Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Pergamon
Pergamon is an ancient city dating as far back as the 5th century BC. Credited with the invention of parchment, this once great seat of learning and culture had a library with over 20,000 volumes and a medical center - the remains of which can still be seen today.
Listed in the Bible as one of the Seven Churches of Asia, Pergamon flourished until the 14th century when, under Ottoman rule, it was abandoned and left to decay. Today, much of the remains of this once magnificent city lie underneath the modern-day city of Bergama but, thanks to Pergamon’s hilltop position, the remains of its most important buildings are still visible.
The Acropolis of Pergamon is clearly visible from anywhere in Bergama and closer inspection will reveal two partially reconstructed temples (Temple of Trajan and the Temple of Athena), ancient aqueducts and the incredible hillside theater, which is said to contain the steepest theater seating in the world.
Practical Info
Asclepion (the ancient medical center) was centuries ahead of its time in its use of therapies to cure ills. Here you’ll find a theater and several sacred pools whose purportedly radioactive waters were used to cure patients. Once accessed via the Sacred Way from the Acropolis, these days you’ll find the Asclepion across town, west of the Bergama Museum and city center.
Other important sites at Pergamon include the Red Basilica and the Zeus Altar.
Bergama (ancient Pergamon) is 100km (62mi) north of Izmir. Pergamon’s sites are spread over a large area and most people choose to see the ancient city on a guided tour.
Address: Bergama, Turkey
From $ 123
Pavlovsk Palace
Built in 1777 under commission of Catherine the Great and featuring the works of architects like Charles Cameron, Jacomo Quarengi and Carlo Rossi, the stately Pavlovsk Palace was a gift from the Empress to her son, the future Emperor Paul I, to mark the birth of her first grandson. A magnificent neoclassical complex set in an idyllic 1,500-acre estate, the palace is surrounded by landscaped parks and woodlands, and served as the summer residence for the Emperor and his wife, Maria Feodorovna, until his untimely death in 1801.
Today, the painstakingly restored palace is open to the public and provides an intimate glimpse into the life of one of Russia’s most enigmatic rulers. Visitors can peek into the chambers of Maria Feodorovna, where her personal items are still on display; explore the state rooms, decorated with an impressive collection of furnishings, fine china and paintings; and admire highlights like the lavish Throne Room, the grand Dining Hall and Paul’s Library, home to a series of tapestries gifted to the couple by Louis XVI.
Practical Info
Pavlovsk Palace is located 30 kilometers south of St. Petersburg city center and can be reached by train from St. Petersburg’s Vitebsk station (a 40-minute ride) or by guided tour, often combined with a visit to nearby Pushkin. The palace is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except for the first Monday of the month, when it’s closed); last admission is at 5 p.m. Adult admission is R450.
Address: Sadovaya St. 20, St. Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except for the first Monday of the month, when it’s closed); last admission is at 5 p.m.
Admission: Adult admission is R450.
From $ 30
Paulaner Brewery
With a 400-year history of beer brewing and famously one of the six breweries that provide beer for Oktoberfest, the Paulaner Brewery is a clear contender for the title of Munich’s top brewery. The origins of the Paulaner Brewery date back to 1634, started by the Paulaner monks of Kloster Neudeck ob der Au, and it remains one of Munich’s biggest traditional breweries, producing some 2 million hectoliters each year and exporting beer to over 70 countries around the world.
Today, beer lovers can also enjoy tours of the historic brewery, viewing the malting towers, brewhouse, fermenting tanks, beer cellars and wells, and learning all about the legendary Bavarian Purity Law and how it guarantees the quality and taste of the beers. Visitors can also enjoy a beer tasting or extend their visit at the neighboring Paulaner Bräuhaus beer garden.
Practical Info
The Paulaner Brewery is located on the Nockherberg hill, around 2km south of central Munich and is open for tours from Monday to Friday. Adult admission at the time of writing is €8.
