Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Royal Court of Targoviste
The Royal Court of Targoviste is an architectural complex built in Romania between the 15th and 17th centuries. The town of Targoviste itself was the capital of Wallachia for three centuries and occupied an important location on the main trade route connecting Wallachia to Transylvania and the Balkan Peninsula. The Royal Court consists of a southern gate, royal palace, bell tower, royal gardens, fortifications, the Chindia Tower, Lady Balasa’s home and several churches.
Today, only ruins remain of the royal palace and its gardens. Numerous frescoes remain in the Great Royal Church, including portraits of Wallachian rulers, and visitors can see examples of old pottery work in the Small Royal Church. The Chindia Tower, which dates back to the 15th century, features a viewing platform that can be reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 stairs. The tower also hosts an exhibition about the reign of Vlad the Impaler, who was the inspiration for the fictional Dracula.
Practical Info
The town of Targoviste can be reached from Bucharest in about an hour and a half by car or an hour and a half to two hours by train. The train station is about two kilometers from the Royal Court. Buses also run regularly from Bucharest to Targoviste, usually departing from Bucharest’s North train station. Guides are available at the Royal Court in French and English.
Address: Calea Domnească 181, Targoviste, Romania
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9am-6pm
From $ 94
Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo)
Next to Turin's Royal Palace, you'll find (not surprisingly) a royal church – the Royal Church of San Lorenzo, to be exact. Construction on the church was completed in 1687, and it was consecrated in 1680. The Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Italian) was built around an older structure, a former chapel for the Dukes of Savoy, which you can see near the entrance of the current church.
Designed by Modena master-architect Guarino Guarini – who was also a priest – in the 1660s, the church is located to the left of the entrance gates of the Palazzo Reale, its plain, pastel-hued façade topped by a lacy dome and hiding a frothy interior.
This fanciful Baroque jewel is smothered in oil paintings, exquisite wooden carving, gilt and multi-colored marble, with an ornate octagonal layout and eight wildly elaborate side chapels covered in seraphim and gilding. The central cupola is decorated with a six-point star, which was the signature flourish of the architect Guarini, and seems to dance as beams of sunlight pours through its windows. Its high altar is one of the most extravagant in Italy, fronted with an inlaid marble floor, studded with gilt and adorned with twisted marble columns and cherubs as well as statues of the ruling Savoy family; this is all backed by a portrait of San Lorenzo (St Lawrence in English), the patron saint of Turin.
Practical Info
The Royal Church of San Lorenzo is located near the entry gates of the Royal Palace, just off the Piazza Castello. It's open for visitors Monday-Friday from 7:30am-12pm and 4-7pm. On weekends, it is open from 9am-1pm and from 3-7:30pm. Admission is free. Much of Turin’s Baroque heart is pedestrianized and it is easy to walk to all the main sights. Alternatively, take trams 4, 13, 15 or 18 to Piazza Castello.
Address: Via Palazzo di Città, 4, Torino 10122, Italy
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-12pm & 4pm-7pm, Sat 9am-12pm & 3pm-6pm, Sun 3pm-6pm
From $ 237
Royal Chapel
There have been five chapels throughout the history of the Palace of Versailles, but today only the last of them remains – the Royal Chapel, the exterior of which can be seen from the entrance courtyard as it disrupts the otherwise symmetrical design of the palace.
Although it was officially completed in the early 18th century under Louis XIV and consecrated in 1710, there continued to be improvements and renovations well into the 20th century. However, the majority of its use took place throughout the 1700s with daily masses, royal weddings – including that of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette - and birth announcements and baptisms.
Because the French monarchy was heavily entrenched in Catholicism, the chapel played a large part in Louis XIV's reign although today it is a deconsecrated space. Today classical concerts and other special events are hosted in the Royal Chapel, but it is closed for daily viewing by the public with the exception of VIP tours.
Address: Chateau de Versailles, Place d’Armes, Versailles 78000, France
From $ 40
Rousseau Island (Ile Rousseau)
Where the River Rhône meets Lake Geneva, where the city’s north and south shores face each other, you’ll find Ile Rousseau, the green, serene heart of Geneva. Four centuries ago this was a highly strategic position, and the island owes its unusual “arrowhead” shape to its original function as a fortress.
Things are much calmer now; with Italian poplars, weeping willows and stunning views of the city, this is a place for rest and contemplation, and a pavilion restaurant is on hand to provide food for thought. Appropriate, then, that the island should be named for local boy Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the great 18th century philosopher whose statue has been standing guard here since 1835.
