What's Istanbul famous for?

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and straddles the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years and has been home to numerous civilizations, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Today, Istanbul is a vibrant and lively city that is home to more than 15 million people.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia, a former basilica that was converted into a mosque and is now a museum. The Hagia Sophia is a testament to the city's history and was once the largest cathedral in the world. It is known for its stunning architecture and its intricate mosaics and frescoes.

Another must-see attraction in Istanbul is the Topkapi Palace, which was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. It is now a museum that houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts, including jewels, ceramics, and weaponry.

The Grand Bazaar is another popular destination in Istanbul, with its maze of narrow streets and over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and antiques. It is a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of the city and to pick up some souvenirs.

In addition to its historical landmarks, Istanbul is also known for its delicious food. Turkish cuisine is a fusion of various cultures, including Ottoman, Persian, and Mediterranean, and is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and flavorful herbs. Some popular dishes to try in Istanbul include lamb kebabs, börek (a pastry filled with meat or cheese), and baklava (a sweet dessert made with layers of filo dough and nuts).

Istanbul is also home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Gülhane Park and the Yıldız Park, which are great places to relax and escape the city's bustle. The city is also home to several beaches, including the popular Kilyos Beach, which is located on the Black Sea.

One of the best ways to experience Istanbul is to take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which offers stunning views of the city's skyline and its historical landmarks. You can also visit the Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower that offers panoramic views of the city.

Istanbul is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and there is so much to see and do. Whether you are interested in exploring its rich history, trying its delicious food, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Istanbul has something for everyone. So, Istanbul is a city that should definitely be on your bucket list if you are planning a trip to Turkey.

Where is Dubai, United Arab Emirates?

Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a global hub for business, tourism, and culture. Located on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is known for its futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, and year-round sunshine. 

Dubai has a population of over 3 million people, with a diverse mix of expatriates and locals. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with residents hailing from around the world. 

Dubai's economy is built on trade, tourism, and real estate. The city is home to the world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic, and it is a major hub for cargo and logistics. Dubai is also a major tourist destination, with over 20 million visitors each year. The city's many attractions include the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree. 

Dubai is known for its luxury shopping, with numerous high-end stores and malls. The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, features over 1,200 stores and a number of attractions, including an indoor theme park and an ice rink. The city is also home to the Dubai World Trade Centre, a major exhibition and conference venue. 

Dubai is a city of superlatives, with a number of record-breaking attractions. The Burj Khalifa, for example, stands at 828 meters tall, making it the world's tallest building. The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island built in the shape of a palm tree, is home to a number of luxurious hotels and homes. The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. 

Dubai is also a city of innovation, with a number of cutting-edge projects in development. The city is home to the Museum of the Future, which showcases futuristic technologies and designs. Dubai is also working on the development of a network of driverless vehicles, and it has plans to build a city on Mars. 

Dubai has a desert climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The city is located in a desert region, and it can be quite hot during the summer months. However, the city has a number of air-conditioned spaces, including malls and restaurants, which provide a respite from the heat. 

Dubai is a city of contrasts, with a blend of modern and traditional elements. The city is home to a number of traditional markets, or souks, where visitors can find spices, textiles, and other local goods. The city is also home to a number of traditional mosques, as well as modern skyscrapers and luxurious hotels. Dubai is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in luxury shopping, futuristic technology, or traditional culture, there is something to discover in this vibrant and dynamic city.

8 Things You Should Know About Norway's Fjords

Norway has more fjords than any other country in the world, and they’re some of the most beautiful natural landmarks you can visit. Curious about what makes them so special? Check out these 8 things you should know about Norway’s fjords before your next trip!

1) What does fjord mean?

The fjord is a long, narrow arm of seawater carved out of the solid rock because of the ice. A fjord is an English word derived from an Old Norse word for inlet or bay. The most common types of fjords are created when a land glacier cuts into a coast; in turn, channels are formed through which glacial meltwater flows freely until it reaches deeper ocean waters.

2) Where do you find them?

