Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
The ornate Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Great Mitropolis Cathedral) is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin and was 20 years in building, finally being consecrated in 1862; it is the official seat of the Archbishop of Athens, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church. The skills of four architects and marble from scores of demolished Byzantine churches were utilized in building the cathedral, which was commissioned by King Otto of Greece and constructed in ornate neo-Ottoman style with twin spires; although this is the most important church in Greece, where kings were crowned and royal dynasties married and buried, it has been under scaffolding for many years. Its three-aisled interior is in Byzantine style, covered with frescoes and priceless icons, and packed with tombs and relics of Orthodox saints.
In the piazza facing Great Mitropolis stands a statue of Archbishop Damaskinos, the World War II hero who saved thousands of lives by fighting against the deportation of Greek Jews by the country’s Nazi occupiers.
Practical Info
Located in Metropolitan Square (Plateia Mitropoleos), the cathedral is open daily from 7am to 7pm. Mass is held at 6.30am on Sunday. Metro Lines 1 and 3 can be taken to Monastiraki.
Address: Metropolitan Square (Plateia Mitropoleos), Athens 10556, Greece
Hours: Daily 7am–7pm
From $ 37
Millennium Cross
Standing at the top of Vodno Mountain in Skopje, the Millennium Cross is one of the largest crosses in the world. At 216 feet (66 meters) high, the landmark is as tall as a 20-story building and even taller than the Statue of Liberty. The cross serves as a memorial of 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia and was built on the highest spot on the mountain known as Krstovar, or 'Place of the Cross.'
Visitors can make the strenuous hike up the mountain or choose to ascend to the top via an elevator located inside the cross for incredible views around Skopje. In 2009, a restaurant and souvenir shop also popped up beside the cross, and two years later, the two-mile (3.5-km) Millennium Cross Ropeway opened with a cable car to bring visitors from Skopje to the base of the cross in under 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cross come nightfall when it is lit up and can be seen from miles around.
Practical Info
The Millennium Cross is accessible by bus from Skopje on the Millennium Cross line, which can be taken from the main bus station to Middle Vodno. From there, catch the cable car to the top. Buses leave from Skopje hourly between 8:20 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. Going back, the last bus departs Middle Vodno at 5 p.m. A one-way bus ticket is less than one Euro, although taking a taxi is also an option that should cost less than five Euros one way.
Address: Sredno Vodno, Skopje 1000, Macedonia
From $ 29
Mestrovic Gallery
A short cab ride from downtown Split, the Mestrovic Gallery is an art museum dedicated to the life and work of 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrović, who has been compared to Rodin. Formerly Mestrovic’s house and atelier, the holdings now contain 192 sculptures, 583 drawings, 4 paintings, 291 architectural plans and two furniture sets. There are also 168 works of art owned by Meštrović’s heirs.
The house and garden hold some of the artist's best work, including a pair of huge walnut Adam and Eve figures and the powerful bronze Cyclops. Mestrovic's religious art comprises much of the gallery's permanent exhibits.
You will discover the family archive found inside the house, which contains letters and personal documents of family members and friends, as well as builder Marin Marasovic’s archives (which include the building of The Most Holy Redeemer Church in Otavice and the erection of the Monument to Unknown Hero on Avala).
Don’t miss the 16th-century Kastelet, a Renaissance-style summer house on the gallery property purchased and remodeled by Mestrovic in 1939 as a showcase for his "Life of Christ Cycle" reliefs. The room-sized wood carvings line Kastelet's Holy Cross Chapel. If you have a ticket to the main gallery, there is no extra charge to enter Kastelet. It’s a quick walk up the road to Setaliste Ivana Mestrovica 39.
