Things to Do in Europe

Found on Herzof-Friedrich-Strasse opposite the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), Innsbruck’s Stadtturm (City Tower) was built in 1450; it reaches 167 feet (51 meters) in height and was built on to the former city hall to enable the tower guards to keep watch over the city, look out for enemies, and keep peace at night. 

Today the tower is topped with a bulbous dome and the viewing platform at 100 feet (31 meters) offers spectacular views over the roofs and Baroque spires of the Altstadt (Old Town) as well as to the Nordkette mountains in the Alps lying to the north – but be prepared to climb 148 winding stone steps to get to that view. Pick a clear day otherwise the Alps will have disappeared behind cloud.

Combine a trip up the tower with a peek at the frilly exterior of the Hölblinghaus, a Rococo extravaganza with flamboyantly carved balconies, and the iconic Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) – not missing its fascinating museum showcasing the life of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I.

Stob Pyramids are a unique series of sandstone rock formations located in the foothills of the Rila mountain range southwest of Sofia. Stretching over 7.5 hectares, these pyramids — some dumpy, some spiky — cluster together up the hillsides and have been eroded over the centuries by wind and snow. Reaching up to around 39.5 ft (12 m) with bases of up to 131 ft (40 m), they come in multiple shades of brown and are more numerous on the southern slopes of the slopes than the north.

First stop for information and directions to the naturally formed pyramids is the visitor center in the ancient village of Stob. A way-marked ecotrail departs into the countryside from nearby St Procopius Church and winds up through lush meadows to the pyramids in around an hour; continue following the trail uphill for fantastic views looking down over their serrated peaks. As winter brings snow, rain and mud to this rural corner of Bulgaria, plan to visit Stob Pyramids in summer.

The Rila Mountains make a spectacular day trip from Sofia for their wild landscapes, hiking around the Seven Rila Lakes and the chance to visit Rila Monastery, founded in 927 by a hermit monk.

Old Norse for “Stone Headland,” the towering Standing Stones of Stenness are truly giant, some shooting up to 19 feet tall. Recent research suggests that the stones, only four of which remain, could date back to 3300 BC, making them quite possible the oldest standing stones in the British Isles. 

 

Pronounced “Stane-is” in the lilting Orcadian dialect, the standing stones are less than a mile from the younger Ring of Brodgar, both of which are part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

On a narrow strip of land between the lochs of Harray and Stenness, the Stone Age function of Stenness is still unknown, but it is thought that the stone circle may have been used in ceremonies to celebrate the relationship between the living and past communities. 

The museum was opened in 1898 inside the grand Mikhailovsky Palace and its collection has steadily grown, amassing a large number of private art collections and religious art confiscated during the Russian Revolution. Today, the extensive exhibitions are housed in a complex of palatial buildings including the Benois Wing, the Stroganov Palace, St Michael's Castle, the Marble Palace and the Mikhailovsky Gardens. Highlights of the permanent collection include iconic paintings like Bruillov's “The Last Day of Pompeii” and Repin's “The Barge Haulers,” as well as works by 20th-century Avant-garde artists like Ravel Filonov, Kazimir Malevich and Vasily Kandinsky.

The cute little Stavropoleos Church started life in 1724 as an Orthodox monastery and inn, commissioned by the Greek monk Ioanichie Stratonikeas. It has an ornate exterior adorned with patterned frescoes, a colonnaded portal, elaborate carved wooden entrance doors and several small towers topped with tiled domes. Inside the church, every inch is liberally smothered with frescoes depicting biblical scenes and the golden altar screen is adorned with jewel-like images of Mary, Jesus and a clutch of saints.

Today the inn, which was used to finance the building of the monastery, is long gone, but the pretty church has survived several earthquakes and was restored in the early 1910s. Crammed among Bucharest’s plentiful Art Nouveau townhouses on the edges of the party-loving Old Town, it is a pleasant respite from the excesses of the city, with a delightful cloister filled with 18th-century tombs. A small community of nuns and monks still live there, and there are several sung services held daily along with regular concerts of Byzantine music; the church also has Romania’s largest collection of rare Byzantine musical scores in its library of more than 10,000 books. Other highlights of a visit include icons brought together from across Romania and fragments of original frescoes that were replaced during renovation.

The vast and eclectic collection also includes pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, while boasting an additional gallery devoted to Dutch Art Nouveau, or 'De Stijl,' with works by homegrown artists such as Piet Mondrian and Gerrit Rietveld.

A striking new wing, designed by architects Benthem Crouwel, is as bold as the artwork it harbors. The modernist façade, a shimmering white design aptly nicknamed 'the bath tub,' serves as a provocative declaration of the museum's artistic sensibilities – equally inspiring and polarizing.