Norway is home to over 3,000 fjords, making it one of only two countries in Europe that have long fjord-like inlets. The UK is home to Scotland’s Loch Ness and England’s Lake Windermere, but neither are as expansive as their Norwegian counterparts. Unsurprisingly, Norway has a lot of lakes: 13% of its total area! But what makes them so unique? It all comes down to how they were formed. While most lakes around the world were created by glacial erosion, Norway’s fjords were carved out by glaciers during an ice age more than 10,000 years ago. This means they're deeper and longer than most other bodies of water—and with steep sides that rise hundreds of feet above sea level, they're also much more dramatic!

3) How are they formed?

As glaciers eroded their way down hillsides, they carved deep valleys in their wake. Over time, those valleys were filled with water, creating an ever-narrowing passage of water that is now a fjord. A good example of that process is at Nærøyfjorden on Norway’s west coast. The half-mile-deep and -wide Nærøyfjorden has been carved out by a glacier; only about 10% of it was formed by water erosion!

4) Why is the water so blue?

The water is so blue because it is filled with tiny particles of glacial silt that reflect light. The fjords are very deep and narrow, and they have steep sides that rise abruptly from deep water, which helps make the water appear blue. The process of glaciers carving out these valleys into mountains is called glacial carving. Glaciers carry rocks and other debris in their path as they move forward, grinding away at anything in their way. When a glacier retreats (melts), it leaves behind a U-shaped valley known as a glacial trough or a fjord. In some cases, when glaciers retreat quickly or melt completely, large lakes can form behind them. These lakes drain through gaps between mountain ranges to create more fjords. In other cases, the land rises due to tectonic activity after a glacier melts; in those areas, you'll find lakes rather than fjords—such as Lake Superior in North America or Lake Baikal in Russia.

5) Who named them fjords?

A fjord is a long narrow inlet, or arm of the sea, surrounded by steep cliffs, characteristic of Scandinavia. Technically speaking, any long and deep channel or waterway in an arctic region is considered a fjord. Typically though, a fjord has one end that juts directly into an ice shelf and glaciers or tundra. The Norwegian word for fjord is a fjord, but because there are so many bodies of water with similar names found all over Europe, they're often identified by their local regions—like Scottish Lochs and Danish Fjords.

6) What is their connection to glaciers?

Fjords are narrow inlets of seawater that were carved by glaciers. Over time, as glaciers recede and lose mass, they leave behind depressions on Earth’s surface, creating fjord basins. Because glaciers do not melt uniformly throughout their length—that is, at different rates depending on their shape and location—the fjord basins can be extremely steep near where a glacier meets land but very shallow farther away from shore (if there is one). Other times, a fjord will extend inland from both sides of a glacier, resulting in an S-shape configuration. The more common V-shaped configuration results when multiple valleys merge to form a single fjord system.

7) Are there lakes with fjords as well?

Technically, no. But that hasn’t stopped some people from referring to lakes in Canada and Alaska as fjords. If you go by scientific definitions of a fjord, though, there are no true lakes with fjords in North America. There is a lake that many locals call Lake Michigan-Huron because it connects those two bodies of water on its eastern side.

8) Which countries have more fjords than Norway?

The top three countries with more fjords than Norway are Sweden, Finland, and Canada. There are over 3,000 fjords in Norway, which isn't too surprising since they have so much coastline. The most heavily fjord-populated area of Scandinavia is West Norwegian Fjordland, which stretches from Bergen to Sogn and has over 1,000 fjords along its shoreline. A visit to any of these regions would be nothing short of mesmerizing.

Visit Cyprus Now: Why is It a Good Time to Visit?

 You have always wanted to visit Cyprus, and you finally have the chance to go! However, you are concerned about traveling to Cyprus now that the country has entered into bankruptcy proceedings and its future status remains uncertain. Don’t be; now is a great time to visit the island nation, especially if you are interested in the culture, history, and people of Cyprus. Here are three reasons why you should travel to Cyprus now before it becomes too popular with other tourists.

Geography

Situated in southern Europe, between Greece and Turkey, there is a beautiful country known as Cyprus. This island nation boasts long stretches of sandy beaches, picturesque hills, and valleys, ancient castles, and monuments—and it’s about to become even more enticing for tourists. With positive economic growth for almost two decades straight and its proximity to Southern Europe and Northern Africa, Cyprus attracts a wide variety of travelers. So much so that you may wonder if you too should visit!