Address: Setaliste Ivana Mestrovica 46, Split, Croatia
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am - 7pm;
Winter hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am-4pm; Sunday 10am-3pm
Closed Mondays and holidays
Admission: 30HRK (USD$5.15)
From $ 35
Metekhi Cathedral
The famed Metekhi Cathedral is located in one of Tbilisi’s most historic districts, atop a striking cliff where local legend has it the city’s patron saint was martyred in the 8th century. Built during the Middle Ages, Metekhi Cathedral is comprised of three eastward facing apses and four towering pillars.
Travelers who want to explore the grounds can wander around and through this historic church before taking in its small hidden garden and heading to the nearby Metekhi Bridge and the iconic monument built to honor King Vakhtang Gorgasali. Visitors looking for the best views of this church that’s said to stand on the site where Tbilisi was founded will find them atop the Narikala Fortress.
Practical Info
The cathedral is located on a cliff that overlooks the Mtkvari River next to the famous statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali riding atop a horse.
Address: Metekhi St., Tbilisi, Georgia
From $ 32
Michael's Gate (Michalska brana)
Now the only remaining fortified gate—of the original four—in Bratislava’s double ring of medieval fortified walls, Michael’s Gate is a Gothic tower that has its beginnings in the 14th century and was commonly used by fishermen bringing their catch into the Starý Mesto (Old Town) from the River Danube. In the 1750s, the gate's Baroque copper cupola and a statue of St Michael slaying a dragon were added, bringing the tower’s height up to 167 feet (51 meters).
It was at Michael’s Gate that newly crowned Habsburg Austro-Hungarian kings would stop to pay their respects to the Archbishop of Bratislava. Today it is a landmark on the skyline, reached via the teeming restaurants, cafés and stores of narrow Michalská, and looming high over the Old Town. A circular viewing terrace on the sixth floor gives panoramic views across the red roofs and cobbled alleyways of central Bratislava. The diminutive Museum of Arms and City Fortifications breaks the journey up the steep steps to the top of the tower.
Practical Info
Admission to the site costs €4.30 for adults and €2.50 for seniors, students and children under 14. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October through April, with altered hours from May through September of Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Michalská, Bratislava 811 03, Slovakia
Hours: Oct.-April: Tues.-Sat 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
May-Sept.: Mon-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Adults €4.30; students, seniors, children under 14 €2.50
From $ 14
Miletus
The ancient Greek city of Miletus in modern-day Turkey was once an important port city. When the river’s location changed, the city was eventually abandoned.
The settlement at Miletus dates back to 1400 B.C.E., and the city grew to be one of Greece’s wealthiest cities - thanks in large part to its position at the mouth of the Maeander River. Over the centuries, the river changed course, leaving Miletus behind. The city was later destroyed by the Persians in 499 B.C.E. and then rebuilt on a new grid plan that was to become the model for Roman cities. Excavations at the site began in the late 1800s, and today you can see the remains of a theater, a stadium, a Temple to Apollo, a Byzantine-era castle and church, and Roman baths.
Practical Info
Miletus is a 36-mile drive from Kusadasi, located south of that city. The site is open daily from 8am-7pm, and admission is 10 Turkish Lira per person.
Address: Miletus, Turkey
Hours: Open daily from 8am-7pm
Admission: 10 Lira
From $ 115
Mikhailovsky Castle
With its orange-brick façade and gilded church spire, hemmed in by the waters of the Fontanka and Moika Rivers, Mikhailovsky Castle offers an enchanting first impression, but it’s the palace’s somber history that will stick in the minds of visitors. Built between 1797 and 1800 during the short reign of Emperor Paul I, the castle was the result of the enigmatic leader’s near-obsessive fear of being assassinated. Claiming that he was visited in a dream by the Archangel Michael and advised to build a castle on the site of his birthplace, the Tsar did just that – erecting a supposedly impenetrable fortress underlain with secret tunnels and protected by fortified ramparts, drawbridges and a moat. Somewhat ironically, fate stepped in, and just a month after moving into his safeguard the Tsar was murdered in his sleep.
Today, the beautifully preserved castle is a branch of the Russian Museum and hosts a number of temporary museum exhibits, as well as a permanent exhibition focusing on the building of the royal residence and the elaborate assassination plot of Paul I.
