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National Technical Museum
Prague’s National Technical Museum (Národní Technické Museum) was established in 1908 but moved in 1948 to an austere, Modernist purpose-built museum designed by architect Milan Babuška and found north of the city center near Letná Park. Its role is to monitor and showcase the development of technology across the years, and following a long-standing reconstruction project that saw the collections expanded, the museum reopened back in 2013. It now has 14 impressive science-based permanent exhibits spread over six floors, with three being underground.
Highlights of the astronomical, photographic and design displays include a photographic studio kitted out with historic cameras; printing presses from the 17th and 18th centuries; and a 5,000-year-old meteorite. The undoubted star of the show, however, is the massive Transport Hall, which is stuffed with vintage Czech planes, racing cars, trains, fire engines and bicycles. Probably of less interest to youngsters but nevertheless fascinating is the peerless collection of architectural records documenting the development of Prague over the last 100 years, from the Art Nouveau grace of the early 20th century to the Socialist Realism of the post-war, Communist years.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tue–Fri 9am–5:30pm, Sat–Sun 10am–6pm. Admission for adults is CZK 190; seniors, students & children are CZK 90; family tickets are CZK 420; children younger than 6 go free. For public trasnportation, take the tram to Letenské náměstí, Metro Line A to Hradčanská or Line C to Vltavská.
Address: Kostelní 42, Prague, Central Bohemia 170 78, Czech Republic
Hours: Tue–Fri 9am–5:30pm, Sat–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults: CZK 190; Children: CZK 90
From $ 35
National Wallace Monument
With its dramatic perch atop Abbey Craig hill, the distinctive 67-meter-tall Gothic tower of the National Wallace Monument casts a striking silhouette, looming on the horizon just north of Stirling. Built in honor of Scottish hero Sir William Wallace, the fearless freedom fighter who led Scotland to victory during the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, the grand monument is a worthy tribute and is now one of Scotland’s most visited monuments.
Designed by architect J. T. Rochead, the monument took eight years to build and was finally inaugurated in 1869. Today, more than 100,000 annual visitors climb the 246 steps to the top of the tower, from where the views span Stirling Castle, Stirling town and the surrounding countryside. Following the spiral stairwell, visitors pass through three floors of exhibitions – the Hall of Arms, focusing on the Battle of Stirling Bridge; the Hall of Heroes, where Wallace’s legendary battle sword takes center stage; and the Royal Chamber, which tells the history of the monument itself. There’s also a gift shop and café housed in the ground floor Keeper’s Lodge.
Practical Info
The National Wallace Monument is located at the top of Abbey Craig hill, around 4km north of Stirling, and is open daily from 10am to 5pm (summer) and 10:30am to 4pm (winter). Admission is £9.50 for adults and £5.90 for children.
Address: Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Rd, Stirling FK9 5LF, Scotland
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm (summer), 10.30am-4pm (winter)
Admission: Adults: £9.50, Children: £5.90
From $ 48
National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
Sintra lies in hilly country close to Lisbon and is considered such an extraordinary town that the whole place is UNESCO World Heritage listed. As one of the most popular day trips from the Portuguese capital, Sintra has a cluster of beguiling attractions to explore, from fairy-tale castles and palaces perched on hilltops to the flamboyant clash of Moorish, Gothic and 19th-century Neo-classical architecture, but the stand-out building is the National Palace.
The gigantic, whitewashed National Palace and its two conical chimneys dominate Sintra’s main square as well as the flat plains for miles around. Starting life in the 10th century as home to Lisbon’s Moorish rulers, the palace has been consistently remodeled throughout its thousand-year-plus history and now is largely a happy mishmash of Gothic, Renaissance and Manueline styles in appearance.
After the conquest of Lisbon by the first king of Portugal in 1147, the palace became the summer retreat of the Portuguese royal family and remained so until 1910; the richness of its interior reflects this importance. From the 14th century onwards this wonderful jumble of royal apartments and chambers, courtyards and patios, corridors, staircases and chapel was bedecked with one of the world’s most important collections of azulejos tiles.