Heritage

At first, glance, visiting Cyprus may seem like an unusual choice. Yes, it’s located on one of Europe’s most popular tourist routes (among other things), but its recent history has not been so easy-going. In 1974, tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots erupted into civil war and have yet to be resolved. And yes, there are still landmines in parts of the country—but none near where tourists typically travel. So why visit now? Because while there are many reasons why you shouldn’t visit Cyprus—it’s not cheap; it’s difficult to get around; there are still landmines—there are also many reasons why you should visit. Here are just a few

Culture

In addition to its long history and rich archaeological heritage, there are also many Greek cultures in Cyprus. It’s not uncommon for people on both sides of the country’s divide—Greek and Turkish Cypriots—to speak both languages, though English is usually understood across party lines.

Climate

Cyprus has an amazing climate, hot during summer and mild during winter. There are plenty of sunny days throughout each year, meaning you’ll be able to spend as much time outdoors as you like. The average high temperature in July was about 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit), while it only dropped to 17 degrees Celsius (63 Fahrenheit) in January. The average rainfall per month varies from 2 millimeters in October to 86 millimeters in August, so expect your clothes to dry quickly if they get wet. Rainfall mainly occurs between October and May, but even then there are only 10 rainy days per month on average. If you love sunbathing or swimming at beaches with clear water, then Cyprus will be up your street!

Safety & Security

With peace restored and tourism in full swing, visitors can feel safe and secure in Cyprus. The country has been named one of the safest places for tourists in all of Europe by TripAdvisor, beating out other popular destinations like Malta, Italy, Spain, and Croatia.

Politics

To start, it’s important to note that there’s no safe time for travel. The politics of wherever you are going to affect your safety (or lack thereof) in one way or another. However, when planning your trip, it’s always worth doing some research on potential hazards and what precautions you can take for yourself and others.

Tourism Sector

Tourism accounts for over 3.3% of GDP in Cyprus, with 2.5 million tourists visiting annually. Tourism has now overtaken Banking as one of its major sectors and there are many reasons why it is popular with tourists and citizens alike. In 2013, more than 30% of the population was born outside Cyprus, so the Cypriot people are accustomed to dealing with different cultures and speaking several languages ​​fluently (English is another). As far as other countries go, it's closer than you might think – less than two hours from London by plane; flight connections from US cities via Europe can take only about 7 hours.

Transportation Infrastructure

The country’s transportation infrastructure is modern and extensive, with many roadways connecting its major cities. Highways are well maintained; motor vehicles are reliable and passable during all seasons. While there are few highways in rural areas, they’re also well maintained. Bus routes connect all major destinations daily; in addition, there are more than 150 taxi companies throughout Cyprus that provide service 24 hours per day.

Red Square Moscow Facts

Red Square in Moscow, Russia, is one of the most famous squares in the world and deserves its status as such. It’s the largest square in Moscow, with an area of 155,600 square feet, but it’s also considered to be one of the oldest public open spaces in Russia and dates back to 1327 AD. Originally called Krasnaya Ploschad meaning Red Place, it was renamed after Lenin’s death to be called Lenin Square and then back to Red Square.

Location

Red Square Moscow Russia. Red Square in Moscow is situated at 0 longitudes and +0 latitudes. The red square in London is situated at 0 longitudes and -0 latitudes. Red square in Kyiv is situated at 0 longitudes and 30 latitudes. Red square in Paris is situated at 0 longitudes and 2 latitudes. Red square Kyiv Ukraine, Red square Paris France, red square Dublin Ireland, red square Amsterdam Netherlands

History

Red Square in Moscow Russia is one of Russia’s most important monuments. It was known as Red Square during Soviet times and it is an important part of Russian history as it houses Lenin’s Mausoleum and Moscow’s iconic Kremlin. As well as being a prominent part of Russian history, Red Square is a popular tourist attraction. It draws large crowds every year to see some of Russia’s most famous landmarks including St Basil's Cathedral, The State History Museum, and The Bolshoi Theatre. Red square's rich history dates back to the 1500s making it one of Russia's oldest monuments. During Communist rule, Vladimir Lenin's Mausoleum stood in the red square until its removal in 1961 by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.