Practical Info
Ile Rousseau is best reached on foot and is connected to both shores of Geneva by the Pont des Bergues. The head of the island faces the Pont du Mont-Blanc, one of the main crossing points of the city.
Address: Passerelle du Pont des Bergues, Geneva 1204, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 102
Roussillon
While Provence is more a state of mind than a place – you can't actually point to Provence on a map – the hilltop village of Roussillon is exactly what visitors think of when they say they want to visit Provence. Picturesque, compact, colorful and with astounding views of the countryside, this village in the Vaucluse couldn't be more charmingly Provençal if it tried.
The almost candy-like colors of the buildings come from the surrounding earth; Roussillon lies on one of the largest ocre deposits in the world and has prehistoric origins. After a stroll around the village, take the Giants' Causeway (Sentier des Ocres), a cliffside trail loop that features the bright orange sands and plenty of forest to explore.
Practical Info
Roussillon is in the Vaucluse départment of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, about an hour east of Avignon. Its hilltop location means there are no trains that arrive there; cars are best. There is parking outside the village, which is pedestrian-friendly. The Giants' Causeway trail costs 2 euro per person to enter.
Address: Roussillon, France
From $ 45
Royal Festival Hall
It might be the grand centerpiece of the Southbank Centre, Central London’s renowned cultural hub, and among the capital’s most famous classical music venues, but the Royal Festival Hall is also an impressive landmark in its own right. Located in a Grade-I listing building on the banks of the River Thames, the concert hall first opened its doors in 1951 during the Festival of Britain and now boasts a newly restored 2,500-seat auditorium and the lavish Clore Ballroom.
The Royal Festival Hall is best known as the home of the prestigious London Philharmonic orchestra, and the venue is used throughout the year for a host of classical music recitals, pop concerts, operas and ballets, including a number of annual music and cultural festivals.
Practical Info
The Royal Festival Hall is located at the Southbank Centre on London’s South Bank and is open daily from 10am -11pm. There is no admission fee for entering the venue, although ticket fees apply for concerts and shows.
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, United Kingdom, England
Hours: Daily from 10am -11pm
From $ 34
Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)
Rotterdam Zoo is the largest in the Netherlands and one of the most active in Europe, running both conservation and breeding programs. A rare Indian rhino, an Asian elephant, Asian lion cubs and baby polar bears have all been successfully bred here.
There are many species to see in the zoo’s themed enclosures, ranging from the lions, gazelles, ostriches and giraffes of the African savannah to the tigers and elephants from the Asian rainforest, plus polar bears and Arctic foxes from more wintery regions. Cute otters splash in pools, penguins dart around their aquarium and gorillas play on African Gorilla Island at Rotterdam Zoo.
Even on a rainy day there’s plenty to do undercover; visit the sharks and rays in the Oceanium or admire the thousands of butterflies in Amazonica, a climate-controlled pavilion that opened in 2013. The zoo is also home to Crocodile River, where visitors can follow the pathways to get up close with the crocs.
Practical Information:
General admission is €21, while it is €16.50 for youth ages 3 to 12. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m until 5 p.m., or 6 p.m. in the summer. Visitors can take the metro to Blijdorp (no cash) to reach the zoo or walk 15 minutes from Central Station. Rotterdam Zoo also has supervised onsite parking for €8.
Address: Blijdorplaan 8, Rotterdam 3041 JG, Netherlands
Admission: €21
From $ 13
Royal Mews
If you’ve ever wanted to look behind the scenes of London’s royal stables or peek into one of the lavish carriages used in royal ceremonies, a visit to the Royal Mews is a must! Located on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables in the world and visitors can explore independently or as part of a free guided tour (offered several times daily from April to October).
A visit to the Royal Mews includes a chance to see the royal stables and horses—30 British Cleveland Bays and Windsor Greys live at the stable at any one time—and admire the royal collection of carriages and coaches, used for state events and parades. Among the highlights are George III’s dazzling Gold State Coach, which dates back to 1762; the Irish State Coach in which the Queen travels to the State Opening of Parliament; the glass bridal coach and the state-of-the-art Australian State Coach.
Also of interest is a collection of suits worn by The Queen’s coachmen; a variety of harnesses and horse tack, and a selection of state cars, including Bentley State Limousines, Rolls Royces and a rare 1950 Phantom IV.
