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MAXXI (Museo Nazionale Delle Arti del XXI Secolo)

Amid Rome’s ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces, MAXXI—Italy’s national contemporary art museum—is a refreshing change of pace. The museum includes a space dedicated to art and another to architecture, but is perhaps most famous for the striking building itself, designed by prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid.

The Basics

The National Museum of 21st-Century Art (Museo Nazionale Delle Arti del XXI Secolo) has a large permanent collection of paintings, installations, video art, and photography dating from 1970 to today, and also holds temporary exhibitions highlighting artists from around the globe. Given its location on the outskirts of the city center, tourists often overlook MAXXI, offering art buffs the chance to stroll its dynamic 300-foot-long (90-meter) galleries at leisure and admire architect Zaha Hadid’s maze-like structure featuring soaring open spaces and skylights.

MAXXI is often a photo stop on Rome architecture tours, and you can peek at its spacious galleries inside to fully appreciate the building’s beauty.

Things to Know Before You Go

MAXXI is wonderful for fans of contemporary and modern art.
The museum has a restaurant and a café open for meals and snacks, and a bookstore.
Large bags and backpacks must be left in the cloakroom.
Photography is not allowed in the galleries.
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

MAXXI is located on Via Guido Reni 4a in Rome’s Flaminio neighborhood. Take metro line A to Piazzale Flaminio, where you board the line 2 tram to Apollodoro. If arriving by bus, lines 168 and 910 take you to the Reni/Flaminia stop, just a 5-minute walk from the museum, or take line 53 to De Coubertin/Palazzetto dello Sport.

When to Get There

The museum is open 11am to 7pm Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours (until 10pm) on Thursday; it is closed on Monday, Christmas, and May 1. A bit north of the center of Rome, MAXXI is never as crowded as the city’s more famous museums, and serves as a welcome respite from the crush of tourists in the summer months.

Zaha Hadid

The late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and is known for her curving, organic-shaped buildings. MAXXI took about 10 years to complete and is considered among Hadid’s finest works.

Via Guido Reni, 4a, Rome, Italy

Varies

From $ 83

Mathematical Bridge

Stroll along the riverfront or take a punting tour along Cambridge’s River Cam and you’ll be sure to see the Mathematical Bridge, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The humble wooden footbridge crosses the river between the old and new buildings of the Queens College, and dates back to the 18th century.

Popular legend dictates that the bridge was the masterwork of Cambridge University alumni Isaac Newton, who built it to illustrate his theories of force and gravity, using only wood and no nuts, bolts or metal framework. In reality, the bridge was built by James Essex in 1749 to a design by William Etheridge. Officially called the ‘Wooden Bridge’, the Mathematical Bridge earned its famous nickname thanks to its impressive engineering design – using straight timber arranged in a series of tangents to create a self-supporting arc.

The bridge that stands today was actually rebuilt in 1905, but it’s become so well known that a replica has even been built at Oxford University, Cambridge’s notorious rival.

Practical Info

The Mathematical Bridge runs across the River Cam in central Cambridge, connecting the main buildings of the Queens College, part of the University of Cambridge.

Cambridge CB3 9ET, England

From $ 14

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Europe’s highest aerial cableway leads to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, beneath the north face of the mighty triangular peak made famous by the Toblerone logo. At an altitude of 12,740 feet (3,883 meters), the glacial wonderland offers incredible views over the Alps and thrilling activities year-round.

The Basics

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest you can go in the Alps without climbing—which is best left to experienced mountaineers. A ticket includes a return ride on the cable car and access to the viewing deck, ski area, and hiking trails. Once at the top, you can tour the Glacier Palace ice sculpture gallery, visit the Cinema Lounge, or enjoy lunch at the mountaintop restaurant; optional activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, and skiing. Combo tickets are available that include Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Gornergrat railway.

Zermatt is the gateway to the Matterhorn and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, but you can also explore on a day trip from Zurich, Lucerne, Montreux, or Stresa, Italy, across the border.

Things to Know Before You Go

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a must-see for mountain lovers and first-time visitors.
Hiking or climbing around the Matterhorn is recommended only for experienced mountaineers, and with assistance from a certified mountain guide.
The alpine village of Zermatt is car-free, and can be reached only by train or electric shuttle bus.
A restaurant and shop are on-site.
Be sure to wrap up warm—it’s snowy and cold on the mountaintop, even in summer.
Glacier Paradise is wheelchair accessible, but some activities and attractions are not.