Attractions

Red Square Moscow Russia is one of Russia’s most famous attractions. This iconic landmark has been at the center of Russian history for centuries, playing host to ceremonies and protests alike. Red Square is home to many cathedrals and palaces including St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM, Lenin’s Mausoleum, The Kremlin, and St. Vasilii's Cathedral. This part of Red Square in Moscow also features major government buildings such as The State Historical Museum of Russia and The Diamond Fund of Russia Museum where you can find expensive gems like precious diamonds belonging to Tsar Nicholas II or unique uncut crystals as big as a fist! Some of the buildings include many fine restaurants that offer excellent food from traditional Russian dishes to modern culinary recipes.

Important buildings located on Red Square

The Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and GUM (Regional Department Store). The square was first mentioned in historical documents in 1493 and was officially called Red Square after its paving stones were colored red during an 18th-century renovation. Despite that, though, some people still call it by its unofficial name of Krasnaya Ploshchad. People come to Red Square for a variety of reasons: to see the Russian flag hoisted or lowered over the Kremlin, to visit Lenin's Mausoleum to pay their respects, and/or just simply to stroll through one of Russia's most historic areas.

Things to remember when visiting Red Square

Red Square is located in central Moscow. It covers an area of ​​250,000 square meters. It is named after the red tiles that cover its facades during tsarist times. Red Square is also one of the oldest squares in the world, having been on the market since 1050 AD. It was later used as a parade ground by Russian monarchs and as a meeting place for Soviet leaders during Communist times. When visiting Red Square, remember to dress appropriately. Specifically, women should cover their knees and shoulders and men should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts or hats without permission from authorities. The square is also home to many cultural attractions, including the Tian'anmen Square Museum, the Forbidden City Concert Hall, the Great Bell of Tian'anmen, and the Monument to the People's Heroes.

How to Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the most famous in Egypt, and if you’re going to visit it, here’s everything you need to know. Of course, if you’re traveling with children, be sure to check out the pyramids too! And don’t forget to check out your local travel agency before you go—they can book your flights and hotel rooms at great rates. Here are all of the details on how to visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo!

The Old and New Museums

So how does a tourist get from one museum to another? While both museums are located in Tahrir Square, they’re not connected physically. And while it might be tempting to jump into a cab outside one and have your driver take you over, doing so is quite dangerous; pickpockets are known to work these areas. Instead, visitors should walk across an open plaza (you’ll need good shoes) to find underground passageways that connect them between buildings. The trip takes about 10 minutes, but if you do get lost along the way—and you will likely get lost at some point—there are plenty of locals happy to help navigate you through.

Opening Hours

The Grand Egyptian museum is open from 9 am-6 pm on weekdays and 8 am-5:30 pm on weekends. Make sure you check your time zone so you don’t miss out. It stays open for an hour longer than most other attractions in Cairo, and it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re enjoying yourself (or are captivated by Tutankhamun). The museum closes on Tuesdays.

Admission Prices

You will want to purchase a general admission ticket or passport that grants you access for three days. These are fairly expensive but worth it. If you only have one day, skip over it. Many museums in Egypt close on Mondays, so be sure and check their website before planning your trip. The Grand Egyptian Museum is $ 50 per person and gives you free admission to all of its permanent exhibitions, including the famous Tutankhamun gold mask (if it goes well restored by then). Entrance fees range from EGP 100-200 ($8-USD 16) for smaller museums, such as pharaonic temples; those sights charge more for photography and some even require a photography permit for non-members or non-Egyptians!

Entrance Gates

The first thing you should do is purchase your tickets online, as online tickets are cheaper than buying them at a kiosk outside of the museum. The entrance gates are located on Ramses Street, and you’ll need to find someone who can help direct you inside. If you purchased your ticket online and have a printout, it will be easier. Many tourist police will be working at the main entrance gate and can assist with any questions or problems that might arise. When it’s time for your appointment with one of their curators, give yourself an extra 15 minutes or so; these are highly recommended, and book up quickly.

Visiting Tips

The Grand Egyptian Museum is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm. Admission is currently free, though it's possible that could change at some point in 2017. Plan to spend at least two hours there. There are also many restaurants and shops within walking distance of The Grand Egyptian Museum; if you need a break or something to do, look for businesses along Sayed El-Sayed St., Mohamed Mahmoud St., and Qasr el-Nil St. If you have time after visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, consider passing there.