In addition many of the staterooms reveal ceilings encrusted in intricate gilt paneling and exhibit a rare collection of Portuguese decorative arts; the Grand Hall is renowned for its elaborately gilded ceiling portraying royal coats of arms and those iconic chimneys on top of the palace can be traced to the vast palace kitchens.
Practical Info
Sintra is 40 minutes north-west from Lisbon Rossio, Oriente and Entrecampos stations or a 50-minute drive along the IC19 from Lisbon to the A5 Cascais turning.
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, Sintra 2710-616, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
National Theatre
A historic landmark and a functioning modern-day venue at once, the National Theatre, located along London’s South Bank, is one of England’s most renowned performing arts centers. It’s been a mainstay of the city’s thriving theater scene since it opened in 1963.
The Basics
The National Theatre’s concrete façade looms over the Thames waterfront, making it an unmistakable—if a bit plain—sight to behold during a walking or biking tour of the neighborhood or a Thames River sightseeing cruise. Visitors can go it solo by catching a show at one of the three auditoriums (Olivier, Lyttelton, Dorfman), soak in the free exhibitions, peek backstage along the Sherling Backstage Walkway, or hang out in the Lyttelton Lounge. Those wanting to learn more can join one of the guided National Theatre tours, which include architecture tours, costume tours, and backstage tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the theater, the Lyttelton Lounge, and the Sherling Backstage Walkway is free.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site and there are charging stations in the Lyttelton Lounge.
- A selection of bars, cafés, and restaurants are located on-site.
- The theater is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Theatre is located on the Thames waterfront in London’s South Bank, and it’s easily reached from the Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Waterloo & City lines) or the Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Northern lines) tube stations, both set across the Thames via a pedestrian bridge). The theater has its own car park, although fees apply and drivers must also pay the London congestion charge.
When to Get There
Head to the National Theatre at night to watch a performance; the imposing building is most impressive after dark, when it’s dramatically illuminated. Or, spend an afternoon touring the property and plan to stay for lunch.
Watching a Show at the National Theatre
The National Theatre’s ever-changing lineup includes more than 20 new productions each year; past hits include West End favorites such as War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; classics like Shakespeare’s Hamlet and The Tempest; and contemporary musicals like Wonder.land.
Address: Upper Ground, London, United Kingdom SE1 9PX, England
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9.30am-11pm
Admission: General entry: free
From $ 13
National Tile Museum
One of the defining characteristics of Portugal is its many masterful, colorful tiles (‘azulejo.’) Intricate tile work can be found all over the country in homes and churches, in streets, on walls — in all patterns, shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of the more delicate ceramic tiles are more like works of art, depicting Portuguese nature or historical events. Tiles are thought to have first been introduced into Portugal by the Moors, as early as the 14th century. They were imported from nearby Seville, until local production began to take place in the 16th century.
The National Tile Museum grew to become its own independent museum with an impressive display of tiles through the centuries, presented in chronological order. Visitors are able to get close up to the decorative tiles, and are able to see the incredible detail and craftsmanship in this cultural heritage of Portugal.
Practical Info
Portugal’s National Tile Museum is located at Rua Madre de Deus, 4. To get there, take bus 794 from Praca do Comercio. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and entrance is €5 — although it’s free on the first Sunday of each month.
Address: Rua Madre de Deus, 4, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Admission: €5
From $ 23
Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum)
With a history dating back to 1889 and a permanent collection made up of over 20 million objects, the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) is one of the largest and most renowned natural history museums in the world. The counterpart to the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), both museums are located on Maria Theresien Platz in central Vienna and rank among the city’s top attractions.
Based on the collected works of Emperor Franz Stefan, husband of Empress Maria Theresia, Rudolph II and Prince Eugène of Savoy, exhibits include a vast assemblage of minerals, rocks, fossils, meteors and flora specimens; a zoological display featuring a series of rare stuffed animals and extinct species; and a Dinosaur Hall, which houses the skeleton of a Diplodocus.
Additional highlights include the world’s biggest collection of human skulls; the largest single topaz, weighting in at 110kg; the 25,000-year old Venus of Willendorf; and the oldest human sculpture, dating back to 32,000 BC.