Address: Falkenstrasse 11, Munich 81541, Germany
Admission: €8
From $ 32
Pazaislis Monastery
The country’s finest example of Italian baroque architecture can be seen at the Pazaislis Monastery and church in Kaunas, the largest monastery complex in Lithuania.
Built in 1662 by the order of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, four Italian architects designed the church and monastery, while sculptors of Lombardy completed the frescos and plaster casts.
Converted to an Orthodox church by the Russians in 1832, the church was also used as an archive, a psychiatric hospital and an art gallery in its time before being returned to the Catholic order in the 1990s and reconstructed to its former glory.
Every year, the Pazaislis Monastery plays hosts to an international music festival. If you visit during the summer months, you won’t be able to miss it.
Practical Info
Pazaislis monastery and church is on a peninsula in the Kaunas Reservoir near the Kaunas Yacht Club.
Address: T. Masiulio st. 31, Kaunas, Lithuania
Hours: Open daily 11am - 5pm
From $ 81
Pegasus Bridge
Before June 6, 1944 the Bénouville Bridge was simply a way for locals to cross the Canal de Caen quickly and easily. But the Allied troops knew that the Germans also used this bridge to send supplies and reinforcements to their troops along the beaches of Normandy – and so it was a priority to seize control of it as soon as possible to help the D-Day operation.
And so on that day, the British 6th Airborne Division arrived silently in gliders and after only 10 minutes, had secured the bridge. From then on it was known as the Pegasus Bridge, in honor of the insignia on the brave soldiers' uniforms.
Although the original bridge has been replaced thanks to modern engineering, there is still a memorial at the site, as well as a museum that focuses on the role of the Airborne Division in Operation Overlord. A fairly new museum, inaugurated only in 2000, its collection continues to grow and so is a wonderful experience even for repeat visitors.
Practical Info
The Pegasus Memorial and Museum is open from February through mid-December from 10am to 5pm. Admission is 7.00 €, with discounts for children, students, and groups.
Address: Rue Major John Howard, Ranville 14860, France
Hours: February-December 10am-5pm
Admission: €7
From $ 110
Peljesac Peninsula
Revered for its endless beaches, idyllic coves, scenic valleys, fine wines, and seafood, Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula juts out of the center of southern Dalmatia. Without the tourist-oriented resorts and the crowds of other coastal Dalmatian destinations, the Pelješac Peninsula is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday.
The Basics
The Pelješac Peninsula is a popular day-trip destination from Dubrovnik for those wanting to experience a bit of the coastal countryside. Nature lovers will adore the endless walking trails along the coast, sun worshippers can beach hop across both sides of the peninsula, and wind surfers will find some of the best conditions in Croatia on the southwest shores.
Tours of the Pelješac Peninsula often include a visit to the fishing village of Ston to view its 14th-century walls, a stop at a family-run winery to sample local Pelješac wine, and a stroll along the sea to revel in some of the peninsula’s finest coastal scenery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Pelješac Peninsula is a must for foodies and wine lovers.
- Book a wine-tasting tour to discover the peninsula’s best wineries.
- Public transportation is limited on the peninsula so book a guided tour to ensure you see the highlights.
How to Get There
If you have car, the Pelješac Peninsula is an easy 1-hour drive from Dubrovnik. Otherwise, you can book a guided tour of the peninsula from Dubrovnik or the Makarska Riviera. There is also daily bus service from Dubrovnik to Ston and Orebic. Public buses exist on the peninsula but are infrequent.
When to Get There
With endless sunshine and dry weather along the coast, Croatia sees the most visitors during the peak summer months of July and August. The Pelješac Peninsula sees fewer tourists than other destinations along the Dalmatian coast, so during the peak season it’s a more peaceful experience. With even fewer tourists and pleasant weather, the shoulder months of May and September are also great times to visit.
Pelješac Peninsula Wine Tours
The Pelješac Peninsula is one of Croatia’s most prolific wine-producing regions. Renowned for its plavac mali–based red, Pelješac wine is intensely rich and full of flavor. Visit the region as part of a private wine-tasting or small-group tour to learn more about Croatia’s winemaking traditions while visiting several family-run wineries and tasting unique Pelješac varietals.