Practical Info
Mikhailovsky Castle is located in central St. Petersburg and can be reached on foot from the State Russian Museum at Mikhailovsky Palace. The Castle is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission costs R350.
Address: Sadovaya St, 2, St. Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission: Admission costs R350.
From $ 8
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Commissioned in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent for his daughter, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Edirnekapi was designed by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The mosque is dappled with windows that let sunlight into the space and is topped by a monumental dome. Unlike most imperial mosques, it only has one minaret.
The Basics
The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, with delicate touches of mother-of-pearl and abundant light, is located near the ancient Theodosian Walls, not far from the historic city center. The mosque was badly damaged in earthquakes in the 18th and 19th centuries, so much of what you see is reconstructed from the original design.
Private and small-group tours of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque often visit nearby historical sites, including the Chora Museum, the Byzantine Walls, and the remains of Jewish and Greek heritage in the Fener, Balat, and Edirnekapi neighborhoods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is a must-visit for architecture buffs.
- The mosque is an active place of worship. Upon entrance, women are required to cover their heads and shoulders, and men to cover their knees.
- Prayer times can affect the opening hours of the mosque.
- Istanbul mosques usually provide scarves to cover yourself if you don’t have one.
How to Get There
Located in the Edirnekapi neighborhood, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is accessible by bus from Eminönü or Taksim Square. The mosque is also walking distance from other Edirnekapi sights, such as the Chora Museum.
When to Get There
The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is open all day, but it is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are usually listed in front of the mosque. Friday prayer times are longer, so time your visit to avoid these if possible.
The Other Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Across the water in the Asian-side neighborhood of Üsküdar is another Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, built by the same architect, Mimar Sinan. Supposedly, the sun and moon line up with the two mosques during the spring solstice. Legend has it that Mimar Sinan was in love with the princess Mihrimah Sultan and built the second mosque to show his devotion.
Address: Turkey
From $ 120
Mikrolimano
Mikrolimano is the harbor area in Piraeus, a short distance away from Athens, Greece. The harbor has plenty of fishing boats and a yacht marina with luxury yachts and smaller pleasure boats, and the area is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The atmosphere feels a bit like being on one of the islands while still being just a few minutes outside of Athens. Many Greek films have used Mikrolimano due to its beauty and atmosphere.
Some people come for the charming harbor itself, but most people come to splurge on a nice seafood dinner or lunch at one of the high end restaurants. The seafood here is not cheap, and it is usually sold by the kilogram, so keep in mind that 1 kilogram equals about 2.2 pounds. If fish isn't your thing, you can still come here for the views and the experience and order steak, grilled meat, or a number of other local dishes.
Practical Info
Mikrolimano is located in Piraeus, about five miles from the Acropolis in Athens. To get there, take the metro to Piraeus and then the #20 trolley to Mikrolimano and go down the set of stairs until you reach the harbor.
Address: Akti Koumoundourou, Piraeus, Attica, Greece 18533, Greece
From $ 346
Michalik's Cave (Jama Michalika)
Originally opened in 1895 by Jan Michalik, this cave (also known as Jama Michalik) is one of the most famous cafes in Poland. Referred to as a cave because of the lack of windows, it has looked very much the same for the last hundred years and is one of Krakow’s best examples of art nouveau décor. The eclectic interior is a result of Michalik’s policy prior to World War I to accept payment in kind from his customers, many of whom were artists who chose to pay with their art work. The café is also known as the birthplace of the Young Poland artistic movement and the Zielony Balonik (Green Balloon) cabaret, which became a model for other literary cabarets throughout Poland.
For decades a popular haunt of Polish artists, politicians and professors from the nearby Jagiellion University, Michalik’s Cave continues to be frequented by popular writers, artists and academics today. It is also quite popular with tourists, many of whom come in groups for dinner and a folklore show. In addition to serving traditional Polish cuisine, the café is known for its excellent selection of cakes, ice cream, and traditional Polish alcoholic drinks made from honey.