Based on the collected works of Emperor Franz Stefan, husband of Empress Maria Theresia, Rudolph II and Prince Eugène of Savoy, exhibits include a vast assemblage of minerals, rocks, fossils, meteors and flora specimens; a zoological display featuring a series of rare stuffed animals and extinct species; and a Dinosaur Hall, which houses the skeleton of a Diplodocus.
Additional highlights include the world’s biggest collection of human skulls; the largest single topaz, weighting in at 110kg; the 25,000-year old Venus of Willendorf; and the oldest human sculpture, dating back to 32,000 BC.
Address: Burgring 7, Vienna 1010, Austria
Hours: Thu-Mon 9am-6:30pm; Wed 9am-9pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Admission: Adult: €10; Child/Youth: Free; Senior: €8; Student: €5
From $ 10
Navigli District
The center of Milan was once crisscrossed with a series of interconnecting canals, called “navigli,” used to transport goods and people. Two still exist just south of the city center, and the surrounding Navigli District is one of Milan’s trendiest areas, full of galleries, cafés, restaurants, and clubs. It’s a hot spot worth a visit.
The Basics
The Navigli District is known for its vibrant nightlife. On summer evenings and weekends, the streets come to life with teeming bars and nightclubs, many with outdoor tables along the canals or located directly on the water on floating barges. This is the great place to discover Milan’s thriving food and wine scene, so consider joining a Milan aperitivo tour or beer tasting, or a walking tour of the neighborhood with a gourmet slant.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The picturesque Navigli area, with its canals and colorful period buildings, is one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in Milan. Be sure to bring your camera.
- One of the prettiest corners is Vicolo dei Lavandai, an offshoot of Naviglio Grande, where the Milanese would do their washing by hand. Today, the lane is lined with restaurants and shops.
- The area is paved and well-maintained, so it’s easy to manage with a wheelchair or stroller.
How to Get There
It's a pleasant walk from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo di Milano along Via Torino past the Colonne di San Lorenzo to Corso di Porta Ticinese, which brings you to the Navigli. Or, take metro line 2 to the Porta Genova stop. Milan is one of the most important cities in Italy and the capital of Lombardy, so it’s well-connected by train to Venice, Florence, and Rome.
When to Get There
The Navigli District is most vibrant in summer from late afternoon through the evening, as the area's bars and restaurants start to fill up, so join an afternoon food tour or evening walking tour to see the canals of Milan at their best.
Navigli District History
The first navigli canals were built in the 12th century, and over the centuries the system created by channeling existing rivers and dredging new waterways has been used for everything from irrigation to defense. By the beginning of the 20th century, most of Milan's navigli had fallen into disuse and were paved over in the 1930s, leaving only Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese in the working-class neighborhood just outside the wealthy city center. Low rents began to attract artists, who set up galleries and studios, and today the Navigli District has funky, bohemian atmosphere, making it one of the most desirable areas in the city.
Address: Italy
From $ 39
Nazar e
The Estremadura town of Nazaré hugs the western Atlantic coast, a traditional Portuguese fishing village turned popular summer resort and surfer’s paradise. The long sweep of sandy beach is backed by a long esplanade and a cute white-washed, red-roofed town.
The protected harbor at the south end of Nazaré’s beach springs into life when the day’s catch comes in; fish such as lobster, sardines and mackerel are laid out to dry in the sun along the harbor walls and then sold from market stalls run by women swathed in the area’s traditional headscarves and seven layers of skirt. The waterfront bars and restaurants rightly have an excellent reputation for the spanking fresh seafood served daily; the fish stew caldeirada is a local specialty.
To the north of the coastal village, a funicular trundles 360 feet (110 m) up and down between the golden beach and the cliff-top Promontório do Sítio, famed for its far-reaching sea views and landmark shrines. Legend dictates that a statue of the Virgin Mary, brought back here from Nazareth in the fourth century, was found on the cliffs in the 18th century; the Baroque church of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré commemorates its re-discovery. Close by, the Ermida dá Memoria is crusted with sparkling blue azulejo tiles and celebrates a sighting of the Virgin Mary, whose timely appearance prevented a 12th-century aristocrat from riding his horse over the cliffs in thick fog.