Address: Southern Dalmatia, Croatia
From $ 53
Peristil Square
Peristil Square is Split's main square, the former entry hall in Diocletian's Palace. It is derived from a Roman architectural term called the peristyle, an open colonnade surrounding a court.
The spacious central courtyard is flanked by marble columns topped with Corinthian capitals and richly ornamented cornices linked by arches. There are six columns on both the east and west sides, and four more at the south end, which mark the monumental entrance to the Vestibul. Most of the structure is made of white stone from the nearby island of Brač; however, the columns are made of Italian marble and siennite from Egypt.
The Vestibul is a cavernous open dome above the ground floor passageway; a foyer that leads you into the emperor's residential quarters. The Vestibul provides great acoustics allowing klapa bands to perform traditional a capella songs there in the mornings.
The head of Peristil, the prothyron, connecting the public square to the private quarters was the only place a commoner would see the emperor as he addressed his people. On either side of the prothyron you will find a little chapel stemming from far after the time of Diocletian; Our Lady of the Belt (1544) and Our Lady of Conception (1650). Note the black granite sphinx standing guard outside the cathedral. It was one of 11 acquired by Diocletian during battle in Egypt.
Peristil is the host to various events through the year most notably the Split Summer Festival where the square converts into an open-air opera theatre. On May 7, the feast of St. Dominus is celebrated here. Occasional live concerts are also held here. During the day, the ruins and cathedral coexist with boutique hotels, shops, cafes and bars blasting live music at night.
Address: Peristil Square, Split, Croatia
From $ 24
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Paris’ largest and most prestigious cemetery, the Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père Lachaise) was founded in 1804. Today it contains more than 70,000 ornate tombs, including those of some of France’s most important public figures.
The Basics
The grand, tree-lined avenues and cobblestone lanes of the Père Lachaise Cemetery make a dramatic backdrop for a walking tour, and the faded headstones and aging monuments harbor centuries of history. With more than 110 acres (44 hectares) to explore, visiting with a tour guide is the most convenient option, and most small-group or private tours stop at all the highlights, including Jim Morrison’s grave.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the Père Lachaise Cemetery is free.
- The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, although some areas may be difficult to access without assistance.
- Cemetery maps are available for free from the information office at the Boulevard de Ménilmontant entrance.
How to Get There
The Père Lachaise Cemetery is located in Paris’ 11th arrondissement, around 3 miles (5km) east of downtown Paris. The cemetery has four entrances; the main entrance is on Boulevard de Ménilmontant, close to the Philippe Auguste metro stop (line 2). Other entrances are situated close to the Père-Lachaise (lines 2 and 3), Gambetta (line 3), and Alexandre Dumas (line 2) metro stations.
When to Get There
The cemetery is open year round and is busiest in summer, when group tours descend on to the most popular sites. To avoid the crowds, time your visit for the early morning or aim for 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., when most tours break for lunch.
Famous Residents of the Père Lachaise
Père Lachaise is the resting place of renowned composers, writers, artists, actors, singers, dancers, and even the immortal 12th-century lovers Abélard and Héloïse. One of the most-visited grave sites is that of rock star Jim Morrison of the Doors, who died in an apartment on rue Beautreillis in the Marais in 1971. Others include Oscar Wilde, Maria Callas, Chopin, Marcel Proust, Modigliani, Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein, and Georges Haussmann—the man who laid out Paris's magnificent 19th-century boulevards.
Address: 16 rue de Repos, Paris 75020, France
Hours: Weekdays 8am - 6pm, Sat 8:30am - 6pm, Sun 9am - 6pm (shorter hours in winter)
Admission: Free
From $ 5
Penedes
Home to more than 300 wineries, Spain’s Penedes region produces some of the country’s best cava, a sparkling wine made with the same method that’s used to make French champagne. The historic town of Vilafranca del Penedes is filled with medieval and Modernista architecture, as well as restaurants pouring locally made wines.