Stein am Rhein is a small city set into the beautiful countryside alongside the Rhine River. Its main attraction is the well-preserved old town, which is characterized by the many distinctive medieval buildings, such as the church, the former monastery of St. Georgen, the town houses, the gates and towers as well as the town hall and armory. Most of these half-timbered frame houses surrounding the Rathausplatz are made of stone with delicate wooden window frames and bays jutting out. All of these buildings stun visitors with their exceptional frescoes, painted on every available surface. The most prominent of these houses is the White Eagle, an old inn, on which a mural originating in the early renaissance depicts the contrast between true and false love, justice and injustice and finally, the triumph of wisdom over evil.

To delve some more into the history of this fascinating town, head to the Lindwurm Museum, and get a glimpse into the life of the 19th century as well as bourgeois agriculture and home décor. Follow the wooden footbridge to the island Werd in the middle of the river, a popular green spot and attraction where Franciscan monks have set up their residence. Watching over the picturesque town and landscape is Hohenklingen Castle. Sitting high on a hill above Stein am Rhein, this fortress, which was built in 1225, is still the most prominent landmark of the city.

The island of Vis lies in the Adriatic Sea, northwest of Dubrovnik off Croatia’s striated coastline. It is chiefly known for its gorgeous Italianate harbor town of the same name, which is abuzz with cool boutiques, restaurants and bars and guarded by a stone fortress. Just over six miles (10 km) away on the south coast of the island is the tiny, crescent-shaped cove of Stiniva, enclosed by steep cliffs that are barely 13 feet (four meters) apart, which were formed when a sea cave collapsed inwards many thousands of years ago.

There are no direct roads and the cove entrance is too narrow, shallow and rocky for yachts to enter, but this elusive little bay is one of the island’s most popular spots for its calm, shallow waters and beach of rounded pebble. It was accorded long-term protection in 1967 for its natural beauty and there is little else here apart from a laid-back rustic beach bar.

Operating as Krakow’s homage to stained glass, the city's Stained Glass Museum combines art exhibits with a 1902 stained glass workshop, where visitors can learn about the centuries-old production process of creating stained glass, in addition to exploring the preserved workshop's various rooms, furnishings and equipment. Museum guides share interesting stories of the many pieces on display, one of which was forgotten for decades when it was hidden away in the basement for protection during World War II.

The churches of Krakow are renowned for their sparkling stained-glass windows, an art form that reached its peak in the Art Nouveau years at the start of the 20th century. At that time, many famous Polish stained-glass craftsmen—including Józef Mehoffer and Stanisław Wyspiański—created their swirling, colorful and patterned masterpieces at this workshop, opened by Polish artist SG Żeleński in 1902. In the exhibition space, travelers will find both historical and contemporary pieces, some of which are from the most renowned artists of the Polish Art Nouveau period.

The number-one destination of beer lovers, Austria’s most popular brewing exhibition is found Salzburg’s oldest brewery, which was built in 1863, although Stiegl has actually been brewing ever since 1492 and the company remains independent to this day. In medieval times the production of beer was as vital to the growth of Salzburg’ wealth as the mining of salt in the region; a visit to the Stiegl Brauwelt encompasses a whistle-stop tour of the brewing process and the bottling plant as well as highlighting the social impact of brewing on the city. Although guided tours are currently only available in German, all the exhibits in the museum are clearly labeled in other languages, including English, so it is easy to understand the displays.

Tastings following the brewery tour give the chance to sample three of the ales produced here, and soft options are offered for non-drinkers. Time your visit correctly and stay on in the restaurant for lunch or supper to savor traditional Austrian restaurant – spicy sausages, pickles and plenty of horseradish sauce – and try out some of Stiegl’s brews of the month. On sunny days the Stiegl garden is one of the most popular spots in Salzburg, with beer served in clunky gray-and-red steins. There’s also the chance to buy your favorite bottled beer in the museum store at the end of your visit.


France’s national stadium, the Stade de France was originally built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in the suburban commune of Saint-Denis north of Paris. Today, both the France national football team and French rugby union team are at home in what is the fifth-largest stadium in Europe with a seating capacity of 81,338.

Many world-class events have been held here, including the FIFA World Cup, which drew thousands in 1998, the Race of Champions auto race, the World Championships in Athletics, the UEFA Champions League finals and the Rugby World Cup. With all of this, the Stade de France is the only stadium in the world to have hosted both a Football World Cup final and a Rugby World Cup final. In addition, the site often serves as a venue for major music concerts, having welcomed acts such as the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, U2, Céline Dion, AC/DC, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Madonna, to name a few.

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is the largest art and cultural museum in the world, with more than 3 million items in its collection—only a fraction of which are on display in its 360 rooms. The main museum complex comprises six historic buildings on the Palace Embankment and includes exhibitions of works of art from the 13th to 20th centuries, as well as Egyptian and classical antiquities and prehistoric art. 