Nile Cruise from Aswan to Cairo

A unique experience. To visit Egypt and not take a Nile cruise would be like seeing America and not taking part in an American road trip. There are several different options for cruises, ranging from sailing on privately owned yachts, sailboats or gulets (wooden ships), traditional dahabiyas, five-star riverboats, or luxury motorboats with casinos and discos. The most famous travel option is a seven-night luxury voyage on a large paddlewheel steamer that starts at Aswan - where it's called The Nile Cruise - and ends at Luxor - where it's called The Nile Festival. This time-honored tradition has been going on for more than 150 years.

Taxi from Downtown Cairo To The Museum

There are many ways to get from downtown Cairo to Giza and (most commonly) from downtown Giza to Downtown Cairo. Taxis are usually the cheapest, costing less than 50 LE for a trip within an hour. This is one of three main options: take a taxi; take Metro Line 2 or 7 (If you're traveling during peak hours, it's best not to go with either of these options); catch a microbus (also called micro-shuttles) outside Youth Hostel at Mohandessin Station.

8 things you probably didn't know about Easter Island

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as it’s called in the native language, sits in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean between Chile and Tahiti and is home to around 3,800 people. The island was discovered by Europeans when Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen found it on Easter Sunday in 1722 and named it Easter Island because he arrived during Easter week. For all its popularity these days, there are some things about Easter Island that most people don’t know about the place, so we decided to get the facts straight for you! Here are 8 things you probably didn't know about Easter Island!

1) where it is

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and is a territory of Chile. It's 900 miles (1,500 kilometers) west of Chile. Easter Island is one of the five South Pacific islands that make up French Polynesia. The island covers a land area of just 62 square miles (160 square kilometers). The small island was formed by an extinct volcano rising 2,250 feet (686 meters) above sea level. Easter Island's highest point is Mataveri Peak at 1,344 feet (410 meters).

2) why do people go there

Easter Island is a very special place. One of earth's most remote places, Easter Island is 3,500 miles west of South America and 2,200 miles east of Tahiti. People have gone there for hundreds of years to find peace and create art. Because it was isolated and devoid of natural resources, the settlers settled on Easter Island. It was also a good place for fishermen to trade because it was in the middle of the country and so far away from anyone else that they could be attacked or taken by someone else. That’s why so many people live there and why they don’t want other people to take over their little island paradise!

3) who discovered it

Easter Island was first discovered by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday in 1722. Over time, Easter Island has been claimed and occupied by many countries, including Chile, Spain, and Great Britain. In 1888, Chile annexed Easter Island to its territory and it remains part of Chile today. The island is called Rapa Nui (the native name) or Isla de Pascua (Spanish for Easter Island) in Spanish. Its official language is Spanish but English is also widely spoken throughout much of Easter Island.

4) who controls it today

Easter Island is an overseas territory of Chile. Chile annexed Easter Island in 1888 and made it part of its Valparaiso Region. Since 1985, Easter has had its administrative region called a special territory, which is governed by a council and presided over by a delegate appointed by Chile's president. (source: CIA World Factbook)

5) who lived there originally

Easter Islanders were Polynesians from French Polynesia. These people are also called Rapa Nui and called their home island Te Pito Te Henua, which translates to Navel of The World. To many explorers, Easter Island looked like a giant volcano emerging from an ocean. This is fitting because volcanoes have shaped much of Easter's topography.

6) what they built

Easter Island was colonized by Polynesians, who arrived around AD 1200. They carved giant statues called moai out of stone to honor their chiefs and ancestors. The largest of these statues is 33 feet (10 meters) high and weighs 82 tons (72,000 kilograms). There are over 900 moai on Easter Island; nearly half stand in a single group near the Rano Raraku crater. One massive statue, called Paro, lies toppled face down in one of Easter Island's lakes; it is so large that researchers believe it would have required a team of 80 men more than 10 years to carve.

7) who attacked them

The native Easter Islanders were attacked and enslaved by people from neighboring islands. Europeans are thought to have visited Easter Island in the early 1000 CE, although they may have arrived in the 16th century. Dutch sailor Jacob Roggeveen was one of the first Europeans to visit Easter Island in 1722. However, there is no concrete evidence of European occupation before that time.