The Basics
Many travelers visit Penedes on a day trip from Barcelona. Though wine tasting is at the top of the activity menu, there are tours for all types of travelers. Cycle through picturesque vineyards on a guided bike tour of the region, take a food tour to sample local artisan olive oils and cheeses, or combine an afternoon of wine tasting with a morning visit to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage-listed Montserrat Monastery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Penedes is a must-visit for wine lovers and foodies.
- You can pair your wine tasting with other activities such as a bicycle ride, Segway tour, or a Monastery visit.
- Penedes day trips from Barcelona can last seven to 10 hours, depending on the activities that are included.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
How to Get There
Penedes is 45 minutes from Barcelona. To get there, take the Renfe train from Plaza Catalunya or Estació de Sants.
When to Get There
One of the most exciting times to visit Penedes is during the autumn grape harvest, which happens during September and October. Fall and spring both offer cooler temperatures perfect for touring the vineyards. July and August tend to be the busiest months at popular wineries and Montserrat Monastery.
Famous Winemakers of Penedes
This wine region has hundreds of wineries to choose from, but a few are such big names that you’re likely to see their labels at your wine store back home. Among those that offer tours are Codorníu with its grand Modernista building, Freixenet (the biggest cava producer in Spain), and Torres, a 17th-century family-owned winery.
Address: Alt Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 103
People's Friendship Arch
The People’s Friendship Arch was constructed in 1982 and was originally intended as a symbol of unification between Ukraine and her Soviet overlords as well as the 60th anniversary of the founding of the USSR. Constructed of titanium and spanning 50 m (164 ft), it stands on a viewing deck with panoramas over the River Dnieper and was the work of architect I N Ivanov. Describing an arc – which is illuminated in the colors of the rainbow by night – across the skyline, the monument arches over a Socialist-Realism bronze sculpture by sculptor Aleksandr Skoblikov of Russian and Ukrainian workers holding up a unifying flag and a granite frieze detailing Ukrainian Cossacks pledging allegiance to the Russian Tsar in 1654, when the two countries first united. Ironically the uneasy accord between the two countries ended less than a decade after the monument was constructed with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. A small fairground and a few beer stalls are sometimes found at the foot of the monument.
Practical Info
Khreschatyk. Free for all, 24 hours daily. Metro to Maidan Nezalezhnosti.
Address: Khreschatyk., Kiev, Kiev Oblast 01001, Ukraine
Hours: Daily
From $ 17
Pays d'Auge
Like many popular destinations in France – the Loire Valley and Provence to name just two - the Pays d'Auge is not a place with specific geographic or political borders within France. There's no mayor or governor of Pays d'Auge, and locals from the region of Normandy, where it's generally agreed to be located, will most likely have differing opinions as to exactly what's in and out of the Pays d'Auge.
That being said, here's a general idea: its northern border runs from just east of Caen to where the coast makes a dramatic turn towards Le Havre, and runs inland about halfway to Alençon. So, why is the Pays d'Auge even a thing if no one can point to it on a map, exactly? It all has to do with AOC, or the appellation d'origine contrôlée. The Pays d'Auge appellation is given to specific agricultural products that come from the farms within its “borders” - cheeses, ciders, and calvados included.
A visit to the Pays d'Auge yields not only a feast to fell any foodie, but lush green fields, half-timbered farm houses with thatched roofs, and a culture unlike any other in France. Visitors to the area for WWII memorials and museums should take the time to travel through the Pays d'Auge; it's a welcome contrast to the somber experiences of the coastline's history.
Practical Info
The main town in Pays d’Auge is Lisieux.
Address: France
From $ 109
Peles Castle
This picturesque Neo-Renaissance castle is located in the scenic Carpathian Mountains in Romania’s Prahova County. Built in the late 1800s, Peles is home to vast hand-painted murals, 170 rooms, 30 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and arms. Visitors can tour the grounds and take in the garden statues, old-world paintings, rich tapestries and shining armor collected from Eastern and Central European. The Swiss stained glass vitralios are also worth a peek and rank high among Peles Castle’s prized art works.
