Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 3941-3960 of 4530 listings.

Yeroskipou (Geroskipou)
Once famous for its sacred gardens, dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite, these days the sleepy village of Yeroskipou (Geroskipou) is best known for its production of Loukoumia, the age-old Cyprian sweet, otherwise known as Turkish delight. The powdered sugar coated candies are traditionally flavored with rose water, but are produced in a myriad of unique flavors and make an ideal souvenir.
Additional highlights of the small town include the 11th-century Church of Agia Paraskevi, celebrated for its medieval paintings and icons; the fascinating Folk Art Museum; the sandy Yeroskipou beach; and the nearby Luna Park amusement park.
Practical Info
Yeroskipos is located around 7km southeast of Paphos.
Address: Yeroskipou, Cyprus
From $ 28

Zaanse Schans
The scenic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans is most famous for its windmills, once used to power everything from paint-making to paper production. Today, the Zaanse Schans is set up like an open-air museum, with five working windmills open to visitors. Wander the village, view the preserved architecture, and watch the locals at work—in their traditional wooden shoes and Dutch garb, naturally. Green wooden houses, a historic shipyard, and a pewter factory are among the village’s top attractions.
The Basics
The Zaanse Schans is a popular day trip destination from Amsterdam; the scenic drive through the Dutch countryside—past lovely fields, green pastures, and winding canals—is a tour highlight in and of itself. Visit on a half- or full-day tour to explore the five Dutch Golden Age windmills, including some that serve as a sawmill and an oil mill, and visit the workshops of local craftspeople. Cheese-making and clog-making demonstrations are other key experiences, in addition to pewter-casting and mustard-making demos. For a fun photo souvenir, stop by a shoemaker’s shop and try on traditional Dutch clogs and costumes. When you get hungry, pop into a bakery for a taste of the sweet white duivekater bread, head to the cheese factory for some famous Edam cheese, or step inside Albert Heijn—the village’s oldest shop—for a bag of sweets. A boat trip or a canal cruise is another excellent way to see the Zaanse Schans and the surrounding villages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Zaanse Schans is a must-see for visitors interested in learning about traditional Dutch culture.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor area.
- The Zaanse Schans is free to visit, but some individual attractions may require fees.
- Not all areas are wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the area, but accessible bridges and parking are available. Jonge Schaap is the only wheelchair-accessible windmill.
- Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood accept credit and debit cards; ATMs are located at the Zaanse Schans parking office.
How to Get There
The Zaanse Schans neighborhood is set in Zaandam, near Zaandijk, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) northwest of Amsterdam. The village, located on the eastern bank of the Zaan river, is easily accessible from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station by transit—it takes less than an hour to get there by bus, train, or car. Fee-based parking is available.
When to Get There
Though there is plenty to do year-round in the Zaanse Schans, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, making late spring and summer the best times to visit. Winters in the Netherlands are known to be rainy and windy, so if you’re visiting then, wear warm layers under a waterproof jacket.
The Dutch and Their Bicycles
It’s said that there are 1.5 bicycles for every inhabitant of the Netherlands. The Dutch love their bikes and can be found pedaling them to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere else in between. Renting a bicycle is a great way to see Holland like a local. In summer, a bike tour from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans is a popular way to experience the quaint village and the bucolic countryside.
Address: Netherlands
From $ 29