How to Get to There

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is located in the foothills of the Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps, just south of Zermatt. From Zermatt, take the 45-minute cable car from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Valley Base Station up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At the top, a summit lift takes you to the highest observation point.

When to Get There

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open year-round, and the Matterhorn is an impressive sight any time of year. The most popular times to visit are July and August for hiking, tubing, and other outdoor activities, and from December to March, when ski season is in full swing.

Views of the Matterhorn

The open-air observation deck at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise affords 360º panoramic views, spanning 38 alpine peaks, including the Matterhorn, Jungfrau, and Mont Blanc. It’s not the only spot with a great view of the Matterhorn, though—ride the cog railway to the top of the Gornergrat for a classic view of the mighty peak; take the Sunnegga funicular to Blauherd and Rothorn for a photo-worthy view framed by alpine valleys; or look out across the Riffelsee lake for a stunning view of the mountain reflected on the water.

Postfach 378, Zermatt, Switzerland

From $ 22

Media Harbor

Dusseldorf’s historic harbor was given an impressive facelift during the 1990s, transforming the bleak silos and shipping warehouses, into a lively cultural hub and one of the city’s most stylish districts. Taking its name from the abundance of media and communications company headquarters that sprung up in the area, the new Media Harbor is characterized by its ultra-modern architecture, and the glass-fronted office blocks, looming Rheinturm TV Tower and wave-inspired Gehry buildings form a sleek silhouette along the waterfront.

As well as being the postcard image of modern-day Dusseldorf, the Media Harbor is also home to a selection of upmarket restaurants, bistros and bars and offers a glamorous setting for the city’s most exclusive nightclubs.

Practical Info

The Media Harbor is located just south of the Rheinuferpromenade in downtown Dusseldorf, on the eastern banks of the Rhine River.

Dusseldorf, Germany

From $ 12

Mdina

The former capital of Malta, this historic hilltop settlement—known as the Silent City—features honey-hued palazzos and centuries-old buildings. The town center, a knot of shady and quiet streets, is shielded from the hubbub and traffic of the outside world by thick walls that date back to between the 16th and 18th centuries.

The Basics

One of Malta’s most atmospheric destinations, Mdina is a common stop on many hop-on hop-off tour bus routes. Sightseeing tours departing from Valletta often include a guided visit of Mdina, as well as making stops at Rabat, the Blue Grotto cave network, the Hagar Qim temple complex, and Golden Bay. To see Mdina at its most tranquil, opt for a night tour and explore the city’s peaceful streets after the day-tripping crowds have departed.

Things to Know Before You Go

Mdina is a must for history buffs and architecture lovers.
Mdina’s streets feature cobbles and flagstones, so wear appropriate walking shoes.
The walled town is wheelchair accessible, with level access available. St. Paul’s Cathedral is also wheelchair accessible, though many other attractions are not.

How to Get There

Mdina is situated about 8 miles (13 kilometers) east of Valletta. Driving between the two cities takes about 20 minutes. Public bus routes 51, 52, and 53 connect Valletta to Mdina.

When to Get There

Mdina is magical year-round, though the main drag can become crowded during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. Come in early evening after the day-trippers have left to see the fortified city at its silent best. After dark, it’s bathed in an attractive golden light.

Highlights of Mdina

Mdina’s biggest attraction is St. Paul’s Cathedral. The baroque-style cathedral is dedicated to Malta’s patron saint, who supposedly came to the island in AD 60. While the exterior is restrained, the interior boasts an array of gilding, stonework, marble, frescoes, and elaborately decorated chapels. For more information about the history of Mdina, visit the Mdina Experience, where informational films recount key episodes from Malta’s history.

Malta

From $ 23

Medici Riccardi Palace (Palazzo Medici Riccardi)

To get a glimpse into the sumptuous life of Florence’s wealthy and powerful Medici family during the Renaissance, look no further than Medici Riccardi Palace (Palazzo Medici Riccardi). Designed by Michelozzo in the mid-15th century for Cosimo de' Medici, the palace is considered a masterpiece of early Renaissance architecture.