Travelers who elect to take a guided castle tour should be sure to check out the ornate woodwork in the Honor Hall and the 500-year-old leather wall cover in the Imperial Suite. Visitors say these are among some of the most impressive (and well-kept) items in Peles.
Practical Info
The castle is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. On Tuesdays, visitors can only tour the ground floor of Peles. During the winter, the castle is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 9:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is closed from November 3 through December 3. Tour prices vary depending on the number of floors travelers wish to visit.
Address: Aleea Peleșului 2, Sinaia, Romania
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Pergamon (Bergama)
A visit to Pergamon (Pergamum) means stepping back in time to one of the most well-preserved ancient Greek city-states. The city rose to prominence under the rule of Alexander the Great’s successor Lysimachus, who with his fortune built many of the structures that stand as ruins today. There are two main areas to explore: the Upper Acropolis and the Lower City.
The path up the hill to the Acropolis leads to the square base of the Altar of Zeus (the reliefs were taken by German explorers and are now on display at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin). From here wander to temples dedicated to various Greek gods, aqueducts, city walls, a gymnasium and the site of the famous Library of Pergamum, the second largest in antiquity. Stroll through the former royal palaces, and don’t miss the hillside Hellenistic theater with seating for 10,000 that is the steepest of the ancient world.
Practical Info
Pergamon lies about a 15-minute walk northeast of the city of Bergama. The entrance to the Akropol (Acropolis) is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission costs 20 Turkish Lira. There is also a cable car up the hill for a round-trip fee of 8 Turkish Lira. Many visitors choose to take the cable car up and walk down.
Address: Bergama, Turkey
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: 20 Turkish Lira
From $ 123
Penthes Castle (Château de Penthes)
Located in the town of Pregny-Chambesy outside of Geneva, Switzerland, the Penthes Castle is a luxurious chateau that is home to two museums: the Museum of the Swiss Abroad and the Geneva Military Museum. The chateau is set in the middle of the hilly Empress’ Park (named in honor of Josephine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon I) and offers excellent views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.
The Museum of the Swiss Abroad is devoted to showing the history of Swiss citizens who have affected the history of other countries, including artists, explorers, bankers, inventors and many others. The collection includes documents such as military patents and letters of dismissal, letters, journals, newspapers, photographs and stamps, as well as books, portrait, sculptures, uniforms, flags, medals and other personal belongings.
The Geneva Military Museum showcases weapons, uniforms and other papers from the Swiss military.
Practical Info
To reach the Chateau de Penthes from the Geneva train station, take TGV bus V in the direction of La Becassiere or TGV bus Z toward Bois-Chatton and get off at the Penthes stop. From the Geneva airport, take TPG bus 28 toward Jardin Botanique to the Appia stop and from there, catch either of the buses mentioned above.
The Museum of the Swiss Abroad is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., although hours may vary by season. The Geneva Military Museum is open in February and March on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.; in April through December, on Wednesday to Friday, 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 6 p.m. It is closed from late December to late January.
Address: Chemin de l'Impératrice 18, Pregny-Chambesy, Switzerland
Admission: Museum of the Swiss Abroad: 10 Swiss francs; Geneva Military Museum: Free
From $ 27
Pena National Palace
The crown jewel of UNESCO-listed Sintra, Pena National Palace never fails to inspire. The fanciful red and yellow palace is an exotic mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance elements, commissioned by King Ferdinand II and completed in 1854 on a hilltop high above Sintra.
The Basics
This Disney-like castle in the clouds is one of the most-visited attractions in Portugal and a popular day trip from nearby Lisbon. A shady, winding road leads travelers up through Parque das Merendas to the palace, perched 1,476 feet (450 meters) above sea level. Within the palace, it’s possible to walk the walls and see inside the turrets, marvel at the Victorian and Edwardian furnishings within, and explore the surrounding Pena Park and its spectacular landscaping. The most convenient and rewarding way to explore the complex is on a guided half- or full-day tour from Lisbon, which could include other stops such as Cascais, Quinta da Regaleira, Queluz Palace, or even a local winery for a tasting.