Practical Info
Michalik’s Cave is located at ulitsa Florianska 45 in Krakow’s Old Town and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: ulitsa Florianska 45, Krakow, Poland
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
From $ 29
Mimara Museum (Muzej Mimara)
With its grand neo-Renaissance façade presiding over Roosevelt Square in Zagreb’s Donji Grad (Lower Town), the Mimara Museum (Muzej Mimara) is impossible to miss, but the dramatic building is more than just a pretty face. This is the city’s biggest and most important art history museum, housing over 3,750 works, including paintings, sculptures and crafts, spanning over three millennia. The permanent exhibition is made up of the personal collections of Wiltrud and Ante Topić Mimara, an extraordinary assemblage of artifacts bequeathed to the city in 1987.
Elements of the collection come from all around the world, including Persian carpets, ancient Egyptian glassware, elaborate Renaissance altarpieces and archaeological finds from Greece, Rome and early-medieval Europe. Highlights include an enameled 13th-century crucifix, a series of ancient Far Eastern artworks and paintings by Dutch artists Rembrandt and Ruisdael, Spanish painters Velāzquez and Goya, and other famous names like Rubens, Van Dyck, Manet and Caravaggio.
Elements of the collection come from all around the world, including Persian carpets, ancient Egyptian glassware, elaborate Renaissance altarpieces and archaeological finds from Greece, Rome and early-medieval Europe. Highlights include an enameled 13th-century crucifix, a series of ancient Far Eastern artworks and paintings by Dutch artists Rembrandt and Ruisdael, Spanish painters Velāzquez and Goya, and other famous names like Rubens, Van Dyck, Manet and Caravaggio.
Address: Rooseveltov trg 5, Zagreb, Croatia
Hours: Oct1-Jun30: Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-2pm. Jul1-Sept30: Tue-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-2pm
From $ 22
Miniaturk
One of the largest miniature parks in the world, Miniaturk opened in 2003 on the northeastern shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Covering 60,000 square meters, the park features 120 models of structures from throughout Turkey. It is divided into three sections: Istanbul, Anatolia and Ottoman territories that today lie outside of Turkey.
The Istanbul section includes models of 57 structures, including the Aya Sophia, Rumeli Fortress, Suleymaniye Mosque, Tomb of Sinan, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Galata Tower, each built to scale at 1/25th of the original size. The Anatolia section features 51 models, including the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, the Great Mosque in Diyarbakir, traditional stone houses in Mardin and the Mount Nemrut ruins.
Finally, the former Ottoman territories section includes 12 structures, including the Mehmet Ali Pasha Mosque in present-day Cairo, the Mostar Bridge in present-day Bosnia and several tombs that can be found today in Romania, Kosovo and Budapest.
Another highlight of the park is the Panorama Victory Museum, dedicated to the Turkish War for Independence. The park also includes a 400-seat amphitheater, a gift shop, playground, labyrinth and life-sized chessboard.
The Istanbul section includes models of 57 structures, including the Aya Sophia, Rumeli Fortress, Suleymaniye Mosque, Tomb of Sinan, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Galata Tower, each built to scale at 1/25th of the original size. The Anatolia section features 51 models, including the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, the Great Mosque in Diyarbakir, traditional stone houses in Mardin and the Mount Nemrut ruins.
Finally, the former Ottoman territories section includes 12 structures, including the Mehmet Ali Pasha Mosque in present-day Cairo, the Mostar Bridge in present-day Bosnia and several tombs that can be found today in Romania, Kosovo and Budapest.
Another highlight of the park is the Panorama Victory Museum, dedicated to the Turkish War for Independence. The park also includes a 400-seat amphitheater, a gift shop, playground, labyrinth and life-sized chessboard.