Experiencing the spectacular Hermitage complex and collection could consume days, so plan ahead to tailor your visit. Given its massive size, taking a guided tour or renting an audio guide may be the most efficient way to see as much as possible. For a unique experience, book a private tour that includes visits to both the Diamond and Gold rooms. If you're short on time, consider visiting as part of a small-group walking tour around St. Petersburg, or as part of a full-day city tour that also includes attractions like Peterhof, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and Peter and Paul Fortress.

The main museum complex, set in what was once the winter residence of the Tsars and royal court, is within walking distance of Nevsky Prospekt and can be reached by virtually all forms of public transportation. The nearest metro stations are at Admiralteyskaya, Nevsky Prospekt, and Gostiny Dvor.

The Hermitage is open from 10:30am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays; it is closed on Mondays. Try to arrive as early as possible, both to beat the crowds and to allow yourself enough time to see what you want to see.

The Hermitage is composed of several branches in addition to the main museum complex. The General Staff Building has a display tracing the history of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as several other collections of art from various eras. The Winter Palace of Peter the Great displays items that once belonged to the popular tsar. Menshikov Palace focuses on Russian culture in the early 18th century. The Museum of the Imperial Porcelain Factory is home to more than 30,000 objects, including porcelain, glass, photographs, and rare drawings.

Perched above the city of Stirling on a chunk of volcanic rock, this mighty Scottish fortress has seen it all, from attacks by Robert the Bruce to the coronation of the infant Mary Queen of Scots to the premiere of the movie “Braveheart” in 1993. In addition to the impeccably recreated Royal Palace interiors and the sheer amount of history held within its robust walls, the castle also offers superb views over Stirling and Scotland’s green hills and valleys.

Stirling Castle ranks high on the agenda for visitors to Scotland. Many visitors explore the castle on day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow, which typically also visit other Scottish Highlands highlights such as Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, Glen Coe, and whisky tasting experiences. Travelers should book castle tickets in advance to avoid long lines and sold-out dates. Guided tours, which take place hourly between 10am and 5pm, are included with entry.

 

 

The easiest way to get to the castle is via guided tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Greenock. During busy summer months, the parking lot at Stirling Castle often fills to capacity; travelers can also use the Castleview park-and-ride service (located on the western outskirts of town off junction 10 on the M9). Alternatively, ride the train from Edinburgh or Glasgow (both take under an hour). The 20-minute walk from the train station, though not long, is somewhat steep.

July and August attract the biggest crowds. Be prepared for varying weather, even in summer; rain and chilly temperatures are common, and parts of the castle complex, such as the Queen Anne Gardens, leave visitors open to the elements.

For “Braveheart” fans, Stirling Castle will be forever linked with one name: William Wallace. From the castle, you can see the National Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig hill, where in 1297, Wallace and his troops prepared to fight off the invading English army. Robert the Bruce, known for his decisive victory over the English at nearby Bannockburn in 1314, is also commemorated at Stirling Castle. Look for a statue of the sword-carrying King of Scots on the castle’s esplanade.

The official home of Chelsea Football Club since 1905, Stamford Bridge Stadium has a long legacy and watching a match at the iconic stadium is a popular choice for football fans. The 42,000-capacity stadium is even more impressive since undergoing £100 million worth of renovations back in 2001 and the complex now includes 2 hotels, a number of restaurants and the Chelsea FC museum, where interactive displays and exhibitions chronicle the rise of West London’s top football club. 

Chelsea home matches are held biweekly at Stamford Bridge Stadium during the annual football season, but fans can also peek behind-the-scenes on a stadium tour, allowing access to the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the dugouts and the press room.

The State Historical Museum in Moscow is a must for anyone interested in learning more about Russian history. Opened in 1894, the museum was the result of a 20-year project to consolidate multiple archaeological and anthropological collections into a single museum. Set just off Red Square in a large Russian Revivalist building, the museum is home to more than four million objects covering 1,000 years of Russian history and the history of northeastern Eurasian civilizations.

Exhibits are presented mostly chronologically across 39 rooms, each of which focuses on a different era or region, such as Eastern Europe and Asia in the Middle Ages, the Old Russian State in the 9th to 12th Centuries, Craft and Trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, the era of Catherine the Great, the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian culture in the early 20th century. The entire second floor is devoted to Russia’s imperial period, with many personal items, palace decorations and furnishings on display. Other highlights include Scythian gold figures, funerary masks from Russia’s Altai region and the death mask of Peter the Great.

The Stadium of Domitian was built in 80 AD as a venue for sporting events and was the first of its kind. It was designed in an elongated U-shape using a Greek architectural style, and it could hold between 15,000 and 20,000 people. In the 15th century, the stadium was paved over to make Piazza Navona, which is a popular square in Rome today. The square is almost the exact same size and shape as the stadium was. Some pieces of the original stadium can still be seen above ground, but much of the remains are underground. 