Practical Info
The Royal Mews is located next to Buckingham Palace in central London and is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Admission is £9.30.
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0QH, England
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Admission: £9.30
From $ 43
Royal Crescent
A dramatic reminder of Bath’s Georgian heritage and one of the city’s most photographed historic landmarks, the Royal Crescent is aptly named, with its crescent-shaped row of terraced townhouses and regal architecture. Built between 1767 and 1775 by architect John Wood the Younger, the Royal Crescent features a row of magnificent terraced townhouses, looking out over a vast expanse of manicured lawns.
There are 30 houses along the crescent, each looming 47-foot (14-meters) high, fronted by gigantic Ionic columns and renowned for their beautifully preserved Georgian facades. Many of the houses are still private homes, but No. 1 Royal Crescent is now a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into life in Georgian-era Bath, while No. 16 is home to the luxurious Royal Crescent Hotel.
Practical Info
The Royal Crescent is located at the north end of Victoria Park in central Bath, around a 15-minute walk from the Roman Baths.
Address: Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR, England
From $ 32
Rotterdam Central Station
As the main railway station of the city of Rotterdam and one of the most important transportation hubs in all of the Netherlands with over 110,000 daily passengers in 2007 (as many as Amsterdam Schipol airport), Rotterdam Centraal was just recently renovated and reopened in March 2014. Because it is
now connected to several high-speed networks in Europe and because of its proximity to Schipol airport, it is expected that the numbers of daily passengers will increase to 323,000 by the year 2025.
In terms of architecture, the station has already received the acclaim of the industry thanks to its bold yet efficient design – a nod to the city’s architectural heritage, which is famous for being edgy and resolutely non-traditional. One of the main changes from the recent renovations works is the difference
between the north and south entrances; one faces the residential Provenierswijk neighborhood and the other, a futuristic, skyscraper-ridden commercial district. The station was designed so that commuters feel the gradual evolution from a more modest northern entrance with plenty of natural light and green
spaces merging into a metropolitan, dramatic allure to the south as the stations opens up onto a large and lively public square and a 5000-bike parking.
Practical Info
Rotterdam Central Station offers regular service to most Dutch cities as well as international services to Antwerpen, Brussels and Paris up to 14 times a day and to Lille twice per day.
Address: Stationsplein 1, Rotterdam, South Holland 3013, Netherlands
From $ 34
Rovaniemi
As the capital and main transport hub of Finnish Lapland, most travelers will find themselves staying in or passing through Rovaniemi, a city well situated for discovering the region’s many highlights. Rovaniemi’s idyllic setting is its biggest asset, perched at the meeting point of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers, right on the Arctic Circle and overlooked by the winter sports resort of Ounasvaara.
The city itself is an atmospheric spot, dramatically lit up in the evening hours and home to a lively Christmas market during the festive season, but for most visitors Rovaniemi remains synonymous with one thing—Santa Claus. Just five miles (8 km) north of the city, Santa Claus Village and Santa Park are the top draws, where Father Christmas is in residence year-round and the festive fun includes reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding and exploring Santa’s workshops.
Practical Info
Rovaniemi is located on the Arctic Circle in southern Lapland.
Address: Rovaniemi, Lapland 96100, Finland
From $ 163
Royal Air Force Museum London
The Royal Air Force Museum London is home to an impressive collection of 100 aircraft including a rare life-sized model of an F-35 joint strike fighter. An array of interactive, permanent, and temporary exhibits explore different aspects of the last century of the RAF, WWI history, the role of nursing during wartime, and imagined futures.
The Basics
The RAF Museum London comprises several main areas: historic hangars, one of which houses the First World War in the Air exhibit (in the Grahame White Aircraft Factory); Bomber Command Hall; and new galleries celebrating the RAF’s centenary. Many visitors come for the aircraft and Eurofighter Typhoon flight simulators, the flying experiences in the 4D theater, and the very popular Spitfire Mk XVI cockpit tour.
Some hop-on hop-off bus tickets and other tours include entrance to the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The RAF Museum London is a must for lovers of WWI, aviation, and military history.
- Admission to the museum is free, though some experiences require a fee.
- There is an on-site café, and an outdoor picnic space and playground.
- Baby-changing facilities are available.
- The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. It also offers a downloadable autism-friendly trail.