The Basics

Much of the palace operates as an art museum, and you can tour the richly furnished apartments and libraries; the Galleria, with baroque paintings under the frescoed ceiling by Luca Giordano; and the Chapel of the Magi, with the Procession of the Magi frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli that depict members of the Medici dynasty as part of the procession behind the kings, as well as copies of works by Filippo Lippi—now displayed in other museums. The palace also hosts temporary exhibitions of important art and photography. A visit to the Medici Riccardi Palace is a highlight of any tour of Renaissance Florence or Medici walking tour, both of which also generally include stops at Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace.

Things to Know Before You Go

Palazzo Medici Riccardi is particularly interesting for history and architecture buffs.
Due to the Chapel of the Magi’s diminutive size, only 10 visitors are allowed in every seven minutes.
Private and small-group tours of Renaissance Florence generally require a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The palazzo is accessible to wheelchair users via a secondary entrance on Via Cavour; contact museum staff to enter.

How to Get There

Palazzo Medici Riccardi is located on Via Cavour, just a few minutes’ walk north of Florence Cathedral (the Duomo) or east of the train station.

When to Get There

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy and is very crowded much of the year, especially in summer; it’s best to visit during the off-season winter months. Palazzo Medici Riccardi is open year-round; it is closed on Wednesdays.

The Medici Chapels

Just around the corner from Medici Riccardi Palace, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is home to the magnificent Medici Chapels by Michelangelo. The mausoleum was meant to hold tombs for Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brothers Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino, and Giuliano, Duke of Nemours, but only some were finished.

Via Cavour, 3, Tuscany, 50123, Italy

Varies

From $ 42

Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapels, tucked into the 15th-century Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence’s historic center, are home to two of Michelangelo’s famous sculptural masterpieces. Built as mausoleums for members of the Medici family, the Medici Chapels include New Sacristy and the larger Chapel of the Princes.

The Basics

The powerful Medici family commissioned Brunelleschi to design the Florentine basilica of San Lorenzo in the 1400s. Today the Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) are what most visitors come to see. The New Sacristy houses tombs carved by Michelangelo to depict the reclining figures of Night and Day and Dawn and Dusk. The ornate domed Chapel of the Princes contrasts with colorful marble and semiprecious stone and is filled with carved niches, statues, and armorial plaques.

The Medici Chapels are among the most popular attractions in the city, and booking a Medici Chapels tour that includes skip-the-line entrance tickets to the chapels and crypts is essential to avoid the entrance lines. Many Florence sightseeing walking tours and shore excursions also visit highlights such as Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia), and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Things to Know Before You Go

Tickets to the Medici Chapel Museum in the Basilica of San Lorenzo include entrance to the two chapels, Medici and Lorenese crypts, and Basilica Treasury.
There is wheelchair access to both the ground-floor crypts and the chapels above.
To enter the church, you must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Large bag and backpacks must be left at the free coat check at the entrance.

How to Get There

The Medici Chapels in the Basilica of San Lorenzo are located on Piazza San Lorenzo, just a few minutes’ walk north of Florence Cathedral (the Duomo) or east of the Santa Maria Novella train station.

When to Get There

Expect the Medici Chapels in the San Lorenzo Basilica complex to be crowded during summer; visit in spring or fall for fewer tourists. If visiting on a Monday or Sunday, note that the chapels are closed on the second and fourth Sunday and the first, third, and fifth Monday of every month.

The Sumptuous Life of the Medicis

Experience the wealth and power of the Medici family during the Renaissance by visiting the nearby 15th-century Medici Riccardi Palace. Once home to Cosimo de' Medici, today it’s a museum with richly furnished apartments and libraries including the Galleria, with baroque paintings under the frescoed ceiling by Luca Giordano, and the Chapel of the Magi.

Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini 6, Florence 50123, Italy

Varies

From $ 17

Mauerpark

Mauerpark is a park in Berlin located in what was once the death strip zone of a section of the Berlin Wall in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. The name translates literally as “Wall Park.” After the wall came down and East and West were reunited, this park became a popular recreation spot. People gather here to play sports with their friends, to enjoy performances by jugglers and musicians, or simply to hang out with friends. On Sundays, Mauerpark is home to one of Berlin's most popular flea markets. Both locals and tourists come to the flea market to browse through the clothing, shoes, bicycles, vinyl records, and various trinkets.