York Minster
Ranking high on the list of York’s top attractions, the magnificent York Minster is one of Europe’s finest cathedrals and the largest medieval cathedral in the UK. Although the earliest parts of the building are from the 12th century, the Minster’s roots date back much earlier, with the present day cathedral built on the site of a former Norman church and Roman fortress. A masterpiece of gothic architecture, the Minster is renowned for its stonework and exquisite stained glass windows, as well as its fine acoustics.
Today, the Minster is not only an important center of worship and a popular venue for classical music performances (including regular recitals by the celebrated Minster Choir), but is home to a number of tourist attractions. Visitors can climb the 275 steps to the top of the Central Tower, the highest point of York; head into the underground chambers, where interactive galleries and exhibits that chronicle the Minster’s long history; or discover some of the world’s most important medieval art on display in the Orb, a special presentation of John Thornton’s stained glass art. Finally, don’t forget to kiss your loved one beneath the cathedral's Great West Window – local legend dictates that couples who embrace beneath the windows’ heart emblem, known as 'The Heart of Yorkshire', will have a long and happy union.
Today, the Minster is not only an important center of worship and a popular venue for classical music performances (including regular recitals by the celebrated Minster Choir), but is home to a number of tourist attractions. Visitors can climb the 275 steps to the top of the Central Tower, the highest point of York; head into the underground chambers, where interactive galleries and exhibits that chronicle the Minster’s long history; or discover some of the world’s most important medieval art on display in the Orb, a special presentation of John Thornton’s stained glass art. Finally, don’t forget to kiss your loved one beneath the cathedral's Great West Window – local legend dictates that couples who embrace beneath the windows’ heart emblem, known as 'The Heart of Yorkshire', will have a long and happy union.
Address: Deangate, York YO1 7HH, England
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12:30pm-5pm
Admission: Adult: £15; Seniors/Students £14; Child £5 (ages 8-16)
From $ 19

Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art
Opened in 1954 and originally located in a grand palace in Zagreb’s Baroque Upper Town, the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU, or ‘Muzej suvrememe umjetnosti’ in Croatian) relocated to its gleaming white, purpose-built home in 2010. The gallery was designed by architect Igor Franić and is found in Novi Zagreb, south of the River Sava and slightly out of the center of the city. Its collections are on three floors and feature masterpieces of Croatian modern art, of which around 600 examples are on display from a repository of 12,000 works dating from 1950 onwards. The sleek, white and airy exhibition spaces highlight the works of Croatian art movements that may be little known but are nevertheless worth visiting for their innovation and style. Masterly paintings by Josip Vaništa and Marino Tartaglia, and drawings by Milan Steiner intermingle with whacky installations, sculpture, videos and photography as well as computer-generated art from New Tendencies, an international art movement that had its foundations in Croatia.
Various guided tours of the treasures of the museum are available daily, and there is a sprinkling of interactive artworks that will appeal to children as well as futuristic spiral slides on which to zip downwards between floors, specially designed for the museum by Belgian artist Carsten Höller. The terraces around the museum also contain several bespoke installations and the whole edifice looks spectacular when floodlit at night.
Practical Info
Open Tue–Fri, Sun 11am–6pm; Sat 11am–8pm. Admission adults 30 KN; seniors & students 15 KN; children 10 KN; family ticket 50 KN. Admission is free every first Wednesday of the month. The museum is accessible by tram (numbers 6, 7 or 14) and many bus routes to the stop at Sopot.
Address: Avenue Dubrovnik 17, Zagreb, Central Croatia 10000, Croatia
Hours: Tue–Fri, Sun 11am–6pm; Sat 11am–8pm
Admission: Adults 30 KN; Seniors & students 15 KN; Children 10 KN
From $ 40

Zagreb Botanical Garden
Founded in 1890 and covering more than 11 acres, the Zagreb Botanical Garden is home to more than 10,000 species of plants, including 1,800 exotic plants and many native to Croatia. Designed in an English landscape style, the Garden features rock gardens, ponds, symmetrical French-style flower beds and trees and shrubs from around the world. Though not open to the public, hothouses hold tropical and subtropical plants, while more temperate glasshouses are home to palm trees and cooler glasshouses house plants that are sensitive to frost. The original Art Nouveau gardener’s lodge still stands, as does an old exhibition pavilion dating to 1891. A public lavatory and a storeroom also date to the end of the 19th century. During summer months, the Garden hosts concerts on Thursdays at 5:30pm.
Practical Info
The Zagreb Botanical Garden is part of the University of Zagreb and is located in the center of the city, just one tram station from the Central Railway Station, or a 10-minute walk from the Jelacic Square.
Address: Marulićev trg 9a, Zagreb, Croatia
Hours: Apr-Oct: Mon-Tues 9am-2:30pm; Wed 9am-7pm
From $ 54

Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption
With its towering spires and magnificent neo-Gothic design, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (or simply Zagreb Cathedral) is one of the Croatian capital’s must-see attractions. The imposing twin spires are 354 feet (108 meters) high, making the cathedral the tallest building in Croatia.
The Basics
Zagreb Cathedral hovers over the city, and its spires can be seen from almost anywhere in town. As one of the city’s major sights, the cathedral is included in most sightseeing tours along with other notable landmarks such as the Stone Gate, Bloody Bridge, and Ban Jelačić Square. Cathedral highlights include its magnificent architecture, 13th-century frescoes and intricate shrines, and colorful stained glass windows.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no admission fee to enter Zagreb Cathedral.
- Modest dress is recommended, as the cathedral is a functioning religion site.
- Attending daily Mass is one of the best ways to experience the cathedral.
- Don’t miss the tomb of the controversial Croatian archbishop Alojzije Stepinac.
How to Get There
You’ll find the Zagreb Cathedral in the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). Trams are the simplest and most efficient way to get around the city, and several trams will get you within a 5-minute walk of the cathedral. Alternatively, take the bus or the world’s shortest cable car, the Zagreb Funicular, from Lower Town.
When to Get There
The Zagreb Cathedral can be visited year-round. A great time to visit is during Mass, which is held daily in the morning and evening with several services held on Sundays and holidays. You’re free to explore the cathedral on your own when Mass isn’t being celebrated.
The Zagreb Cathedral Organ
With over 6,000 flue pipes and 78 registers, the Zagreb Cathedral Organ is considered one of the largest and most impressive organs in the world. In addition to regular organ concerts, the cathedral celebrates an annual organ festival throughout the summer. Check the cathedral schedule to see if any recitals are scheduled during your visit.
Address: Kaptol ulica 31, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
From $ 9

Zagreb Eye
Reputedly the most visited tourist attraction in Zagreb, the Eye is on the highest, 16th floor of the aptly named Zagreb Neboder (Zagreb Skyscraper), a bland and utilitarian high rise completed in 1959 that was nevertheless the tallest and most modern building in former Yugoslavia for many years. The Eye’s observation deck and covered terrace are known as Zagreb 360° and give spectacular panoramas across Ban Jelačić Square to the rooftops of the upper and lower towns, the twin-spired cathedral and to the Moslavačko hills beyond.
It was closed in 1989 at the start of the Balkan Wars and did not permanently reopen until 2013; today it is a romantic spot from which to watch the sun setting over the foothills or to take photos of the spires, streets and gardens of the city. Along with information boards pointing out the various landmarks, occasional live music and board games, food and drink are available all day in the Eye’s smart, dusky-blue bar and restaurant, including morning coffee or punchy cocktails to accompany night fall over the city.
Practical Info
Ilica 1A, Zagreb. Admission adults 30 KN, children up to 150 cm 15 KN, under 150 cm go free, family ticket 75 KN. Opening hours Mon 8pm–11.45pm, Tue–Sun 10am–11.45pm. Best accessed on foot through the pedestrianized old town.
Address: Ilica 1A, Zagreb, Central Croatia 10000, Croatia
Hours: Mon 8pm–11.45pm, Tue–Sun 10am–11.45pm
Admission: Adults: 30 KN
From $ 9