Nazaré lept to international attention when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking wave on May 11, 2012; the height of the wave was estimated at 78 feet (23.75 m) from peak to trough. McNamara’s claim to have surfed an even bigger wave here in January 2013 is awaiting verification.
The protected harbor at the south end of Nazaré’s beach springs into life when the day’s catch comes in; fish such as lobster, sardines and mackerel are laid out to dry in the sun along the harbor walls and then sold from market stalls run by women swathed in the area’s traditional headscarves and seven layers of skirt. The waterfront bars and restaurants rightly have an excellent reputation for the spanking fresh seafood served daily; the fish stew caldeirada is a local specialty.
To the north of the coastal village, a funicular trundles 360 feet (110 m) up and down between the golden beach and the cliff-top Promontório do Sítio, famed for its far-reaching sea views and landmark shrines. Legend dictates that a statue of the Virgin Mary, brought back here from Nazareth in the fourth century, was found on the cliffs in the 18th century; the Baroque church of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré commemorates its re-discovery. Close by, the Ermida dá Memoria is crusted with sparkling blue azulejo tiles and celebrates a sighting of the Virgin Mary, whose timely appearance prevented a 12th-century aristocrat from riding his horse over the cliffs in thick fog.
Nazaré lept to international attention when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking wave on May 11, 2012; the height of the wave was estimated at 78 feet (23.75 m) from peak to trough. McNamara’s claim to have surfed an even bigger wave here in January 2013 is awaiting verification.
Practical Info
Nazaré is 80 minutes north of Lisbon up the A8
and N8-5. Parking in the beachside old town can be difficult but there
are usually spaces south of the marina. Nazaré is a great jumping-off
point for exploring medieval Óbidos plus the revered pilgrimage sites at
Batalha and Fátima.
Address: Nazaré, Portugal
From $ 58
Natural History Museum London
Housed inside a gigantic Victorian-era edifice, this treasure trove of a museum holds 80 million specimens, including fossils, minerals, bones, insects, and taxidermy. Visitors can come face to face with a huge animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex at the Dinosaur Encounter exhibit, see a live leafcutter ant colony at work at the Creepy Crawlies gallery, and experience the sensation of the earth’s shaking at the earthquake simulator.
The Basics
The Natural History Museum is one of a handful of prestigious museums located on Exhibition Row, a common stop on sightseeing and hop-on hop-off bus tours of London. Visitors to the museum can tour the galleries independently, see scientists at work at the Darwin Centre, buy tickets for special behind-the-scenes tours, and attend drop-in talks, workshops, and events.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair users can access the museum via the Exhibition Road entrance.
- This museum is big; download the visitor app or pick up a map upon arrival to help you navigate.
- Be prepared for a short wait for security checks at the entrance.
How to Get There
The Natural History Museum has two entrances: one on Cromwell Road and the other on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum and beside the Science Museum. Take the Tube to South Kensington (District, Piccadilly, or Circle line) and follow the underground Exhibition Road tunnel from the station, taking the signposted Natural History Museum exit.
When to Get There
The Natural History Museum is open daily from 10am, with last entry at 5:30pm. Crowds flock here on weekends and during school breaks; arrive shortly after opening to avoid them. The museum also opens its doors for occasional after-hours events such as movie nights and even sleepovers. Among the most popular annual exhibitions are the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which typically opens in October and closes in May, and Sensational Butterflies, which runs from April to mid-September. In the build-up to Christmas, the museum’s seasonal open-air ice rink is the perfect place to get in the festive spirit.
Highlights of Hintze Hall
Since 1979, the 85-foot-long (26-meter-long) Dippy the Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton has stolen the show in the museum’s magnificent Hintze Hall. That is, until 2017, when Dippy went off on tour and was replaced by Hope, an equally impressive 126-year-old blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, England
Hours: Daily: 10am - 5:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 16
National Museum of Serbia
The National Museum of Serbia is the largest and oldest museum in Serbia and the former Yugoslavia. Sitting on Belgrade’s Republic Square, the museum was established in 1844 and has since grown to include more than 400,000 pieces in 34 different archaeological, numismatic, artistic and historical collections. The archaeological collection consists of sculptures from the 5th to 7th millennium BC, thousands of items from ancient Rome and ancient Greece and a rare gold sarcophagus and mummy from ancient Egypt. The numismatic collection features hundreds of thousands coins, medals, rings and seals, including coins issued by Phillip II of Macedonia and Alexander the Great.