Things to Know Before You
- This site is a must-visit for history buffs.
- Free WiFi is available at several locations on the grounds, including at the main entrance, restaurant, and cafeteria terrace.
- Day trips from Lisbon can last anywhere from 5 to 8 hours.
- Due to ongoing restoration, not all parts of the palace are always open.
- Nearly the entire Pena complex is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to the Pena National Palace
The town of Sintra is set about an hour from Lisbon by train or 40 minutes by road. From the train station, Bus 434 continues on to the main part of town and then ascends the hill to Pena Palace. From the Sintra town center, it's also possible to make the hour-long climb to the palace on foot.
When to Get There
The palace is generally open daily from 9:45am to 7pm, while the park grounds are open from 9:30am until 8pm. July and August tend to be the busiest months in Sintra, particularly between 10am and 4pm when many visitors from Lisbon come for a tour of the royal palaces and Moorish castle. Expect temperatures in the high 80s during this time of year. To avoid the crowds (and the worst of the heat), arrive at the ticket office first thing in the morning, preferably on a weekday.
Other Things to Do in Sintra
If you’re in Sintra to see the Pena Palace, you’ll find a range of other attractions to check out as well. Many visitors choose to make a circuit of the area’s three royal palaces: the National Palace of Pena, National Palace of Sintra, and the Palace of Quelez. The Castle of the Moors, another part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra UNESCO World Heritage site, is also worth visiting.
Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609, Sintra, Portugal
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim)
One of the most popular and prestigious museums in Venice, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of modern art provides a welcome contrast to Venice’s ornate Gothic and baroque art and architecture. A visit here is a must for any lover of 20th-century art.
The Basics
Peggy Guggenheim, an important New York art collector who spent the last 30 years of her life in Venice, amassed an important collection of early 20th-century European and American art. Upon her death in 1979, her home on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, became the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum. The palazzo and sculpture garden include works by such artists as Picasso, Kandinsky, Magritte, Dalí, Calder, Giacometti, Marini, and Pollock.
Because of the scope and importance of the collection, it’s best to visit as part of a Peggy Guggenheim Collection guided tour, or take an after-hours private tour to enjoy the art without the crowds.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and retrospectives.
- Photography (without flash) is allowed inside the museum and sculpture garden.
- Both the museum and garden are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The museum has a shop and a café serving lunch and snacks.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is by water: take vaporetto 1 or 2 to the Accademia stop.
When to Get There
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was retrofitted as a museum after Peggy Guggenheim's death, so the rooms are small and the collection is best viewed early in the day before the crowds arrive. The museum is open daily except Tuesdays.
The Guggenheim Museums
Before her death, Peggy Guggenheim donated her palazzo and art collection to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, created by her uncle in 1937. It was this same uncle who commissioned New York's famous spiral-shaped Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s.
Address: 704 Dorsoduro, Venice 30123, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Pelisor Castle
Located directly next to Peles Castle, this impressive example of Romanian history was built between 1899 and 1902 but a Czech architect. Once the summer residence for the nation’s second king and queen who had an affection for the Byzantine and Celtic aesthetics found in the castle’s chapel, and golden bedroom and chamber.
The main hall of this popular attraction serves as a museum with walls dressed in paintings, drawings and watercolors of the royal family. The bedrooms and other interiors are home to a vast collection of old-world furniture, handcrafted works and gilded thistle leaves that pay an homage to the queen’s native land of Scotland.
Practical Info
The castle is open May 15 through September 15 on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. During the winter months it is open on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Address: Aleea Peleșului 2, Sinaia, Romania
Admission: Guided tours only
From $ 41
Pera Museum
A private arts museum based in the historic 19th-century building that was once home to the Hotel Bristol, the Pera Museum opened in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district in 2005. On the outside, it's all Victorian flourishes and pillars. Inside it's a hyper modern space with three acclaimed permanent collections: Orientalist Paintings, Anatolian Weights and Measures, and Kütahya Tiles and Ceramic.