Today visitors can see parts of the archaeological site and get a glimpse of Rome's past. Graphs, photos, and videos explain the history of sport as well as the history of the stadium itself. Much of what lies underground is off limits and can only be accessed with special permission, but the parts that are visible are spectacular. The stadium is one of many examples of the many layers of history that exists in Rome.

We all know what regular cable cars look like. The mountain Stanserhorn in the canton of Nidwalden though, has managed to provide a more revolutionary experience for its guests and at the same time, write cable car history. The world’s first convertible-style cable car, the Stanserhorn CabriO, is where the fun is at. You can have a panoramic and completely unobstructed view over a hundred kilometers of alpine peaks while you float under the open sky with pristine mountain air blowing through your fluttering hair. Among other highlights, you can see not only the city of Lucerne in the distance, but also Lucerne’s own Mount Pilatus rising 2,128 meters into the sky, the lower sprawl of the Bürgenstock and the characteristic double peak of the Mythen among a scenery of lakes and mountain meadows. The journey to the 1,900-meter high summit of the Stanserhorn also involves somewhat of a time-jump. Before visitors get to the top-modern cable car with a twist, they ride from Stans to the station in Kälti on a wooden vintage funicular from the 19th century.

Fortunately though, the open upper deck holding 30 people is completely optional and passengers can decide whether they want to ride with or without a roof. If the weather doesn’t comply with your plans or if you prefer to have four solid walls, a floor and a roof surrounding you, you can also ride in the lower, fully enclosed cabin.

The Stockholm Archipelago is a trove of natural wonders, with miles of glittering ocean dotted with thousands of islands, rocky coves, and sandy beaches. Extending roughly 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Stockholm, the vast archipelago offers ample opportunities for scenic cruises, day tours, and multi-day island-hopping tours. 

The archipelago’s main towns—Nynashamn, Gustavsberg, and Vaxholm—can all be explored on a day trip from Stockholm. Guided boat cruises and passenger ferries run between the mainland and the islands, providing easy access. Treat yourself to spectacular views and soar overhead on a helicopter tour, set sail on a sunset sightseeing cruise, or glide around the beaches and bays on a kayaking excursion.

While coastal towns like Vaxholm, Norrtälje, Nynäshamn, and Gustavsberg can be reached by bus or train, the most popular way to explore the archipelago is by boat. Ferries, guided cruises, and water taxis run year-round (weather permitting) from central Stockholm. You can reach the closest islands in about an hour, and the outer islands in several hours.

It’s possible to visit most islands year-round, but boat services may be limited during winter and can be canceled when the weather gets rough. April through September is the most popular time for island-hopping cruises, when the longer days and warmer weather are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Head to Varmdo island for scenic coastal walks and forest hikes, discover the Viking history of Vaxholm on Bodesun Island, get hands-on experience at Gustavsberg’s porcelain museum, or explore the abandoned silver mine on Uto Island.

The image of Michelangelo’s David statue, one of the world’s best-known works of art, is so ubiquitous in Florence that it has become a symbol of Italy’s Renaissance capital. Carved between 1501 and 1504 and installed at the custom-built Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in 1873, the masterpiece also symbolizes strength and human beauty.

Michelangelo’s statue of David is one of the most popular sights in Florence—if not the entire art world—and there are always long lines to enter the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in high season. To avoid waiting for hours under the hot Florentine sun, it is essential either to book skip-the-line tickets in advance or to join a guided tour that includes gallery entrance tickets along with an explanation of this important masterpiece. Once you’re inside, admire the four unfinished statues by Michelangelo, known as the Slaves or Prisoners, lining the hall leading to the rotunda under which David holds court. Many Florence city tours include visits to the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), and Accademia Gallery accompanied by an experienced tour guide, and small-group tours of the city center hit must-sees like Ponte Vecchio as well.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is located in the heart of Florence, an easy walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria.

Florence’s Accademia Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15am to 6:50pm; final entry is at 6:20pm. The gallery is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25. The gallery is most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, so consider reserving a private tour with exclusive early morning access to enjoy the famous statue before the throngs of daily visitors arrive.

The statue of David has a fascinating history, and did not seem initially destined for greatness. The block of marble Michelangelo was given to work with was flawed and had already been partly carved by his predecessor. Nonetheless he carved David to adorn the Duomo, but the finished statue was too heavy to hoist onto the cathedral and was placed instead at the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. Not long after the statue was unveiled here, rioters at an anti-Medici rebellion threw a chair out of a window directly onto David's arm, which broke in three places. In 1873, David was moved to the safety of the Accademia Gallery, and a replica—one of many—now marks the spot where the original once stood.