Xewkija Rotunda Church
A distinct landmark on the Maltese island of Gozo, Xewkija Rotunda Church was modeled after Venice’s Santa Maria della Salute and built around a too-small 17th-century church. Paid for and constructed by local parishioners, the church dedicated to St. John the Baptist was consecrated in 1978, 26 years after the the first stone was laid.
The Basics
The majestic facade of the baroque-style Rotunda was designed by Maltese architect Joseph d’Amato. Statuary and spires constructed from biscuit-colored Maltese limestone adorn its exterior. The circular interior is covered in biblical scenes and has an ornately patterned Carrara marble floor; the altar is also carved from marble. The church has the third-largest freestanding dome in the world at 246 feet (75 meters) high—it’s beaten only by the Vatican in Rome and St. Paul’s in London.
Xewkija Rotunda is on the route of Gozo’s hop-on hop-off bus tour, which also visits the Ggantija temples and Ta’ Dbiegi crafts village. Other tours stop at the church and include activities such as a day-long Jeep tour of Gozo or a day cruise of Gozo and the neighboring island of Comino.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Xewkija Rotunda Church is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
- Entrance to the church is free of charge, but there is a small fee to access the dome.
- Xewkija is a working Catholic church with frequent weekday and Sunday mass. Be respectful toward worshippers while visiting.
How to Get There
Mgarr, Gozo’s main port, is 15 minutes from Xewkija by bus 301, 303 or 323 or car. Alternatively, skip the hassle by visiting on a guided tour.
When to Get There
The church is open daily from 6am-12pm and 3pm-8pm. Religious festival days show the church at its most colorful, particularly the liturgical feast of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, which falls on June 24 and is celebrated on the nearest Sunday.
The View From the Dome
Parts of the original church still stands next door to the Rotunda, and it forms a small museum with sculptures, paintings, and other relics saved from the original church on display. From there you can take an elevator up to the dome and enjoy panoramic views across Gozo to Malta.
Address: Xewkija, Rabat (Victoria), Gozo XWK, Malta
Admission: Varies
From $ 47

Yser Tower (IJzertoren)
Yser Tower is a memorial honoring the Flemish soldiers who died during World War I. It is the tallest peace monument in Europe and houses a museum and a chapel. At the start of the war, King Albert of Belgium urged the Flemish and Walloon populations to come together to fight under a united Belgian flag. Unfortunately the French-speaking Walloon officers expressed themselves in French, while most of the Flemish soldiers could not speak French, only Dutch. The soldiers' inability to understand orders led to many deaths, and by the end of the war, 70 percent of the fallen Belgian soldiers were Flemish.
The monument that stands today was built in 1965 and is 275 feet tall. The inscription “Never again war” is written on the tower in Dutch, French, English, and German. As a peace monument, Yser Tower commemorates the Flemish soldiers killed during World War I, but it has also become a beacon of the Flemish nationalist movement. The museum's permanent exhibit retraces the history of both World Wars and the time in between them, while two floors are dedicated to the history of Flanders. The film “Violence Never Brings Peace” plays continuously in the auditorium. The museum also has various temporary exhibits.
Practical Info
Yser Tower is located at Ijzerdijk 49 in Diksmuide. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm April through September and 9am to 5pm October through March. On weekends, the museum opens at 10am. Adult admission is 8 euros.
Address: Ijzerdijk 49, Diksmuide, Belgium
Hours: Vary
Admission: Adults: 8 euros
From $ 88

Xtracold Icebar
The experience of Amsterdam’s Xtracold Icebar begins with the chance to enjoy some of the best cocktails in the city in the – normally heated – bar lounge. From there, a 3-D movie transports visitors back to the 16th century, where they find themselves aboard the ship Mercury, captained by explorer Willem Barentsz as it sails into the frozen north. After donning thermal ponchos and mittens, it’s time to enter the ice bar itself, a magical world of polar bears scattered on an icy Arctic coastline, where even the vodka shots are served in frozen glasses.
The design of the Icebar is remodelled every year, using 60 tons of ice imported from northern Europe. The temperature inside the bar is kept at a consistent -10 degrees Celsius and everything, from the walls to the bar and the bar stools, is fashioned from ice. A light show reflects all the colors of the rainbow off the sparkling blue walls and a pumping sound system keeps people moving around.
Practical Info
Amstel 194-196. Open Sun–Fri 12.30pm–1am; Sat 12.30pm–2.40am. Tickets adults €19.50; children €12.50. Three free drinks are included in the entry price. Take trams 9 or 14 to Waterlooplein.
Address: Amstel 194-196, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open Sun–Fri 12.30pm–1am; Sat 12.30pm–2.40am
Admission: Adults: €19.50
From $ 12