8) how their statues were moved

Easter Island is famous for its huge, ancient stone statues. And if there’s one thing most people probably don’t know about Easter Island, it’s how those statues were moved from place to place. As it turns out, carving and building an eight-foot-tall statue of a person—much less transporting it to a different location—isn’t easy. But that didn’t stop Easter Islanders from moving their stone giants. For starters, they had a small island at their disposal.

Petronas Twin Towers Facts, What is inside Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Twin Towers, also known as Petronas Twin Towers Malaysia, are the tallest twin towers in the world. What are Petronas Twin Towers famous for? This article will guide you on all Petronas Twin Towers facts, including what’s inside Petronas Twin Towers and how tall are Petronas Twin Towers. You can also learn about who owns Petronas Twin Towers and other interesting facts about the buildings themselves. When was it built? Are there any other buildings like it around the world? Read on to find out!

Petronas Twin Towers Building Information

The world’s tallest twin towers are The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Each tower has 88 stories and a total length of 452 meters (1,483 feet). The towers house offices and are considered part of Malaysia’s national symbol. The twin towers were designed by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli who also designed Taipei 101 in Taiwan. They have become iconic symbols for Malaysia and are an important part of the city skyline.

The History Behind Petronas Twin Towers

The history of Petronas twin towers Malaysia began in 1979 when Malaysia decided to grow its oil and gas by building a new oil and gas processing plant. The project would go on for years in construction stages but finally started operating in 1999. In 1996, at an estimated cost of RM9 billion (USD2.5 billion), making it one of the most expensive buildings built by a single entity in Malaysia.

How Tall Is the Top of Petronas Twin Towers?

At 452.9 meters (1,483 feet), it’s a little taller than Willis Tower in Chicago but not quite as tall as Taipei 101 in Taiwan. However, it’s only half of a building that stands about twice as tall: 828m (2,717 feet) tall and with 89 stories. That top you see when looking at photos from space? It is simply a cylinder on top of one tower connected to the other by an internal bridge — not a literal part of any tower. If you measure from sea level to any point on its roof, Petronas towers are roughly 150m taller than their Chicago counterparts.

Things to See Inside Petronas Twin Towers

1. At street level (open to the public) you will find plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as a large open-air plaza. 2. The underground space has been turned into an 11-level shopping mall (called Suria KLCC) which features more than 400 retail outlets. 3. The car park level has been turned into a giant aquarium - popular with kids! 4. The open-air Skybridge on Level 6 offers some great views of KL, including Jalan Bukit Bintang; while up on Level 7 there’s an observation deck with 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur and beyond from 228 meters (750 feet) high!

When Can I Visit This Amazing Structure?

Ever wondered what it was like to work in a skyscraper? Now you can. The owner of Petronas Twin Towers Malaysia just announced they're opening up their two-tower business structure to tourists for three days during Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia. Starting on September 19, visitors can ride a glass elevator 738 meters up to visit either tower's roof and take pictures from some of Southeast Asia's best viewpoints. You can also see unique works of art and architecture that have gone into building one of the world's tallest twin towers. But remember! It is only for three days, so book your tickets now before they run out.

Who Owns Malaysia's Most Famous Landmark?

You might be surprised to learn that Malaysia's most famous landmark isn't a mosque or a royal palace; it's a pair of skyscrapers. The Petronas Twin Towers have become synonymous with Kuala Lumpur and are now iconic around Asia—and even in parts of Europe, thanks to an appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Today these towers dominate Malaysia's skyline as one of its most famous landmarks. Read on for fun facts about these iconic buildings!

How Much Did it Cost to Build PETRONAS Buildings?

Completed in 1998, PETRONAS Towers became one of the world's most impressive landmarks in Malaysia. The two towers rise to a height of 452 m (1,483 ft) and were named after Petroleum Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s national oil company. It was constructed for more than $1 billion and contains over 73 elevators and 4 escalators. Towers cost about $ 850 million each to build the equivalent of 634 million euros today. Around half a million people visit PETRONAS twin towers every year with most coming from South East Asia. Tourists love visiting PETRONAS Towers as they provide excellent views across Kuala Lumpur as well as being an architectural masterpiece in their own right.