The museum’s collection of medieval artifacts hails mostly from Europe and Asia and features an illustrated 362-page manuscript of the Miroslav Gospels written in 1186, rings belonging to 14th century Serbian Queen Theodora and King Milutin’s mantle from the 1300s. Its art collection is also world-renowned, with extremely rare pieces from masters like Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Degas and Cezanne. It also includes hundreds of paintings by Italian, Dutch, Flemish, Russian, Japanese, Austrian, German and Yugoslav artists.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Serbia is located in the center of Belgrade on a square area between the Republic Square, the former Theatre Square, and Čika Ljubina, Vasina and Laze Pačua streets. It can be reached by any bus, trolley or minibus heading to Republic Square. One ticket entitles a visitor to visit the National Museum, the Gallery of Frescoes and the Museum of Vuk and Dositej over two days.
Address: Trg republike 1a, Belgrade 104303, Serbia
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: 200 dinars; free on Sunday
From $ 2
National Pantheon of Santa Engracia
The burial place of the great and good of Portugal, the gleaming white National Pantheon has its roots in the 17th century but was only finally completed in 1966. Constructed to a design by Lisbon’s Baroque master-craftsman João Antunes, it is a mini-me of St Peters in Rome, with a highly intricate, colonnaded exterior topped with a central dome. Climb six flights of steps up to the top for matchless views over the city to the River Tagus.
Inside the church is a riot of highly patterned mosaic flooring, gleaming white marble adorned with gilt, and memorial cenotaphs to Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator. The vast, 18th-century Baroque organ was moved here from Sé Cathedral in the 1940s, and famous names interred in the nave include a string of Portuguese statesmen and the revered fado singer Amalia Rodrigues.
Tuesdays and Saturdays see the fascinating Feira da Ladra flea market fill the Campo de Santa Clara in the shadow of the National Pantheon; it is a pleasant jumble of stalls selling anything from knock-off DVDs to vintage fashion.
Practical Info
Located at Campo de Santa Clara, the site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Take Tram 28 to Arco de São Vicente or the Metro to Apolonia – although this involves a steep uphill walk.
Address: Largo de Santa Clara, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–5pm
From $ 21
National Philharmonic of Ukraine
The National Philharmonic of Ukraine first performed in Kiev in 1863 at a time when the city was flourishing as a trading city and playing an important role in the Russian Empire; by 1881 the orchestra had its own home, a mammoth concert hall built in stately style by Kiev architect Vladimir Nikolaev, who managed to create almost perfect acoustics, despite the diminutive size of the stage and its elegant auditorium. During the early years the National Philharmonic flourished and great names such as composer conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff and Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin played there. Somehow, despite all the political upheavals and enforced closures of the 20th century, the hall has survived; it was restored following a flood in the 1980s and reopened in 1996 with upgraded facilities and improved acoustics.
Today with a mixed repertoire of classical, chamber and choral concerts, folk music and jazz, the National Philharmonic is permanent home to the Kiev Symphony and Chamber orchestras. It has a colonnaded and galleried concert hall that is surprisingly intimate in size. Seats that are tucked behind the columns are positioned within view of giant screens so the audience can follow the action on stage.
Practical Info
Volodymyrska Street, 2, Kiev. Box office: daily 11am–7.30pm (Mon 7pm). Ticket price depends on event. Take the metro to Maidan Nezalezhnosti.
Address: Volodymyrska Street, 2, Kiev, Kiev Oblast 01001, Ukraine
Admission: ticket depends on performance
From $ 17
Nazi Party Rally Grounds
The site of six of Hitler’s infamous Nazi Party rallies sits southeast of Nuremberg city center, a vast tract of land covering 4.2 square miles (11 square kilometers) lying virtually untended a short, lakeside walk from the Nazi Documentation Center. The massive parade grounds and mammoth Modernist stadium, with its central focus on the stern, austere Zeppelin Grandstand, are slowly crumbling into dilapidation, and the German government is torn between knocking them down or preserving them as a reminder of the horrors of the Third Reich.