Zadar City Gate
Zadar is one of the oldest cities of Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline and has its roots way back in Roman times, when the first fortified walls were constructed around the little peninsula where the old town still lurks prettily. By the 16th century, Zadar was the prize possession of the Venetian Republic and its walls were further extended and modified with a series of decorative and imposing entry gates.
The main entrance to the old town is the ornate City Gate (also called the Land Gate), which was finished in 1543 and is close to Foša harbor on the southern side of the old town. Adorned with six columns supporting a pediment, the gate is classically triumphalist in style with three arched gateways – the middle one designed for
wheeled traffic and the two side gates for pedestrians. It is topped with the coats of arms of both Zadar and the Venetian Republic, with a winged lion in between as the symbol of St Mark (the patron saint of the Republic).
The other five gates into the city are the St Rocco and Sea gates – both built by the Venetians; the medieval St Demetrius Gate, which was walled up and subsequently reopened in 1873; the Chain Gate (built under Austrian rule in 1877); and finally the Bridge Gate, built when Zadar was under Italian rule in the 1930s.
Practical Info
This site is best accessed on foot through the pedestrianized old town.
Address: near Foša harbor, Zadar, Zadar Region, Dalmatia 23000, Croatia
From $ 35

York Dungeon
Whisking visitors on a hair-raising journey through York’s grim and gruesome past, the York Dungeon is one of the city’s most entertaining attractions, located close to the landmark Clifford’s Tower. Spanning over 2,000 years of York’s history, the city’s most notorious ghosts and villains are brought to life in the dungeons, with 11 shows employing a wacky cast of actors, authentic sets and costumes, and special effects to shock and scare even the bravest of participants.
Get lost in the murky world of 18th century York, as you watch the infamous outlaw Dick Turpin meet his fated end in the gallows; follow notorious traitor Guy Fawkes as his plot to blow up Parliament is foiled; see how the Great Plague raged through the city in 1349; or test your nerves as you hunt down the eerie Ghosts of York. That’s not all – there’s also a terrifying invasion by bloodthirsty Vikings, medieval torture chambers and the treacherous Labyrinth of the Last Roman Legion.
Get lost in the murky world of 18th century York, as you watch the infamous outlaw Dick Turpin meet his fated end in the gallows; follow notorious traitor Guy Fawkes as his plot to blow up Parliament is foiled; see how the Great Plague raged through the city in 1349; or test your nerves as you hunt down the eerie Ghosts of York. That’s not all – there’s also a terrifying invasion by bloodthirsty Vikings, medieval torture chambers and the treacherous Labyrinth of the Last Roman Legion.
Address: 12 Clifford St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9RD, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 17

Yedikule Fortress
Also known as the Fortress of Seven Towers, the Yedikule Fortress is located just over 3 miles southwest of Sultanahmet. It was first built as the Golden Gate during the reigns of Theodosius I and II in the 5th century. With enormous doors covered in gold, the gate had four towers and was the ceremonial entrance to the city for those arriving from Europe. After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Mehmet the Conqueror added three towers to the structure to transform it into a fortress, treasury and prison. The towers today are known as the Armory Tower, the Flag Tower, the Sultan Ahmet III Tower, the Dungeon Tower (also known as the Tower of Inscriptions), the Top Tower, the Tower of the Treasury and the Young Osman Tower, where Sultan Osman II died while imprisoned.
The Yedikule Fortress also marks the end of the remaining land walls surrounding Istanbul. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s possible to walk all the way on or along the walls between the fortress and Ayvansaray, about 7 kilometers north on the Golden Horn.
The Yedikule Fortress also marks the end of the remaining land walls surrounding Istanbul. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s possible to walk all the way on or along the walls between the fortress and Ayvansaray, about 7 kilometers north on the Golden Horn.
Practical Information
Outside of the city center, the best way to reach the Yedikule Fortress is to take a suburban train from Sirkeci Station toward Halkali, getting off at Yedikule. The fortress is open daily except Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. and admission is 5 Turkish lira. Another great option is to take a half or full day tour of Istanbul, many of which visit the fortress.
Address: Turkey
From $ 58