Practical Information
Miniaturk is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is 10 Turkish lira. To get to the park from Taksim, take bus 54 HT; from Eminonu, take bus 47, 47C or 47E; or from Topkapi, take bus 41 ST.
Address: Turkey
Hours: The Park is open for visits every day, the box office is open daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Admission: 10 TL
From $ 41
Milan Duomo
Milan’s Duomo (duomo di Milano) is a much-loved symbol of the city. The most exuberant example of Northern Gothic architecture in Italy, the cathedral and its spiky spires and towers dominate Piazza del Duomo, the city's beating heart. One of the highlights of a visit to the cathedral is the view from the roof, where you can scope out Milan from the highest terrace surrounded by statues. On a clear day, it’s possible to see the Italian Alps.
The Basics
There are a number of tour options that visit the Duomo, with most ranging from one and three hours in length. A comprehensive tour of the cathedral includes a visit to its spacious interior with its stained-glass windows, the rooftop terraces, and the church’s archaeological area, an underground crypt holding the 16th-century tomb of St. Charles Borromeo. Other tour options combine a visit to the Duomo with a tour of the adjacent and famously beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade or entrance to Milan’s famous La Scala Opera House. For art lovers, a Duomo tour can be combined with a viewing of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, or a tour of the artist’s former vineyard. Those interested in the history and architecture of the church should visit with an expert tour guide who can offer detailed insight into the construction.
The Basics
There are a number of tour options that visit the Duomo, with most ranging from one and three hours in length. A comprehensive tour of the cathedral includes a visit to its spacious interior with its stained-glass windows, the rooftop terraces, and the church’s archaeological area, an underground crypt holding the 16th-century tomb of St. Charles Borromeo. Other tour options combine a visit to the Duomo with a tour of the adjacent and famously beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade or entrance to Milan’s famous La Scala Opera House. For art lovers, a Duomo tour can be combined with a viewing of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, or a tour of the artist’s former vineyard. Those interested in the history and architecture of the church should visit with an expert tour guide who can offer detailed insight into the construction.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Duomo is located in the historic center of the city, on pedestrianized Piazza del Duomo. Since it cannot be directly accessed by car, it is best to reach the cathedral on foot or by public transport; the closest metro station is right in front of the cathedral. You can also book a private tour with included transportation. If you’re visiting Rome, Venice, or Verona but want to see the cathedral of Milan, note that high-speed train tickets are a very effective means of travel.
When to Get There
The largest church in Italy stays consistently busy throughout the day, but skip-the-line entry allows visitors to jump the queues no matter what the time. Evening tours are available for visitors who would prefer to spend their rooftop visit peering over an illuminated and breathtaking skyline.
- Short on time? Skip the line with a priority-access ticket to the Duomo.
- If traveling with kids, book a family-friendly tour to keep them engaged.
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the city you’ll get from the rooftop terrace.
How to Get There
The Duomo is located in the historic center of the city, on pedestrianized Piazza del Duomo. Since it cannot be directly accessed by car, it is best to reach the cathedral on foot or by public transport; the closest metro station is right in front of the cathedral. You can also book a private tour with included transportation. If you’re visiting Rome, Venice, or Verona but want to see the cathedral of Milan, note that high-speed train tickets are a very effective means of travel.
When to Get There
The largest church in Italy stays consistently busy throughout the day, but skip-the-line entry allows visitors to jump the queues no matter what the time. Evening tours are available for visitors who would prefer to spend their rooftop visit peering over an illuminated and breathtaking skyline.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan 20122, Italy
Hours: Daily: 7am–7pm; Museum Tues–Sun: 9:30am–12:30pm, 3pm–6pm
Admission: Free. Roof Admission: € 4 by stairs, € 6 with elevator. Other areas have separate entrance fees
From $ 12
Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral)
Originally the site of the Christian Visigoth Church San Vicente dating back to AD 600, Cordoba’s Mosque–Cathedral (Mezquita de Cordoba) stands as the city's most proud monument and one of the most exquisite Islamic structures in the Western world. Learn about its rich history while taking in the 850 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite.