How to Get There
The museum is about 30 minutes from central London by Tube. Alternatively, take bus 303 from the Colindale Underground station. If driving, the museum is 10 minutes from Junction 4 of the M1; there is paid parking on-site.
When to Get There
The Royal Air Force Museum London is open from 10am to 5pm November to February and 10am to 6pm March to April, with seasonal events throughout the year. The picnic area and playground are best enjoyed in the spring and summer months. The museum can be especially busy during British school holidays.
Little Swifts
The Royal Air Force London is a family-friendly venue with an outdoor aeronautical-themed playground and a program designed especially for preschool-aged children (2 to 5 years) that includes games, arts and crafts, songs, and stories. Check the website for session times and to book in advance.
Address: Grahame Park Way, London, United Kingdom NW9 5LL, England
From $ 90
Rotterdam City Hall
Rotterdam is famous around the world for its modern architecture, but this quirky feature came about by obligation rather than by imagination. The vast majority of the city was turned to ashes during the destructive Rotterdam Blitz by the German Air Force of 14 May 1940, but one building miraculously survived: the City Hall. Built between 1914 and 1940 as per Queen Wilhelmina’s request, it has a symmetrical design and a sober Renaissance style that is not without resemblance to other Dutch city halls. It features and four wings and a small interior courtyard, as well as two statues on either side of the main entrance: the ‘Portier’ (doorman) and the ‘Fiscus’ (tax collector); there are ten other statues scattered around the city hall’s gardens, each representing Rotterdam’s values and virtues. The most striking part of the building, however, is the 70-meter high tower featuring a clock, a bell, and an angel of peace. During the holiday season, Rotterdam's biggest Christmas tree is set up in front of the City Hall.
Practical Info
Rotterdam City Hall is is located at Coolsingel 40, opposite Stadhuisplein. It can be reached by metro via lines D and E (stop Stadhuis), or by tram via lines 21, 23, and 24 (stop Stadhuis). Although it is open Monday to Saturday between 8:30 AM to 5 PM, self-guided visits are not allowed. Guided tours must be booked at the local tourist office.
Address: Coolsingel 40, Rotterdam 3011 AD, Netherlands
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm
From $ 22
Route des Grands Crus
Winding its way through the Burgundy wine appellations, the scenic Route des Grands Crus (Road of the Great Wines) is the region’s main tourist route, linking together more than 30 wine-growing villages and dotted with grand châteaux and historic wine caves. Possible by car or bike, the route follows mostly quiet country lanes through the heart of wine country, taking in all the wineries of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wine districts, famed for their pinot noir and chardonnay grapes.
Highlights of the Route des Grands Crus include the striking Burgundy wine capital of Beaune, home to the flamboyant 15th-century Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu); the grand Château Clos de Vougeot; and picturesque wine-making villages like Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey St Denis, Vosne-Romanée, and Chambolle-Musigny, where it’s possible to stop off for tastings and winery tours.
Practical Info
The Route des Grands Crus runs about 37 miles (60 km) from Dijon to Santenay in Burgundy.
Address: Route des Grands Crus, Burgund, France
From $ 162
Royal Mile
The atmospheric Royal Mile thoroughfare cuts through the historic core of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, extending for slightly more than a mile from Edinburgh Castle all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Both sides of the partly pedestrianized street are bordered by historic granite buildings bearing shop display windows piled high with symbols of Scotland, from tartan to whisky to shortbread. In between the former tenements and taverns are darkened arm-width-wide alleyways, known locally as closes.
The Basics
Because it penetrates the very heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and is home to so many of the city’s star attractions, including St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scotch Whisky Experience, and Camera Obscura, the Royal Mile is a staple on Edinburgh sightseeing tours. Classic walking tours, Harry Potter–themed tours, and tours of the underground Real Mary King’s Close all cover portions of the Royal Mile, as do hop-on hop-off and ghost bus tours. Visitors based in Glasgow can take day tours to the city to see Edinburgh’s biggest attractions, among them, of course, the Royal Mile.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sturdy walking shoes as some surfaces are uneven and sloping.
- To avoid an uphill slog, start at Edinburgh Castle and walk downhill to Holyrood Palace, then use public transport or a taxi to get back up.
- The cobblestoned sections of the street can cause difficulty for some wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices.
How to Get There
The Royal Mile comprises a succession of streets, namely Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Princes Street tram station and even quicker from Edinburgh Waverley train station.