Zelve Open-Air Museum
The Zelve Open-Air Museum sits on site of the remains of a Byzantine monastery that was carved into the rock face in ancient times. Zelve was a monastic retreat from the 9th to the 13th century, and in fact the area was inhabited right up until 1952. 15 years after locals abandoned the site, Zelve was turned into the open-air museum that can be seen and explored today.
The site features various remnants of local life, including houses, a tunnel joining two of the valleys, a mill, and a small mosque. Beyond the mill, the Balıklı Kilise (Fish Church) can be found, while the impressive Üzümlü Kilise (Grape Church) adjoins it.
The three valleys of Zelve are a great spot for trekking around and exploring in peace, as it isn’t as popular with tourists as the Göreme Open-Air Museum nearby. The site also has a good walking trail looping around the valleys, giving access to various caves and chambers and featuring dramatic crags and pinnacles along the way.
Practical Info
Zelve is situated around 10 kilometers from Goreme. It’s not easily accessible by public transport, so taking a taxi or an organized tour from the city is recommended. There are cafes in the car park outside the site.
Address: Merkez, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Turkey, Turkey
Hours: 8am-7pm
Admission: 10 TL
From $ 50

Yusupov Palace
The elegant, canary-yellow façade of Yusupov Palace is somewhat understated in comparison to St. Petersburg’s typically ostentatious architecture, but don’t be fooled by its demure frontage. Step inside the palace and you’ll find a series of ballrooms, banquet halls and bedrooms richly decorated with colorful frescos, sumptuous furnishings and gilded chandeliers. The exquisitely preserved interiors date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries and provide a fascinating glimpse into the aristocratic life of the era, with highlights including the Rococo style private theatre, the Moorish Drawing Room and the grand Ballroom.
Built by French architect Vallin de la Mothein the 1760s, Yusupov Palace was inhabited by the noble Yusupov family until they were exiled during the 1917 Revolution and became notorious as the location of the December 1916 murder of Rasputin. Today, the cell where Rasputin met his grisly and untimely end is a popular visitor attraction, with an exhibit chronicling the evening’s events as Felix Yusupov and his followers attempted (and finally succeeded) to poison, shoot and drown the “mad monk.”
Practical Info
The Yusupov Palace is located on the banks of the Moyka River in central St. Petersburg, a short walk from Senate Square (Ploschad Dekabristov). The palace is open daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and adult admission is R500 for the State Rooms and an additional R300 for the Rasputin exhibit.
Address: Moika River embankment, St. Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission: Adult admission is R500 for the State Rooms and an additional R300 for the Rasputin exhibit.
From $ 14

Yaliciftlik
Yaliciftlik is a small village located near the popular resort town of Bodrum, Turkey. It is just outside the Bodrum Peninsula along the Aegean Sea above a series of secluded coves, and it's at the entrance to the Gulf of Gokava. Accommodations here run from simple to luxury. The town's scenery includes pine forests, orchards of fig trees, and the sandy coastline. There is a market once a week where you'll find fruits, vegetables, and other local products. The beaches in Yaliciftlik are perfect for sunbathing or swimming, and you'll also find several restaurants and cafes serving fresh, local seafood and traditional Turkish food near the beach. You can also go hiking in the nearby forest and explore ruins in the hills from the ancient Legegian and Carian civilizations.
In Yaliciftlik and the surrounding areas, you can get a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life. There are stone farmhouses on the hillsides with orchards and beehives. These areas outside of the beach resorts are mostly untouched by tourism. Yaliciftlik is often included on tours on traditional Turkish sailing boats that visit several of the quiet villages along the coast of the Bodrum Peninsula.
Practical Info
Yaliciftlik can be reached by public bus from Bodrum. Another option is to join a tour from Bodrum.
Address: Yaliciftlik, Turkey
From $ 504