Another big draw are the Sunday afternoon karaoke sessions that take place at the amphitheater from spring until fall and start at 3 p.m. Remaining sections of the Berlin Wall at the Jahn Stadium now serve as a canvas for graffiti artists. Near the park, visitors will find the Bernauer Straße Memorial, an outdoor museum that details the history of the Berlin Wall and how it affected this neighborhood. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area near Mauerpark, as well as a few food stalls throughout the Sunday flea market.

Practical Info

Mauerpark is located where Bernauer Straße turns into Eberswalder Straße. To get there, take either the U2 to the Eberswalder Straße Ubahn station or the U8 to the Bernauer Straße station.

Gleimstrasse 55, Berlin 10437, Germany

From $ 25

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (Mausoleo di Galla Placidia)

UNESCO-listed with all the other glorious Roman mosaic masterpieces in Ravenna, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is testament to the days when the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Galla Placidia was the powerful sister of Honorius, the last emperor of Rome; she married Ataulf, King of the Visigoths, acted as regent for 12 years, died in Rome in 450 AD and is probably buried there, but nevertheless her official mausoleum is found in a terracotta-colored brick chapel among neat gardens behind Ravenna’s San Vitale Basilica. Unassuming on the outside, the chapel’s entire vaulted interior glitters with Byzantine mosaics dating from around 430 AD and representing the star-strewn night sky and intricate Biblical scenes, decorated with highly colored geometrical patterns. Gently lit by shafts of light from narrow windows, depictions of the Good Shepherd and the Martyrdom of St Lawrence adorn the niches, with figures of the Apostles floating on the upper walls. Three marble sarcophagi are reputed to contain the bodies of Galla Placidia, her second husband and son, but these were placed in the mausoleum in medieval times.

Practical Info

Via Giuliano Argentario 22, Ravenna. Open daily Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm; Apr–Oct 9am–7pm. Admission adults €9.50; all concessions €8.50;

children under 10 go free. Ticket price includes entry to the Basilica of

Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery and the Basilica of San Vitale plus the Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel. Take Bus Line 1 to Piazza Baracca.

Via Giuliano Argentario 22, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna 48110, Italy

Daily Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm; Apr–Oct 9am–7pm

Adults €9.50; all concessions €8.50; Children under 10 free

From $ 70

Mazzorbo

If you are looking to escape the crowds in Venice, Mazzorbo is the place to go. With only 350 residents and located far off the main tourist track, the small island is home to hundreds of artichoke fields, vineyards and fruit trees. Connected to larger Burano by a wooden bridge, Mazzorbo makes a great day trip from Venice combined with stops in Burano and the nearby island of Torcello. It has a rich history that dates to the year 640 and the most notable building on the island, the Santa Caterina Monastery, dates to 1283.

If visiting in the summer, you may want to time your visit to coincide with the annual fair held in the yard of the monastery. There, you can get a taste of life on the island by sampling local dishes and red wine and enjoying live music and games.

Also worth a visit is Venissa, an ancient estate that has been restored by a family of winemakers and converted into an excellent restaurant with a menu that changes daily.

Practical Info

The only way to get to Mazzorbo is by boat or by walking across the bridge from Burano. From Venice, take the Laguna Nord ferry from the Fondamente Nuove stop on the northern shore. It operates every 30 minutes and the trip from Venice to Mazzorbo will take just over half an hour. Alternatively, you might join a day tour that visits Torcello, Burano and Mazzorbo.

Mazzorbo, Italy

From $ 229

Mausoleum (Mausoleum of Halicarnassus)

Built in 351 B.C. to house the tomb of King Mausolus, the Persian King of Caria, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was not only the grandest tomb of its time but it also gave its name to all those that followed. The masterpiece of Greek architects Satyros and Pytheos, the elaborate monument was once a temple of sculpted columns and white marble, standing over 50 meters tall and topped with a sculpture of a horse-drawn carriage.

Because the mausoleum is known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, its ruins are immensely popular in modern-day Bodrum, despite being almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1304. Today, the final remaining pieces of the walls can be found around the landmark Myndos Gate, while the best-preserved remains are now housed in London’s British Museum. Some of the rocks rescued from the wreckage of the mausoleum were also used to build the seafront Castle of St Peter.

Practical Info

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is located in central Bodrum, about a five-minute walk north from the harbor. It is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance is 8 YTL.