The Orientalist Collection features work by artists including Suna and Kıraç who were inspired by the 17th- to 19th-century Ottoman Empire. It's here on the second floor that you'll see Osman Hamdi Bey's most famous artwork, The Tortoise Trainer, painted in 1906, which satirizes the Ottoman Empire’s slow attempts at social reformation. In the Anatolian Weights and Measures Collection on the first floor, discover over 10,000 pieces, both prehistoric and modern. And the Kütahya Tiles and Ceramic Collection displays over 800 pieces with a particular focus on Kütahya crafts from the 18th-20th century. The Pera Museum also hosts rolling exhibitions on its fifth floor, and artists whose collections have been on show here include Goya, Rembrandt, and Diego Rivera.
Practical Info
On Meşrutiyet Caddesi 65, adult tickets to the Pera Museum cost TL15, while children under 12 enter for free. The museum is closed Mondays, but is open 10am-7pm from Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 6pm on Sunday.
Address: Mesrutiyet Cad. No.65, Istanbul, Turkey
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun noon-6pm
Admission: Adults TL15, children under 12 are free.
From $ 45
People's Palace and Winter Gardens
Set within the city’s oldest park, historic Glasgow Green, the fascinating People’s Palace documents the social history of Glasgow, recounting tales of city life from 1750 through to the 20th century. Adjoining the red sandstone Victorian museum building is the Winter Gardens, a Victorian-era greenhouse packed with tropical plants.
The Basics
The People’s Palace is one of the best places to get a real sense of life in Scotland’s biggest city and to find out what makes its people tick. Objects, photographs, films, and prints document everything from tenement life to wartime living. The People’s Palace and Glasgow Green are often included on private tours of the city. Glasgow hop-on hop-off tour buses typically stop near the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are a must for history buffs and plant lovers.
- A café is located within the greenhouse and free Wi-Fi is available.
- The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users, with ramps providing access to the entrance and elevators providing access between the floors.
How to Get There
The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are set within Glasgow Green, a large riverside public park. Take the subway to Enoch station and walk along Argyle Street. Alternatively, make the 15-minute walk from Argyle Street, Bellgrove, or High Street train station.
When to Get There
The museum and greenhouse are popular among families, and therefore are busiest on weekends and during school vacations, with summer proving to be a particularly busy time. Go early to get in ahead of the crowds.
What to See at the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
Among the highlights of the history museum exhibits are Scottish comedian Billy Connolly’s banana boots and a mural by Scottish artist Ken Currie depicting the life of Glasgow’s working classes. Also worth checking out is the grand Doulton Fountain, an elaborate terra-cotta fountain honoring the British Empire located outside the entrance, and the glasshouse, where exotic palms, cacti, and orchids thrive in the hot environment.
Address: Glasgow Green, Glasgow G401, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Pelion
With its traditional mountain villages, blue flag beaches and rambling forests, the Pelion Peninsula serves up some of Greece’s most unspoiled natural landscapes, and you might even recognize it from the big screen – 2008 hit movie Mamma Mia! was filmed there. Curling south from Volos, the 32km-long peninsula is one of the undisputed highlights of Greece’s Aegean coast, dominated by the rugged Pelion Mountain – the fabled ‘Mountain of the Centaurs’.
As well as laying claim to some of Greece’s best beaches, the Pelion peninsula offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, with a network of scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding trails passing through the forests and olive groves, and skiing possible in the winter months. Exploring the villages is another popular pastime – admire the pretty whitewashed houses with their grey slate roofs in Makrinitsa, stroll the idyllic beaches of Tsagarada, or tuck into traditional cuisine in Portaria.
Practical Info
The Pelion Peninsula is located between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea in central Greece.
Address: Pelion, Greece
From $ 1,332