrant colors, exciting merchandise, and a healthy dose of Thailand folklore. Some companies even offer tours of the floating markets.

9. Travel the Khao San Road

Believe it or not, this is Bangkok’s most cosmopolitan area. What was years ago a destination for backpackers is now a tourist hotspot.

What’s the reason to visit Khao San Road? It’s packed with restaurants, bars, and cheap accommodations. It also has some of the city’s best spots to grab a drink at night if you want to experience Bangkok nightlife.

Enjoy Every Minute

With generally good weather all 365 days of the year and a clash of cultures, Bangkok is not your typical Thai vacation destination. It offers terrific parks, historical buildings, river cruises, floating markets, and so much more.

Many tourists return to do new things or relive past experiences. It’s a place where boredom is impossible, even though it’s not the quietest city to sleep in after a long day.

Related Topics:Grand Palace Exciting Things to Do in Bangkok bangkok floating market thai massage muay thai thailand river cruise markets parks activities

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New Orleans Was Just Named the World’s Best Food City — Here’s Where to Eat First

New Orleans recently earned the top spot on Time Out’s “Best Food Cities in the World 2025” list—outshining global hotspots from Bangkok to Cape Town. With 93% of locals rating it sky-high for restaurants and affordability, the Crescent City is officially a food lover’s paradise. Ready to explore the dishes that earned NOLA its crown? Here’s where to start:

1. Willie Mae’s Scotch House – Soulful Fried Chicken

This legendary Treme spot draws lines for its crusty, perfectly seasoned fried chicken and soulful white beans.

2. Commander’s Palace – Haute Creole Classics

A landmark for over a century, and a magnet for celebrities like Mick Jagger and Sandra Bullock. Here, elegant Creole dishes meet timeless Southern hospitality.

3. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – Community & Culture

A civil-rights landmark and local favorite. Don’t miss their famed gumbo—it’s part of NOLA’s cultural heartbeat.

4. Dakar NOLA – Senegalese Gem

Named one of the 12 best new U.S. restaurants and James Beard Award–winning. It offers bold African flavors that add a global twist to the local scene.

5. Arnaud’s – Creole Tradition & History

Since 1918, Arnaud’s has defined Creole cuisine. Besides food, it houses a Mardi Gras museum—lesser-known but culturally rich.

6. Acamaya – Mariscos with a Mexican Flair

A newer hotspot on Dauphine Street specializing in Mexican seafood. Named a NYT “Top 50 U.S.” restaurant, it’s a must for adventurous eaters.

7. Café du Monde – Iconic Beignets & Chicory Coffee

You can’t talk NOLA food without beignets and café au lait. The powdered-sugar pastries at this legendary spot are a sugary introduction to the city.

8. Parkway Bakery & Tavern – Legendary Po’ Boys

Time Out ropes in Parkway for “if you only eat one thing…”—their roast-beef po’ boys are simple, iconic, and unforgettable.

9. Monday Bakery – Sweet Potato Beignets

TikTok star Keith Lee raves about them — “sweet potato beignets at Monday… he went back for another order.”

10. Hidden Courtyard Eats at Patula

A new addition praised by local critics: tucked away off the beaten path with atmospheric vibes and inventive dishes.

Why This Buzz Matters

– Local pride: 93% of New Orleanians rate it a top-tier food destination
– Global recognition: Top of Time Out’s worldwide list
– Celebrity appeal: Frequented by Beyoncé, Swift, Gordon Ramsay & more

Start with These Neighborhood Food Adventures

– Treme & French Quarter: Willie Mae’s, Parkway, Arnaud’s, Café du Monde
– Uptown & Magazine Street: Dakar NOLA, Acamaya, Monday Bakery
– Hidden Courtyard: Seek out Patula for something off-menu yet unforgettable.

New Orleans’s mix of tradition, innovation, and deep-rooted passion isn’t just a culinary scene—it’s a story you can taste. Now that it’s officially the world’s best, there’s no better time to plan your escape one bite at a time.

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New Orleans, a city steeped in history, rich culture, and a distinct air of mystery, is practically synonymous with the supernatural. Its long and often turbulent past, marked by epidemics, fires, wars, and dark secrets, has left behind an undeniable spectral residue. If you’re looking for a thrill, a walk through the Crescent City’s historic streets after dark is sure to give you chills.

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1. The LaLaurie Mansion (1140 Royal Street)

Perhaps the most infamous haunted house in New Orleans, the LaLaurie Mansion holds a truly gruesome history. Owned by the socially prominent Madame Delphine LaLaurie in the 1830s, this seemingly elegant home concealed unspeakable horrors. In 1834, a fire in the mansion led to the discovery of brutally tortured and mutilated enslaved people. While Madame LaLaurie escaped, the spirits of her victims are said to remain, haunting the property with screams, groans, and unsettling paranormal activity. This privately owned residence is a popular stop on ghost tours, its dark past palpable even from the street.

2. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (400 Basin Street)

As New Orleans’ oldest active cemetery, dating back to 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a labyrinth of crumbling, above-ground tombs. Due to the city’s unique burial practices (graves are built above ground because of the high water table), this “city of the dead” is a dense collection of final resting places, many of which are said to be far from quiet. The most famous resident is the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, whose tomb is often adorned with offerings and “X” marks left by visitors hoping for wishes to be granted. Others report seeing full-bodied apparitions and hearing disembodied voices among the crypts. Access is typically restricted to guided tours only.

3. The Sultan’s Palace (Gardette-LePretre House, 716 Dauphine Street)

This beautiful French Quarter mansion holds a tale of unimaginable horror. Legend has it that in the mid-19th century, a wealthy “sultan” and his entourage occupied the house, indulging in lavish, wild parties. One morning, the entire household was found brutally murdered – dismembered bodies scattered throughout the house and courtyard. While some historians debate the exact details, the gruesome story has firmly cemented the Sultan’s Palace as a hotbed of paranormal activity. Visitors and residents have reported screams, the sounds of Middle Eastern music, and ghostly figures wandering the property.

4. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street)

One of the oldest surviving buildings in the French Quarter, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a legendary dive bar said to be haunted by the pirate Jean Lafitte himself. Built in the late 1700s, this atmospheric, dimly lit establishment (often lit only by candlelight) has seen centuries of revelry and dark dealings. Patrons and staff have reported seeing Lafitte’s full-bodied apparition lurking in the shadows, objects moving on their own, and strange whispers in the dead of night. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink and see if you can feel a chilling presence.

5. The Andrew Jackson Hotel (919 Royal Street)

Once the site of a boys’ orphanage that tragically burned down, claiming the lives of several young residents, the Andrew Jackson Hotel is now a charming boutique hotel with a lively spirit population. Guests and staff frequently report hearing the laughter and footsteps of spectral children playing in the courtyard and halls. Some even claim to have had their pillows ruffled or personal items moved. The playful yet undeniable presence of these young ghosts adds a unique, eerie charm to this historic hotel.

6. Muriel’s Restaurant (801 Chartres Street)

Located directly across from St. Louis Cathedral, Muriel’s Restaurant is housed in a building with a long and storied past. The most famous resident ghost is believed to be Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who owned the property in the early 1800s. After losing the house in a high-stakes poker game, he tragically committed suicide on the second floor. Today, Muriel’s honors his memory by keeping a table permanently set for him in the Seance Lounge. Guests and staff have reported seeing a shimmering, sparkly light (believed to be Jourdan’s spirit) and other unexplained phenomena.

7. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres Street)

This quaint, historic museum, America’s first licensed pharmacy, holds a darker secret. It’s believed to be haunted by the ghost of its second owner, Dr. Joseph Dupas, a physician with a penchant for unorthodox, often gruesome, medical experiments, particularly on pregnant women and enslaved individuals. Visitors to the museum have reported disembodied voices, objects moving on their own, and even the chilling sensation of being watched or touched. The eerie atmosphere and the unsettling history make it a truly unique and unsettling spot.

New Orleans truly embraces its spectral side, offering numerous ghost tours that delve deeper into the chilling tales and dark corners of the city. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, a visit to these haunted locales is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the mysterious, and perhaps a shiver down your spine.

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A night out at a Broadway show in New York City can easily set you back $150—and that’s just for one seat. But what if we told you that you could stay in the heart of NYC for 4 nights—for less?

Thanks to a travel hack we found through Booksi, you can book 5 days and 4 nights in Midtown Manhattan for just $89 total. Yes, less than the price of a single theater ticket.
Here’s how to turn a Broadway-budget into a full-on Big Apple experience:

Stay Where the Action Is🗽

This deal gets you into the Wingate by Wyndham New York Midtown, just steps from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and Times Square. It’s clean, comfortable, and smack in the middle of everything you came to NYC to see.

Explore for Next to Nothing 🍎

New York is a dream destination even without a packed wallet. After you’ve checked in, spend your days exploring: – Central Park (free) – Staten Island Ferry for skyline views (free) – High Line + Chelsea Market (free to walk, cheap to eat) – Grand Central + NY Public Library (gorgeous, historic, and free)

Eat Like a Local (Without the Tourist Prices) 🍕

Sure, NYC has Michelin stars—but you’ll also find: – $1 pizza slices – Bagels with schmear for under $5 – Hidden noodle shops and food trucks serving killer meals for under $10

Still Want Broadway? 🎭

You’re in luck! Use your savings to score rush or lottery tickets. Many big shows offer $30–$50 day-of tickets. That means you can still see a show and stay four nights for less than one regular-priced seat.