Tepecik, Bodrum/Muğla, Turkey

Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am-5pm

8 YTL

From $ 374

Mauthausen

Mauthausen was at the center of a group of German concentration camps, operating from 1938 to the end of World War II in 1945. Starting with a single camp at Mauthausen, the complex eventually expanded to be one of the largest labor camps in the German-controlled part of Europe. Prisoners forced to work in quarries, munitions factories, mines, arms factories and plants assembling aircraft. The last concentration camp to be liberated by the Allies, it is estimated that up to 300,000 people died at Mauthausen.

The main camp at Mauthausen has served as a museum since 1975. While much of the site is still intact, information and photographs provide background about buildings that no longer exist. An audio guide provides information about history of Mauthausen, conditions of prisoners and general structures of the concentration camp. Explanations are supplemented by quotes from former inmates.

Practical Info

Located 20 kilometers from the city of Linz, Austria, Mauthausen is accessible by bus to the Mauthausen Linzerstraße/Hauptschule station or the Mauthausen Linzerstraße/Wasserwerk station, both 1-2 kilometers from the site. Visitors might also take the train to the Mauthausen OO station, from where they can continue by bus or taxi. Mauthausen is open March 1 to July 10, daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m; July 11 to October 31, Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and November 1 to February 28, Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. It is closed December 24-26, December 31 and January 1. Admission is free, but visits are not recommended for those under 14 years of age.

Erinnerungsstraße 1, Mauthausen, Austria

From $ 171

Medina Azahara

The Caliphate City of Medina Azahara, a new UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the mid-10th century, when it served as the seat of power for the Umayyad dynasty in Córdoba. When the caliphate ended after a civil war in 1010, the city was laid to waste and forgotten until its rediscovery in the early 20th century.

The Basics

There’s no better place to learn about Spain’s medieval caliphate than the ruins of this royal Moorish city, a popular excursion from nearby Córdoba. During a typical tour of the grounds, visitors explore the remains of palaces, ceremonial halls, mosques, and workshops that make up the largest archaeological site in Spain. An on-site museum and interpretation center showcase artifacts from the excavated site.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Medina Azahara is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in Spain’s Moorish past.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat; not all areas of the site are shaded.
Give yourself two to three hours to explore the museum and archaeological site.

How to Get There

To get to the interpretive center, catch a public bus from Avenida Alcazar in the Córdoba city center, or drive along the A-431 motorway. A shuttle takes visitors from the parking lot and interpretive center to the archaeological site itself, situated a couple of miles away.

When to Get There

The museum and archaeological site are open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, with extended hours during high season (April through June). Expect temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C) during July and August.

Levels of Medina Azahara

This Moorish city was built on a gentle hill in three tiers, each with its own purpose. On the lowest level, you’ll find the mosque and homes of much of the city’s population. Many of these structures remain unexcavated. The second level comprised government buildings and a public garden. The top level—and the level with the best views—was the royal palace and residence of Abd ar-Rahman III.

Carretera de Palma del Río, Cordoba, Spain

Varies

From $ 20

Matisse Museum (Mus ee Matisse)

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse), an homage to the life and work of Nice’s hometown art hero and world-renowned French painter Henri Matisse. Though small, the museum provides detailed information about Matisse’s life and examines the evolution of his work through key sketches, paintings, and sculptures.

The Basics

The permanent collection at the Matisse Museum is small but mighty, with notable pieces including Les Abeilles, Fleurs et Fruits, and some of his signature paper cutouts. The building itself—the grand 17th-century Genoese Villa des Arènes—is a work of art and is close to Matisse's old home at the Hotel Regina.

Because of its small size, the Matisse Museum is best experienced as part of a French Riviera sightseeing tour or a Nice art tour, which likely includes stops at the Chagall Museum and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entrance ticket is good for all municipal museums.
Only some information is in English; visit with a guide for the best translations.
Expect to spend roughly 90 minutes exploring the collection and gift shop.
Though there is a large staircase without a railing, an elevator provides accessibility.
Backpacks and other large bags are not allowed.

How to Get There

Located on the grand Avenue des Arenes de Cimiez in the hills overlooking Nice, the museum is best accessed by bus. Catch the 15, 17, 20, or 25 from the Nice central bus station (just outside of Old Town) to the Les Arenes/Musée stop.