Built by Nazi architect Albert Speer in 1933, the stadium was designed as a “cathedral of light” with floodlight reaching up to the sky. It became a backdrop for some of Adolf Hitler’s most notorious speeches, when millions of Hitler youth and Nazi sympathizers attended his political rallies and were whipped into a frenzy of hatred against the Jews, leading to the passing of the notorious Nuremberg Laws and ultimately to the Holocaust. Today the colonnaded flanks to the Zeppelin Grandstand may be destroyed, but it is easy to conjure up the terrifying power of Hitler’s fanatical oratory. Visitors only need to look at the photographs and flickering black-and-white films displayed in the Nazi Documentation Center at the adjacent Congress Hall to relive the strength of his twisted charisma.
The transformer station that supplied the electricity for Hitler’s “cathedral of light” is on nearby Regensburger Strasse, with the Nazi party’s symbolic eagle still emblazoned on its flank. Nowadays it is a fast-food restaurant, while much of the land around the Zeppelin Grandstand has been given over to cyclists, joggers and picnicking families.
Practical Info
Located at Bayernstrasse, the site is open 24 hours a day with free admission. Take Tram Line 9 or Bus line 36, 55, 65 to Doku-Zentrum, or train S2 to Dutzendteich Bahnhof.
Address: Bayernstraße 110, Nuremberg, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 25
National Opera House of Ukraine
The National Opera of Ukraine was founded in 1867 at a time when the country was part of Russia and loomed large on the world cultural stage. It was originally housed in the City Theatre, but that burnt down in 1896 and was replaced by today’s vast, gloriously ornate Neo-Renaissance concert hall, which was designed by German-Russian architect Victor Schröter and reopened in 1901. By the 1920s the National Opera was one of the most prestigious in Russia, performing great works by the likes of Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Rimsky-Korsakov while attracting famous opera stars from across the world. Having survived both world wars, the National Opera House was restored in the 1980s and its acoustics, stage equipment, rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms were much improved. The concert hall is lavishly decorated on the interior, with a colonnaded foyer dripping in chandeliers and molded ceilings; its plush gilt and red auditorium can seat 1,300. Today the award-winning National Opera performs a repertoire of Verdi, Ravel, Paganini and Chopin among many others, and the National Ballet is also in residence here. Going to the opera in Kiev is a dressy affair; anyone wearing jeans, shorts or sneakers will be refused entry.
Practical Info
Volodymyrska Street, 50, Kiev. Box office: daily 11am–7.30pm (Mon 7pm). Ticket price depends on event. Take the metro to Zaloti Vorota.
Address: Volodymyrska Street, 50, Kiev, Kiev Oblast 01030, Ukraine
Hours: Box office: daily 11am–7.30pm (Mon 7pm)
Admission: ticket depends on concert
From $ 22
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
With white sand and marble cliffs, Navagio Beach makes a striking setting for swimming and sunbathing. Set on sun-soaked Zakynthos island off the coast of Greece, Navagio Beach is a popular day trip destination. The beach’s centerpiece is a long-abandoned freighter—the remains of a smuggler’s shipwreck—that still languishes on the sands.
The Basics
Experience the history and scenery of Navagio Beach on a guided excursion to the shipwreck and nearby sea caves. Explore Zakynthos by coach and motor boat, and stop to swim in the beach's aquamarine waters, or hop on a full-day sightseeing cruise of the island to see Navagio by land and by sea. Don't miss the lookout point 600 feet (183 meters) above the beach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are no visitor facilities at the beach, so be sure to bring your own chairs, umbrellas, towels, water, and picnic supplies.
- Many boat tours to Navagio Beach are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check with tour operators in advance.
How to Get There
Navagio Beach is tucked into an isolated cove on the northern coast of Zakynthos (also called Zante) in the Greek Ionian Islands. The beach is only reachable by sea, and boat trips set sail from nearby Porto Vromi Bay or the village of Volimes, taking about 20 minutes to reach Navagio.