When to Get There
The Royal Mile is a much-frequented thoroughfare, and during the annual Edinburgh Festival in August, it is packed with visitors. If you can stomach the crowds, the atmosphere is truly something special with curbside entertainment courtesy of buskers and street performers.
Things to See on the Royal Mile
Many of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks are situated on the Royal Mile. In addition to the palace and castle at either end, you’ll find other centuries-old landmarks such as St Giles' Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, and Canongate Kirk. It’s not all dusty old attractions, though—the Royal Mile is also the setting for the contemporary Scottish Parliament Building, a striking 2004-built concrete structure whose abstract shapes and forms take inspiration from such diverse references as Scottish landscapes and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s paintings.
Address: Edinburgh, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Royal Galleries (Les Galeries St-Hubert)
The Royal Saint Hubert Galleries are a series of shops and restaurants in Brussels that are covered by panes of glass. They were designed by the architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer in 1847 and are often referred to as the umbrella of Brussels. The galleries are divided into three different sections: the Galerie de la Reine, the Galerie du Roi and the Galerie des Princes. The glass roof helps protect visitors from rain or cold weather. In the past, visitors had to pay 25 cents on Thursdays and Sundays and 10 cents on other days just to access the galleries. Of course today it is free to visit, and over 6 million people visit each year.
The galleries have something for everyone. There are boutiques selling the latest fashions as well as more classic clothing. Accessories shops sell gloves, hats, umbrellas and more. Several jewelry stores are located here along with book stores, chocolate shops, and other specialty shops. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes for when you get hungry. The galleries even have a cinema and a theater in case you're looking for entertainment. Even if you're not interested in shopping, the Royal Galleries are a nice place for a stroll while taking in a bit of the city's history.
Practical Info
The Royal Saint Hubert Galleries are located at Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes near the Grand Place. Opening hours vary by store.
Address: Galeries du roi 5, Brussels, Belgium
From $ 29
Royal Academy of Arts
With a history dating back to 1768, the Royal Academy of Arts is Britain’s oldest arts society as well as the home to one of the country’s most prestigious art schools. For art lovers, however, the main attraction is its world-class art gallery and regular rotating exhibitions, which include the hotly-anticipated Summer Exhibition – an annual showcase of the year’s best contemporary art and architecture.
The gallery’s permanent collection also offers an impressive variety of British art, from the 18th century to present day, with highlights including works by Leighton, Reynolds, Constable, Gainsborough and Turner. Also on-site is the RA Grand Café and the Keeper’s House, home to a bar, garden lounge and restaurant.
Practical Info
The Royal Academy of Arts is located at Burlington House in Piccadilly, London, and is open daily from 10am-6pm, except Friday when it stays open until 10pm. Exhibition prices vary.
Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, England
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm, except Fri 10am-10pm
Admission: Varies depending on exhibitions
From $ 16
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Established in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of Europe’s oldest botanic garden. Covering an area of more than 70 acres (28 hectares), the garden—which encompasses everything from Victorian glasshouses to a giant water lily pond and a rock garden—is a haven of tranquility in Scotland’s bustling capital city.
The Basics
Many visitors explore the garden independently, using the John Hope Gateway visitor center to acquaint themselves with the garden’s various sections and layout before exploring at their leisure. For a more in-depth experience, join a drop-in guided tour. Guided tours take place at 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from March through September. Complimentary audio handsets are also available at the visitors’ reception desk.
As well as wandering the open-air gardens, you can purchase admission tickets for the Victorian Palm Houses and the 1960s Front Range glasshouses. Because of its picturesque appearance, the garden is a prime location for private photography shoots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a must-visit for keen gardeners and anyone seeking a quiet escape from the city.
- A restaurant, two cafés, and a shop selling souvenirs, seeds, and gardening equipment are located within the gardens.
- All buildings and most key areas of the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users. The garden’s Benmore Explorer people carrier helps transport visitors with reduced mobility.
How to Get There
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is situated around 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Edinburgh city center. Lothian buses 8, 23, and 27 all run to Inverleith Row, where the east gate entrance is located. The No. 8 bus connects Waverley Station with the gardens.
When to Get There
The botanic garden is open year-round. Spring is the best time to visit, when rhododendrons, snowdrop trees, and lilacs are in bloom. Summer weekends are the busiest time, but even then its many different paths and areas to explore rarely feel crowded.
