Dating back to the 6th century, Myanmar’s largest city is a fascinating mix of history and culture. It’s known for its incredible Buddhist pagodas—the celebrated golden Shwedagon Pagoda is just minutes from the hotel—and impressive colonial architecture left over from British rule. Visit the National Museum for an assortment of impressive artifacts like a jewel-encrusted throne that belonged to Myanmar’s last king, and pop into the sprawling Bogyoke Market for one-of-a-kind souvenirs such as intricate wood carvings, beautiful textiles, and colorful jewelry. The modern side of Yangon is reflected in a crop of new restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops. Well-maintained outdoor attractions like the artificial Kandawgyi Lake and People’s Park are ideal when you need to escape the frenzied pace of the city. Yangon Zoo is well-known for its diverse collection of wild animals and flora and fauna. Downtown Yangon, the CBD, features many of the city's major art institutions, sports facilities, heritage sites like Sule Pagoda, and original colonial buildings.