When to Get There
Despite the fact that it can only be reached by sea, Navagio Beach gets packed with day-trippers and tourist boats in the summer high season. To escape crowds, try to visit early in the morning or in late afternoon. Visiting out of season means you'll get a rare chance to photograph the beach free of crowds, but boat departures are less frequent in winter.
The Famous Shipwreck Beach
The famous Navagio Beach is often better known by its nicknames, Shipwreck Beach or Smuggler's Cove. It acquired its notoriety in October 1980, when a freighter—allegedly used by smugglers—that was being chased by the Greek Navy ran aground and was abandoned on the shore. The rusting freighter, dubbed the Panagiotis, still lies at the center of the beach, slowly sinking into the sands and providing a unique photo opportunity for beach visitors.
Address: Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Ionian Islands 29091, Greece
From $ 35
National Roman Museum-Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
The National Roman Museum has four branches in Rome, but the main seat is Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, where one of the world's most important collections of classical art covers four floors, including sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, coins, and jewels dating from the late Republican period to the end of the Roman empire.
The Basics
The 19th-century neo-Renaissance Palazzo Massimo is known as Palazzo Massimo alle Terme due to its close proximity to the Baths of Diocletian. The palazzo was used as a Jesuit college until the 1960s and became the main branch of the National Roman Museum (Museo Nazionale Romano) in the 1980s. Today, it is home to important works like the Boxer at Rest, Sleeping Hermaphrodite, Discus Thrower, and Augustus as Pontifex Maximus sculptures; portrait busts from the Republican and Imperial Ages; frescoes and mosaics from the Villa of Livia; and an extensive coin collection.
A visit to the National Roman Museum is a must for ancient history buffs, and you can join a private or small-group tour with skip-the-line tickets for both the museum and the nearby Baths of Diocletian.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum covers four full floors and there is a lot to take in, so wear shoes that are comfortable for walking and standing.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Visitors are assigned a time to enter the hall where the Villa di Livia frescoes are displayed. Reserve your ticket in advance so you can time your arrival at the museum according to your assigned entry time.
How to Get There
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is located just opposite the main Termini train station in central Rome, and can be reached on foot by crossing Piazza dei Cinquecento. Both of the city's metro lines and numerous bus lines stop at Termini.
When to Get There
The museum is closed on Mondays, but open all day the rest of the week. Stop in around midday when most visitors are taking break for lunch to enjoy the collection with fewer crowds.
The Baths of Diocletian
Ancient Rome's largest thermal complex, the Terme di Diocleziano could once accommodate up to 3,000 bathers. The ruins of this vast complex are just next to Palazzo Massimo alle Terme and today house a branch of the Museo Nazionale Romano; the collection includes memorial inscriptions, bas-reliefs, sarcophagi, statuary, and monumental animal-head sculptures, thought to have come from the Trajan’s Forum.
Address: Piazza del Cinquecento 67, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
National War Museum
The 16th-century, star-shaped Fort St Elmo stands at the northeastern tip of Valletta's fortifications and has been extensively renovated, now hosting Malta's National War Museum. Showcasing centuries of Maltese history from the Bronze Age right through to Malta joining the European Union, the museum makes clever use of video clips, interactive exhibits and colorful multimedia displays to enliven and simplify its story.
Each of the seven chronological displays is introduced through a short movie providing historical context for travelers before they move through each vital stage in the island's history. Numbered rooms showcase the medieval armor of the Knights of St John, who ruled Malta from 1530 until 1798; the Great Siege by the Turkish Ottoman Empire in 1565; the arrival of the English in 1800 and Malta's pivotal role in both world wars.
A museum highlight is the extensive World War II collection, which includes guns, heavy weapons, military vehicles, tanks, airplanes, gas masks and Nazi uniforms. Flickering black-and-white films highlight the 1940s Maltese struggle against constant German aerial bombardment, while the George Cross medal for bravery presented to the entire island by King George VI of England is exhibited along with the presentation letter signed by the king.