Blooms of the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh encompass some 70 different landscaped areas, presenting a kaleidoscope of flowers and rare plants. Among the standout sections is the Chinese Hillside, home to many of the garden’s collection of wild-origin plants from China. Also worth seeking out is the Rock Garden, which features approximately 5,000 alpine plants, as well as the Victorian Temperate Palm House and the 1834-built Tropical Palm glasshouse, which mimics a rain forest environment.
Address: 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 462
Royal Albert Hall
Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria and named after her husband, London’s Royal Albert Hall has played host to countless concerts, award ceremonies, and banquets. The domed red-brick auditorium is best known for the Proms, a long-running series of informal and inexpensive concerts designed to make classical music accessible to all.
The Basics
There are two ways to get inside Royal Albert Hall: book tickets to a concert or take part in a guided tour of the venue. The 1-hour Grand Tour takes place several times a day and provides access to the gallery, the auditorium, and the Royal Retiring Room. Themed tours, including architectural tours and secret history tours, take place on select dates. Packages that include a guided tour as well as afternoon tea or a meal at the on-site Verdi Restaurant are also available. Because of its royal connections, Royal Albert Hall is a frequent inclusion on royal-themed sightseeing tours of London, as are other royal attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Royal Albert Hall is a must-see for royal aficionados and music fans.
- Tours of the venue include a lot of steps, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
- The venue is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Royal Albert Hall is located on Kensington Gore in central London. The closest Tube stations are South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines), and High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines). Both stations are about a 10-minute walk from the venue.
When to Get There
Grand Tours run most days from around 10am to 4pm, departing every 30 minutes. Consider choosing a day when an artist you admire is due to play, as occasionally you can see performers rehearsing during guided tours of the premises.
The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
Every year the Royal Albert Hall plays host to the BBC Proms, a wildly popular classical music festival that runs for around eight weeks every summer. You can book tickets for specific events in advance, or wait in line on the night to get one of 1,350 inexpensive standing-only tickets. These standing spots—or Promming places, as they are known—are part of the Proms tradition.
Address: Kensington Gore, London, England
Admission: Varies by event
From $ 17
Royal Botanic Garden (Real Jardín Botánico)
All too often overlooked in favor of the nearby Royal Palace gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden, or Real Jardín Botánico, is an exquisite pocket of greenery, showcasing over 5,000 different plant species. Situated next door to the Prado museum, the Botanic Garden was designed in 1755 by architects Francisco Sabatini and Juan de Villanueva under commission from Ferdinand VI, and makes a tranquil picnic spot for those visiting the museum.
Stretching over 20 acres, the garden manages to cram an impressive variety of trees, plants and flowers within its walls, featuring native plant varieties that span 5 continents. As you stroll through the three terraced gardens, keep an eye out for pomegranate trees, South African irises, Japanese raisin trees, Chinese peonies and a wide selection of Bonsais. Those intrigued in learning more about the world’s varied plant life will find plenty to look at in the three exhibition greenhouses, mimicking tropical, humid and desert climates, as well as the exhibit of medicinal plants and herbs.
It’s not just the plants that deserve a mention – the beautifully landscaped garden boasts a number of design features. Highlights include the ornate Puerta de Murillo and the Puerta del Rey gates; the central Villanueva Pavilion; and the Classical Romantic Garden, which features a duck pond and scores of colorful wild roses.
Stretching over 20 acres, the garden manages to cram an impressive variety of trees, plants and flowers within its walls, featuring native plant varieties that span 5 continents. As you stroll through the three terraced gardens, keep an eye out for pomegranate trees, South African irises, Japanese raisin trees, Chinese peonies and a wide selection of Bonsais. Those intrigued in learning more about the world’s varied plant life will find plenty to look at in the three exhibition greenhouses, mimicking tropical, humid and desert climates, as well as the exhibit of medicinal plants and herbs.
It’s not just the plants that deserve a mention – the beautifully landscaped garden boasts a number of design features. Highlights include the ornate Puerta de Murillo and the Puerta del Rey gates; the central Villanueva Pavilion; and the Classical Romantic Garden, which features a duck pond and scores of colorful wild roses.
Address: Plaza de Murillo, 2, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Hours: Jan-Feb: 10am - 6pm; Mar: 10am - 7pm; Apr: 10am - 8pm; May-Aug: 10am - 9pm; Sep 10am - 8pm; Oct 10am - 7pm; Nov-Dec: 10am - 6pm.
Admission: Adult 3 EUR, Student 1.50 EUR, Senior/Child Free
From $ 25