The Basics
Most city tours make a stop at the popular Mosque–Cathedral of Cordoba. Guided tour options range from an hourlong history tour focused on the cathedral and former mosque to a half-day walking tour with stops at other Cordoba monuments such as the Castle of Catholic Monarchs (Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos) and the ancient synagogue of the Jewish Quarter. Others visit the Mezquita on a day trip from Seville, Granada, or Costa del Sol.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mezquita is a must-see for history buffs, architecture lovers, and all first-time visitors to Cordoba.
- Choose a daytime tour, night visit, or entrance to the bell tower.
- Audio guides are available in several languages, including English, for an extra fee.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible; disabled toilets and wheelchairs are both available.
- As a functioning holy site, hats and head coverings are not permitted within the cathedral, and visitors should dress appropriately.
How to Get There
Located in the heart of Cordoba, you can access the Mezquita via its Orange Tree Courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos), which is free to enter. The easiest way to get there is by taking bus lines 3 or 12 to the Puerta del Puente stop.
When to Get There
The Mosque–Cathedral is open daily, and bell tower tours depart every 30 minutes. If you’d like to attend a mass, plan to visit in the morning Monday to Saturday or in the early afternoon Sunday.
The Soul of Cordoba
Night visits, officially called The Soul of Cordoba, include an hourlong light and sound show detailing the history and religious significance of the building and its religious art, as well as a tour of the monumental site.
Address: Calle del Cardenal Herrero, 1, 14003, Cordoba, Spain
Hours: Summer: Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm
Winter: Mon-Sat: 8:30am-6pm
Sun/Holidays: 8:30-10am and 2-6pm
Admission: Adults: €10, Child: €5
From $ 17
Mevlana Museum
Konya’s Mevlana Museum is in a former monastery constructed around the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, the peace-loving Persian Sufi poet and mystic who founded the bizarre sect known as the ‘whirling dervishes’ and lived between 1207 and 1273. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Turkey, with more than 1.5 million people visiting each year. The highly ornate monastery was built in the 16th century around the 13th-century tomb of Rumi and has slender minarets, several domes and a bright-turquoise tiled tower, which is one of the landmarks of the city. The complex includes prayer rooms, a library stocked with thousands of rare ecclesiastical books and Koran manuscripts, the monks’ cells and kitchens, all situated in manicured gardens full of shrubs, roses and a blue-and-white marble fountain. At the heart of the monastery lies the sarcophagus of Rumi, accompanied by the tombs of his wife, children and several of his followers; it stands in the marble mausoleum built to a design by architect Behrettin Tebrizli in 1274. A small museum is found in the semihane, the hall where the dervishes performed their wild, whirling dances; highlights include a collection of ancient musical instruments, priceless prayer rugs and robes worn by Rumi.
Practical Info
Aziziye Mahallesi, Mevlana Caddesi 1, Konya. Open daily
9am–5.30-pm; admission is free. Women must cover their heads and shoulders; shorts are forbidden. Konya is 262 km (162 miles) south of Ankara and is best accessed by the roads D750 and D715.
Address: Mevlana Caddesi 1, Konya, Konya Province, Central Anatolia 42030, Turkey
Hours: Daily 9am–5:30-pm
From $ 64
Meteora
The towering vertical cliffs of Meteora have provided a protected place to pursue spiritual contemplation for centuries. The first hermit monks lived up in caves, but eventually 24 Byzantine monasteries were built (six function today) atop the imposing rock. Part natural wonder, part manmade marvel, the dramatic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction in Greece.
The Basics
Travelers come to Meteora to visit the six operational monasteries and walk the many trails in the area. To get the most out of your visit, book a tour, which will offer historical context. Full-day tours depart from Athens or Thessaloniki to Meteora, or you can make your own way to Kalampaka to enjoy a half-day group, private, or sunset tour. Adventurous travelers can also embark on a hike or do a rafting trip down the River Ionas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and prepare to walk—all but one of the monasteries is reached by steep steps.
