The Rideau Canal

In winter, a skate or walk on the Rideau Canal is a must. The Rideau Canal is the longest outdoor skating rink in the world, and the Winterlude Festival turns it into a fairytale on ice. In summer, take a lazy stroll to the locks, and visit the Canal Museum.

Ottawa Theatre

If theater is your thing, go to the National Arts Centre, just west of the Rideau Canal. The Arts Centre is the Grand Duchess of theater in Ottawa, and hosts dance, music and international theater events such as the smash "Wicked" and the popular comedy "Beer". From the intimate Fourth Stage to the splendor of Southam Hall, the National Arts Centre has theater shows to suit your tastes.

For an artsy flair, go immediately east of the Rideau Centre, to Arts Court. The stone heritage building was once the Ottawa Courthouse. Arts Court is home to arts groups, modern art galleries, and a theater. The Arts Court Theatre runs popular art and music events all year. The 2008 fall lineup includes the Animation Festival, Le Groupe Dance Lab, and the original musical comedy, "Making Necrophiliac".

Arts Court also features a progressive artist-run gallery and performance space, in the basement.

The Ottawa Jail

Right next door to Arts Court is the old Ottawa jail and gallows. Condemned prisoners could walk from the courthouse, straight to the hanging! The jail is now a hostel, and offers tours for the brave. Many claim it's haunted. Death row is sure to send shivers down your spine.

The Ottawa Byward Market

The historic Byward Market runs for several blocks, just north of Rideau Street. Restaurants, bars, shops and buskers abound. Seasonal fresh vegetables, maple syrup, arts and crafts are available from the outdoor vendors. In the evening, many bars and venues have live entertainment. In summer, the Market parties every night!

The Rideau Centre

For mall shopping and window-gazing, visit the Rideau Centre on the south side of Rideau Street, at Sussex. Sussex Avenue runs north, between the Byward Market and the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Behind the Chateau Laurier, you can stroll among the flowers in Major's Hill Park, until you arrive at the National Art Gallery.

The National Art Gallery

The Gallery has free admission on Thursdays, from 4-9pm, and half-price admission on Sundays. It houses a vast collection of Canadian and world art, from ancient to modern. From there, it's a ten-minute walk over the picturesque Interprovincial Bridge, to the National Museum of Civilization. As you cross the bridge, you enter the province of Quebec. Bienvenue!

The Museum of Civilization

The Museum of Civilization features special exhibits, along with its permanent collection. For children, educational activities run throughout the day. Arrive early for IMAX Theatre shows -- there's always a lineup. Have a coffee on the Museum's cafe patio, overlooking the Ottawa River. Like the National Gallery, the Museum is free on Thursdays after four, and half-price on Sundays.

Trolley Tours, Bus Tours and Boat Tours

There's no shortage of Ottawa tours. You can even take a Harley motorcycle tour! Popular tours include Paul's Boat Tours, along the Rideau Canal; double-decker bus tours, heritage trolley tours, or a trip into the Ottawa River on an amphibious bus. The Haunted Walk offers a walking tour of Ottawa's spookiest places.

Parliament Hill

You can't miss Parliament Hill! The Peace Tower, with its immense clock, is visible from most of downtown Ottawa. Tour the seat of government in Canada. Watch the Changing of The Guard, every day at 9:45 am. Parliament Hill also features the RCMP Musical Ride. The Parliament Buildings are rich in art and political heritage, and are a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture.

Tourist Info

The Capital Infocentre at 90 Wellington St (www.capcan.ca), is directly opposite Parliament Hill, and has a wealth of tourist information, facts and tips. From Rideau Street, follow Rideau west past the Chateau Laurier, where it turns into Wellington.

For nightlife and entertainment, pick up a copy of the free local paper, the Ottawa Xpress.

Language

In Ottawa, services are available in both French and English. Quebec is officially French-speaking, but all services are available in English. Many residents speak English and French.

Enjoy your visit to Ottawa, Canada!

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.

Chicago Children's Museum

Call or visit the web site for hours and events. The price for adults and children is $8, senior is $7. On the first Monday of every month, the museum is free of charge for children 15 years of age and under. Thursday night is designated to Kraft Free Family Night, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and it is free for everyone. Current event features Curious George, and offer many activities for your youngsters.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of natural Science has an IMAX theatre, butterfly center, planetarium, observatory, and insect zoo. Call or visit the web site for hours and prices since there are different prices for different parts of the museum. You can also order your tickets online. A current exhibit of frogs has been extended through January 6 since it is so popular.

Museum of Science, Boston

The Boston Museum offers planetarium, 3-D theatre, IMAX theatre, butterfly garden, laser shows, and special exhibits. You can buy tickets online or over the phone or at the museum. Call or visit the web site for hours. The museum also offers a special camp-in program through Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, where children stay overnight for an entertaining, educational, and interactive way. You can go online to see many virtual exhibits.

Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium

Visit the museum online or call for special events. The price is $20 for adults, $13 for children from 3 to 12 years of age, $18 for seniors and students with identifications. This price includes admission to all museum galleries, planetarium shows, and wildlife center. The Dinosaurs of China is currently on the special exhibit. The Miami Museum also offers Camp-Ins for group to stay overnight, and immerse yourself in science activities. Make sure you check for special time and day through out each month.

Exploratorium, San Francisco

General tickets are $14 for adults, $9 for children 4 to 12 years of age, $11 for seniors and students with identifications. Current exhibit is Glowing worms. The Exploratorium of San Francisco offers tools for teaching, resources, and archives. The Tactile Dorm is an interactive excursion where your sense of touch is your only guide. The ticket for Tactile Dorm is $17 for 7 years of age and up; this includes general admission. Call or check web site for hours.

If you don't see your local museum in this article, please find it in your city. There is always something to do or marvel at the museum large collections. Your little ones will enjoy, learn, and amaze at different cultures and the wide world around them.

Many museums offer activities day, or special presentations. Call your local museum for special events before you go.