When to Get There

The museum is open year-round from 11am to 6pm and opens at 10am during the high season from mid-June through mid-October. It is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. Check in advance for a regular calendar of special workshops for children and adults alike.

Artists’ Residencies

Provence was once the home to a number of France's greatest painters, including Marc Chagall, who enjoyed the warm weather and good light of Southern France.

164 ave des Arenes de Cimiez, Arenes 06000, France

Varies

From $ 25

Mayfair

Owing legendary status to its monopoly board incarnation – the most expensive property on the board, no less – Mayfair maintains its reputation as one of Central London’s most affluent districts – it was even the birthplace of Her Majesty the Queen. Stretching between Oxford Street, Piccadilly and Regent Street, and bounded by Hyde Park to the West, the area was named after the May Fair held there during the 17th and 18th centuries. At its heart, the popular Grosvenor Square - affectionately termed ‘Little America’ with its statue of Franklin D Roosevelt and stately American Embassy building - was named after the Grosvenor family, who still own a good portion of Mayfair.

The district’s principal shopping streets include the world famous Bond Street, home to Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, Jenny Packham and Marc Jacobs, among others and Saville Row, legendary for its exquisite men’s tailoring. The elegant Royal and Burlington shopping arcades are also worth a wander, with luxury boutiques set to a stunning backdrop. New Bond Street is famed for its auction houses, including the ever-popular Phillips and Sotheby's.

It’s not just shopping that draws visitors to the streets of Mayfair – there are around 20 art galleries in the area, as well as the Handel House Museum, set inside the former home of the renowned composer, and the Royal Academy of Arts lies on the cusp of Picadilly. If you can afford to stay in Mayfair, you’ll be spoiled – the area is home to the highest concentration of luxurious hotels in London, including the illustrious Ritz and the local nightlife is among the glitziest in town, with celebrity-studded nightclubs like Mahiki just a short stroll from a selection of plush wine bars. A number of exquisite restaurants have put Mayfair firmly on the map for roving gastronomes too - celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay owns a number of restaurants in the area and the world-famous Nobu has an outlet on Berkeley Street.

London, England

From $ 39

Medieval City of Rhodes

The historic core of Rhodes is its walled Old Town, and the medieval city of Rhodes is so beautifully preserved that it is now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Renowned as the oldest continuously inhabited medieval city in Europe, it not only offers an atmospheric introduction to medieval Greece, but its labyrinth streets and towering palace make it the perfect place to start a walking tour of Rhodes.

The medieval center is still encircled by its original 14th century fortification walls, which took over 200 years to construct and are dotted with gateways and watch towers. Enter through the northern Eleftherias (Liberty) Gate and you’ll find yourself in Simis Square, characterized by its striking medieval architecture and home to the Hellenistic ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite. Nearby, the lively cafes and souvenirs stores of Ippokratous Square and Sokratous street are the main tourist hubs, providing a central point from which to explore the Old Town’s many attractions.

The undisputed star of the Old Town is the dramatic hilltop Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, an unmistakable 14th-century castle, built by the Knights of St John. Leading down from the palace, the stone-paved Avenue of the Knights (Ippoton) is the city’s most famous medieval street, where the Knights once lived, and the nearby Archaeological Museum of Rhodes provides further insight into the island’s long and varied history. Also in the Old Town, the Folk Art museum and the Byzantine Museum are worth a visit, and the old Jewish quarter is home to the Kahal Shalom Synagogue and Museum. Additional sights include the Turkish Library and the Mosque of Suleiman, remnants of the 1522 Turkish invasion of Rhodes.

Greece

From $ 64

Matosinhos Beach

On Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Matosinhos Beach (Praia de Matosinhos) is the city of Porto’s closest strand. With broad sands and a scenic promenade lined with fish restaurants, it’s a lively destination and a favorite among local families, as well as a notable surf spot.

The Basics

As well as swimming and sunbathing, Matosinhos is the go-to beach for surfing and water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, kite-surfing, and sea kayaking. The gentle waves and consistent surf make it ideal for beginning surfers, and the Matosinhos surf school hosts private and group lessons for those who want to learn. It’s also possible to explore the beach as part of a Porto hop-on hop-off tour, which links Matosinhos with central attractions like Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, and Gaia.

Things to Know Before You Go

Lifeguards are on patrol daily throughout July and August, and surfing is restricted to dedicated surf zones.
No umbrellas are available at the beach, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
A number of bars, seafood restaurants, shops, and surf rental outlets line the beachside promenade.