- Visitors to the monasteries must have their shoulders and knees covered, and wraps are provided at the entrance.
- The best options for restaurants and cafes are in Kalampaka, so bring a packed lunch if you plan to spend the day.
- Be sure to check the opening days and times of the monasteries in advance as they vary.
- Plan to visit two or three monasteries on a day tour—to visit all six, you will need a 2-day tour.
- St. Stephen's Monastery (Agios Stephanos) is the only wheelchair-accessible monastery.
How to Get There
Meteora is located in Thessaly, about 220 miles (355 kilometers) northwest of Athens, and is accessible by road from the towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki, just to the south. Guided tours often start from Athens, while direct buses and trains run to Kalambaka from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Delphi.
When to Get There
The monasteries are open year-round, but each is closed on a different day, so it’s important to plan ahead. July to October are most popular, and to avoid the crowds, opt for a morning tour. Out-of-season visitors encounter lower entrance fees and fewer crowds, while hikers might come in May or June, before the heat arrives.
Meteora’s Big Six
Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries were built by Eastern Orthodox hermit monks who settled in the area in the ninth century. Most visitors make a beeline for the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, the largest, oldest, and highest, located at around 2,000 feet (615 meters). There’s also Varlaam Monastery, founded in the 14th century by Hosios Varlaam; the dramatically situated Holy Trinity Monastery; Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, renowned for its spectacular frescoes; 16th century Monastery of Rousanou; and the most easily accessible monastery, St. Stephen’s.
Address: Kalampaka, Greece
Hours: Open daily; some monasteries have restricted schedules
Admission: €3 per monastery
From $ 63
Millennium Bridge
London’s Millennium Bridge, aka the London Millennium Footbridge, sits at the intersection of architecture, art, and engineering. The sleek, 1,083-foot-long (330-meter) steel suspension bridge stretches over the River Thames, connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the south.
The Basics
After its unveiling in 2000, the Millennium Bridge—the first pedestrian-only bridge built across the Thames in more than 100 years—quickly took its place as an iconic part of London’s urban landscape. Bridge visitors are treated to expansive city and river views, with a particularly stunning architectural alignment including the south facade of St. Paul’s Cathedral visible from the south bank. Contextual detail, and architectural history of the bridge and the area, are included on a number of city walking tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bridge is a must for first-time visitors to London.
- Soon after the bridge opened, structural issues caused it to wobble. Although it was never seen as a danger, the bridge was closed for two years while dampers were added to stop the movement.
- London can be very cold and wet in the winter months, so dress accordingly if planning to walk across the bridge.
- Gentle ramps offer wheelchair access on both sides of the river.
How to Get There
On the north side of the bridge, the closest Underground stations are Blackfriars (a 4-minute walk away) and Cannon Street and St. Paul’s (both about an 8-minute walk away). South of the Thames, the closest station is London Bridge on the Northern Line, about a 10-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The bridge is open 24 hours a day year-round. Daytime offers stunning views and photo ops of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the twinkling lights reflecting on the Thames after dark are also dazzling.
Tate Modern
If walking north to south over the Millennium Bridge, you’ll land very near the entrance to the Tate Modern. The Turbine Hall, on the renowned modern art museum’s basement level, has unique, large-scale rotating exhibitions, and from the top-floor terrace you can enjoy panoramic London views on a clear day. Entrance to the museum is free (with varying ticket costs for temporary exhibitions).