Yildiz Palace Museum
Yildiz Palace Museum is located in the Besiktas District on the outskirts of Istanbul along the sea. It takes a bit of a trek to get to, but is worth your time if you enjoy learning more about the governmental history of Turkey and the lives of its sultans.
Yildiz Palace Museum is located in part of Yildiz Palace, a massive property full of pavilions and gardens and which is an impressive example of a palace in the Turkish Ottoman style. The oldest buildings date back to the 16th century when the property was mostly used as a hunting lodge for royalty. It was largely expanded by Sultan Abdülhamid II in the late 1800s as he thought the location provided extra security and he wanted to use it as his official residence.
The carpentry workshop part of the palace was converted into the Yildiz Palace Museum and contains many palace artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries, including well-preserved furniture, thrones, wood carvings and porcelain artwork made in the palace's porcelain workshop. The property that Yildiz Palace Museum is on is also home to a garden you can walk around.
Practical Info
Yildiz Palace Museum is located at the northern end of Serencebey Yokusu street. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer season (April 16 to November 1) and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the rest of the year. Yildiz Palace Museum is closed on Tuesday.
Address: Serencebey Yokuşu, No. 62, Beşiktaş/İstanbul 34349, Turkey
Hours: Wed-Mon, Closed Tuesdays, April 16-Nov 1 9am-4:30pm & Nov 2-Apr 15 9am-7pm
Admission: 10 TL
From $ 15

York City Walls
Once stretching 2.5 miles around the ancient city, today the well-preserved ruins of the York City Walls trace the periphery of the modern city center, encompassing many of York’s top attractions. Originally erected in Roman times, the remaining walls today date back to the 13th and 14th centuries and include four ‘bars’ (gatehouses), where tollbooths once taxed entrants to the city. Although only 3 main sections of the walls remain, interlinked by footpaths, walking the walls is a popular pastime for visitors to the city and clambering up the ramparts affords spectacular city views.
Starting from Micklegate Bar, the ceremonial entrance to the city once used by Royal visitors, a walk around the walls takes in highlights like the Museum Gardens, York Minster, the York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower and the Monk Bar, which now houses the Richard III Museum.
Starting from Micklegate Bar, the ceremonial entrance to the city once used by Royal visitors, a walk around the walls takes in highlights like the Museum Gardens, York Minster, the York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower and the Monk Bar, which now houses the Richard III Museum.
Address: York, North Yorkshire, England
From $ 19

Yerevan Cascade
Visitors to Yerevan will find unencumbered views of both the city’s center and Mount Ararat from the steps of this iconic structure, which was completed in 1980. The complex is home to multiple staircases, escalators, fountains and gardens that make it one of Yerevan’s most unique landmarks. It is also home to the Cafesjian Museum of Art and a gathering place for senior citizens, families and locals looking to unwind. Travelers can climb the stairs to check out sweeping landscapes, relax in one of the picturesque gardens, spend some time combing through the galleries of the impressive art museum or wander around the outdoor sculptures that decorate this destination.
Practical Info
The Yerevan Cascade is comprised of 572 steps and links downtown Kentron with the popular Monument neighborhood. It is near the Opera House and Matenadaran.
Address: 10 Tamanyan St, Yerevan 0009, Armenia
From $ 1,060

Zakopane
Zakopane is a small town located in southern Poland at the foot of the Tatras Mountains near the border with Slovakia. Known as the winter capital of Poland, it is a popular tourist destination for skiing, snowboarding and ski jumping. Nearby ski resorts include Mount Gubalowka, Kasprowy Wierch and Nosal, and cross country ski trails can be found in the forests surrounding Zakopane. Mount Gubalowka can be reached directly from the town center via funicular.
Zakopane is also a great summer destination, with opportunities for hiking, climbing and spelunking in the surrounding mountains, as well as longer excursions to the Dunajec River Gorge and Niedzica Castle, just 25 miles (40 km) away. It is also a great place to experience the traditional Goral culture—a group of indigenous people with their own unique language, food, music, architecture and dress.
The city sees a quarter of a million visitors each year, and no visit to Zakopane is complete without a stroll along Krupowki Street. This popular street in the center of town is lined with shops and restaurants and is a great place to buy traditional Zakopane souvenirs.
Practical Info
Zakopane is most easily reached from Krakow, which is about two and a half hours away by bus. Buses leave Krakow regularly throughout the day, and tickets cost just a few dollars. It is also possible to get to Zakopane by train from Krakow, Warsaw or Wroclaw.
Address: Zakopane, Poland
Hours: Daily
From $ 44