Practical Info
Fort St Elmo is set in a pedestrianized area of the city, but there is designated parking outside the City Gate. The National War Museum is open daily from 9am to 6pm, and admission costs €10 for adults, €7.50 for seniors, students and children between the ages of 12 and 17. Young children between 6 and 11 enter for €5.50. All exhibits are clearly labeled in several languages.
Address: Fort St Elmo, Valletta VLT1741, Malta
Hours: Daily 9am–6pm
Admission: €10
From $ 58
Natural Arch
The Natural Arch on the Italian island of Capri is all that remains of what was once a deep and incredibly high grotto. Thought to date all the way back to the Paleolithic era, today the limestone arch stands about 12 meters wide and 18 meters tall. Avid photographers will find that the arch can provide an ideal picture frame for capturing seascapes in the distance. Located on the east side of the island, the walk to reach the Natural Arch is one of the most beautiful on Capri. From a small square facing the arch visitors can also enjoy tremendous views of the Sorrentine Peninsula, Punta Campanella and the islets of the Li Galli archipelago.
Practical Info
Reaching the Natural Arch is best done on foot. Start from the Piazzetta in the town of Capri and then follow Via Vittorio Emanuele to Via Camerelle. Continue along Via Tragara tto the Pizzolungo footpath toward the Grotta di Matermania, where the path becomes narrow and steep. From the grotto, climb the final 200 steps up to the arch.
Address: Via Arco Naturale, Capri, Italy
From $ 25
National Prehistoric Museum (Mus ee National de Pr ehistoire)
Aquitaine’s National Prehistoric Museum was founded in 1918 by Denis Peyrony on the des Eyzies-de-Tayac commune, in the very heart of the UNESCO Valley of Mankind and prehistoric capital of the world. The site as well as its collections are rich in history. It holds one of France’s most important Paleolithic collections including the first global set of Paleolithic art on engraved or carved blocks.
The museum’s displays enable visitors to see the oldest traces of life left by mankind and to understand the evolution of societies over the last 400 millennia. Objects on display include stone tools, art objects made of bone or ivory, and life-size imitations of prehistoric humans and extinct animals. The museum was expanded in 2004.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Rue du Musée in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac Sireuil. It is just 45 kilometers away from Périgueux-Sarlat and can be reached in half an hour via D47. It is open every day from 9:30am until 6:30pm in July and August as well as June and September with the exception that Tuesdays are closed. It is also open from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 5:30pm between October and May. Last admission is 45 minutes before closure. The visit costs €6 / €4.50 (full rate / reduced rate) and is free on the first Sunday of every month. The museum is fully accessible to those with reduced mobility.
Address: 1 Rue du Musée, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes 24620, France
Hours: July to August: daily 9:30am – 6:30pm; June & September: Wedneday-Monday from 9:30am – 6pm; October to May: Wednesday-Monday 9:30am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5:30pm; Closed December 25 and January 1st
Admission: Full rate: €6; Reduced rate: €4.50
From $ 162
National Sanctuary of Christ the King
This tall monument stands on a cliff overlooking Lisbon and offers one of the best views of the city and its surrounds. The figure of Christ was built in honor of God’s protection of Portugal in World War II and constructed in cement over a 10-year timeframe before it was completed and inaugurated in 1959. Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer state in Rio de Janeiro after the Cardinal Patriarch at the time visited Brazil, the monument has arms that spread out to resemble a cross and embrace the city.
At 90 feet tall (28 meters) tall, it’s an impressive sight on its own—made taller by a 270-foot (82-meter) high pedestal accessible by elevator and narrow stairs. Many claim that the view from the top is the best in all of Lisbon, with sweeping views of the city, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Tagus River. There is a small chapel and sanctuary building at the base.
Practical Info
The monument is located in Almada, 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from Lisbon, about a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, take the train to Pragal Station followed by a bus to Calcihas and bus 101, which goes straight to the statue. Ferries run from Cais de Sodre to Cacilhais as well. It is open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from 9:30 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission costs 5€.
Address: Alto do Pragal, Avenida Cristo Rei, Almada 2800-058, Portugal
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-6:30pm
Saturday-Sunday 9:30am-7pm
Admission: 5€
From $ 16