Address: Thames Embankment, London, England
From $ 11
Metelkova
Ljubljana’s funky, graffiti-strewn enclave of Metelkova is the alternative epicenter of the city, an area stuffed full of grungy clubs and bars that lies north of the Ljubljanica River. Whether they’re into rock, punk or folk, gay bars or beery dives, this is the place of choice for party animals amid the harsh military architecture of Metelkova’s former army barracks. These were abandoned by the defunct Yugoslav army in 1990 and were on line for demolition when a band of squatters moved in to save them; now they are run as an autonomous cultural center, along similar lines to Christiania in Copenhagen. In addition to being a mecca for late-night revelers, Metelkova is the destination for flea-market fans, pop-up street entertainment and edgy art exhibitions; the streets are packed most days of the week but the action really kicks off over the weekend, when kids flock in from all over Central Europe.
One of the city’s coolest hotels, the Hostel Celica, has its home in Metelkova, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova, which opened in 2011, is on its fringes in the newly christened Museum Quarter; it offers exhibitions of avant-garde European works, pop art and photography.
Practical Info
The Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM) is located at Maistrova 3 and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am–6pm. Admission costs €5 for adults, €2.50 for seniors and students, and €8 for families.
Address: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: €5 for adults, €2.50 for seniors/students, €8 for families
From $ 35
Mini-Europe
From Paris’ Eiffel Tower and London’s Big Ben to the canals of Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Acropolis of ancient Athens, the Mini-Europe theme park in Brussels presents all of the major sights and famous buildings of the European Union countries—in miniature.
The Basics
Visitors can opt for a standard entrance ticket to the Mini-Europe park, choose a combination ticket including access to the neighboring Atomium museum and observation deck, or enjoy discounted entry with a Brussels Card. Brussels hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop close to the miniature village.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Park highlights include the mini models of Mount Vesuvius erupting, the Berlin Wall coming down, and Spanish matadors fighting bulls.
- The Mini-Europe park is fully wheelchair accessible.
- Large bags and suitcases are not allowed in the Mini-Europe Park.
How to Get There
The Mini-Europe park is located in the Bruparck in northwest Brussels between the Atomium, Brussels Planetarium, and Oceade Water Park. The closest metro stop is Heysel, a 5-minute walk from the park.
When to Get There
Mini-Europe is open throughout the year, but the busiest time is in July and August when it’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. In summer, the park also hosts a number of night events when it stays open until midnight, including firework displays and illuminated exhibitions.
A Journey Through European History
A visit to the miniature model park offers an entertaining way for kids (and adults) to discover Europe and learn about significant moments from European history. Each of the 350 models were painstakingly recreated in miniature form (at a scale of 1:25) and are accompanied by details of their architectural features and historic importance. Interactive displays at each model include sound effects and animations, with trains chugging around tracks, bells chiming, and national anthems playing.
Address: Mini-Europe, Bruparck B, Brussels, Belgium
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany, is definitely not your everyday miniature railroad. It’s the largest miniature railroad in the world, and it’s an entire world at a perfect, small scale — one that took 500,000 working hours to create. From software-controlled fire trucks putting out fires in tiny neighborhoods to a 20-foot (6 meter) tall Swiss mountain with alpine skiers and brick tunnels with perfectly timed trains, the features of the different points of interest inside the ‘wonderland’ are not only in perfect working order, they’re filled with details that you could explore for days. Like a ‘Where’s Waldo’ book come to life, the 8 miles (13km) of tracks that wind through Miniatur Wunderland take the visitor on a tour of a tiny world that is utterly fascinating. The airport just might be the world’s most perfect flight simulator, with every possible detail in miniature. There’s a mini Grand Canyon and a mini Las Vegas. ‘Days’ in the different cities last just under an hour, and when night falls each of the city lights come on and different characters come out to play. Spoiler alert: there’s a red-light district, lovers getting frisky in a flowery meadow, and even murder scenes!
Practical Info
Miniatur Wunderland is located in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt district. The exhibit is divided into several sections: Knuffingen (a fictitious German city), Austria and the Alps, Hamburg, Scandinavia, America, Switzerland, Italy, and the Hamburg Airport. ‘Behind the scenes’ tours lasting an hour offer a special glimpse of what goes on in the inner workings of Miniatur Wunderland.
Address: Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, Hamburg 20457, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 12