How to Get There

Matosinhos Beach is a 15-minute metro ride from Porto city; take the blue line to Matosinhos Sul, then walk five minutes to the beach. Otherwise, bus No. 500 runs from Praça da Liberdade in the city center to the beach.

When to Get There

The beach is at its busiest in summer (July and August), when you’ll want to arrive before midday to secure a good spot. Summer is also the best time for swimming, with lifeguards on duty, but it’s possible to surf all year-round, weather depending.

The Beaches of Northern Portugal

Matosinhos Beach is convenient to Porto, but those willing to travel a bit have much better options. Around an hour up the coast from Porto, Cabedelo Beach is a Blue Flag beach with ample facilities and beautiful walks through the sand dunes. Farther north in Viana do Castelo, the windswept shores of Moledo Beach and Afife Beach are great for water sports, while closer to Porto, Ofir Beach is perfect for swimming and can be combined with a stop at neighboring Apúlia Beach.

Avenida Norton de Matos, Matosinhos, Greater Porto 4450-208, Portugal

From $ 17

Mauritshuis

One of the greatest art galleries in the Netherlands, the Hague’s Mauritshuis is home to one of the best collections of Dutch and Flemish paintings in the world. Often referred to as "the jewel box," the ornately elegant 17th-century city palace building was completed in 1644 to the designs of Jacob Van Campen. With Hofvijver Lake to one side and Parliament to another, the building is a textbook example of Dutch classical architecture, in the heart of the Hague.

With approximately 800 works, the Mauritshuis collection is small in number, but mighty in scale. Sometimes called the “Mona Lisa of the North,” Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of the museum’s most recognized paintings. A book and movie of the same name helped jump-start its popularity.

Among the masterpieces on display in the intimate space are The Goldfinch by Fabritius, The Bull by Potter and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt.

The Mauritshuis recently underwent a two-year renovation that doubled its exhibition space, adding needed room for art, education and events. An underground foyer connects the Mauritshuis to the new Royal Dutch Shell Wing in a building across the street. Since everything was constructed underground, the building's stunning outside character was preserved.

Practical Info

The Mauritshuis is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets cost €14 for adults and are free for children under 18. The site is accessible on foot from the Hague Central Station, or by tram or bus. Parking is available in the nearby Pleingarage and at parking Malieveld.

Plein 29, 2511 CS The Hague, The Netherlands, Netherlands

Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; until 8 p.m. on Thursday

€14

From $ 173

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

Athens is known for its good taste and classic style. Visitors to this ancient city can find all of this and more on a trip to McArthurGlen Designer Outlets. Here, hundreds of designer brands unite under one roof to provide both travelers and locals with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. High-style items can be found at roughly 70 percent off ticket price and open-air cafes, boutiques and tasty restaurants mean it’s easy to make a day of it. McArthurGlen is even home to an adventure playground, complete with slides, games and a carousel, which is sure to keep little ones happy, too.

Practical Info

The outlets are located about 30 minutes from the center of Athens in Building Block E71 in Spata. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Block E71 Gialou, Spata, Athens, Greece

Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

From $ 116

Matthias Church (Matays-templom)

Matthias Church, with the bright color of its tiled roof and its fantastic Neo-Gothic ornamentation, is one of the stand-out attractions of Castle Hill. Most of it dates from the late 19th century, but parts of the church are much older than that. It's named the Matthias Church because King Matthias I married Beatrice of Naples here in 1474.

It was here, in 1867, that Franz Liszt's Coronation Mass was first performed, and the church still has a strong musical tradition; try and catch a concert here if you can.

On the exterior of the church, check out the unusual diamond-patterned tiles of the roof and the Matthias Tower, which bears the king's crest animal, a raven with a gold ring in its beak. Also look out for the medieval columns on the bottom of the Béla Tower, with their studious monks and devilish animals.

Inside the church you'll find rich frescoes and a legendary Madonna statue - this Virgin is said to have saved the Castle from Turkish invasion when her face, revealed by a demolished wall, frightened them into retreat.

Practical Info

You can get to the Matthias Church on buses 16 and 16-A116.

2 Szentháromság tér, Budapest 1014, Hungary

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm, Sun 1pm - 5pm

700 Ft

From $ 12