Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 4021-4040 of 4530 listings.
Bachkovo Monastery
Founded in 1083, Bachkovo Monastery is one of the largest and most important pilgrimage sites in Bulgaria, and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument. The historic monastery also boasts a magnificent setting, perched in the hills around Asenovgrad and overlooking the Chepelare River.
The Basics
The most popular way to visit the Bachkovo Monastery is on a day trip from nearby Plovdiv. Visitors can combine a guided tour of the monastery with the region's other historic sights, such as the medieval ruins of King Ivan Asen's Fortress and the Wonderful Bridges. It's also possible to visit the monastery as part of a cycling tour through the Rhodope Mountains, stopping at Shiroka Laka or the Devin hot springs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the monastery grounds is free, but there is an admission fee to visit the refectory, museum, and ossuary.
- The road to the monastery is lined with souvenir stalls, street food vendors, and cafes.
- Mass is held at the monastery twice a day.
- The monastery has basic accommodation where pilgrims can spend the night.
- The main areas of the monastery are wheelchair-accessible, but it's best to arrive with your own transportation and park at the top of the hill.
How to Get There
The monastery is located in the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, about 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) south of Asenovgrad. Buses and taxis run between Asenovgrad and Smolyan (E86), affording easy access to the monastery. From the main road, it's a 15-minute uphill walk, but taxis can drop you at the top.
When to Get There
The monastery is open daily. Tour buses tend to start arriving at 10am, so get an early start if you want a crowd-free photo.
A Walking Tour of the Bachkovo Monastery
Highlights of the monastery grounds include the original ossuary, decorated with ancient frescos and home to a first-floor burial crypt; the cathedral, which houses a statue of the Virgin Mary Eleusa; the Archangels' Church covered in paintings by Joan Mosch; and an expansive garden, tended by the monks who still live and work on the monastery. The small but impressive museum at Bachkovo offers a notable collection of religious artifacts, wood carvings, and historic frescos.
Address: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
From $ 112
Area Marina Protetta Portofino
The Ligurian town of Portofino is popular with visitors for its pastel-colored buildings, but it's also home to an important protected marine area "“ the Area Marina Protetta. The site covers just under 350 hectares of the sea off the coast around the whole promontory (not just the town), and was established in 1999. It is known for its diverse sealife, and its protected status helps ensure those populations remain.
Different parts of the protected area include Zone A, where everything from boating and anchoring to diving is prohibited, and Zone C, where there are far fewer restrictions on activities. In some places, visitors are more than welcome to swim and even kayak, stand-up paddleboard or dive.
Practical Info
In addition to the offshore marine protected area, much of the promontory of Portofino is also a park, where there are nearly 50 miles of paths. Several towns are enclosed in the park's boundaries.
Address: Portofino, Liguria 16034, Italy
From $ 85
Aqualand El Arenal
Located on the western coast of the island, and about a 15-minute drive from Palma, Aqualand El Arenal is exactly where you'll want to go to take your island adventure to the next level. The water park offers all sorts of hot-weather relief in the form of adrenaline-inducing slides, themed pool areas, and relaxing river cruises.
The park very much has something for everyone, too, satisfying those who seek thrills as much as those who just want to chill out. Attractions include wild slides of all types, from free-fall to twisty-turny, side-by-side races, and a tornado-style chute. Meanwhile, there are more tame activities such as the surf beach with its big waves, the Jacuzzi, and milder slides that are more suitable for little kids.
Practical Info
The park offers lockers and sunbeds for rent. Arriving early has its rewards, as lines will be shorter, and certain rides are not open all day. Note also that you may be able to get a discount on entrance price if you purchase your ticket in advance.
Address: Palma "“ Arenal Motorway, exit 13, Km 15, El Arenal, Mallorca 07600, Spain
Hours: May, June and September: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July and August: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: General: €28; children: €10-18.50
From $ 56
Aquarium Tropical de la Porte Doree
Paris's tropical aquarium was constructed in 1931 by French architect Albert Laprade and it was intended as a permanent reminder of the Paris Colonial Exposition; the building has a distinctive colonnaded façade designed to resemble a classical Greek temple and it is a monument to Art Deco styling. The exterior walls are covered in bas-relief carvings of more than 250 figures and animals depicting life in France's colonies, which were created by sculptor Alfred Janniot. Today the aquarium makes a great family afternoon out, with over 5,000 animals and fish from more than 300 colorful species on display, from barracudas to turtles and starfish.
Recent additions to the aquarium are two rare young albino alligators, while temporary exhibitions take on weighty subjects such as global warming and conservation. Upstairs in the Palais de la Porte Doree is a small museum showcasing the story of immigration into France from her colonies, but the most spectacular part of the Palais de la Porte Doree is the ground floor, with walls adorned with friezes of colonial scenes and stylish Art Deco furniture on display in the banqueting hall.
Practical Info
Palais de la Porte Doree, 293 avenue Daumesnil. Open Tue"“Fri 10am"“5.30pm; Sat"“Sun 10am"“7pm. Admission €5; concessions €3.50; under 4s go free. Family ticket €11. Take metro Line 8 to Porte Doree.
Address: 293 Avenue Daumesnil, Paris 75012, France
Hours: Open Tue"“Fri 10am"“5.30pm; Sat"“Sun 10am"“7pm
Admission: €5
From $ 144
Avenue Louise
Walking down the tree-lined Avenue Louise is the best way to experience the city's best in luxury and fashion. Belgian and international designer labels line the elegant thoroughfare, which runs adjacent to the Boulevard de Waterloo. Here you'll find upscale clothing shops for both women and men, with smaller, more affordable boutiques interspersed.
The avenue was commissioned by King Leopold II in 1847 to provide more direct access to the city's Bois de la Cambre area. Named for his daughter Princess Louise, it now serves as a main street in the heart of Brussels. Keep your eyes peeled for art deco townhouses, extravagant hotels, and small, manicured parks and gardens. The avenue is also home to some of the city's tallest office buildings. Or go for a leisurely stroll along the avenue's 2.7 kilometers and be content with window shopping and people watching.
Practical Info
Avenue Louise runs from Place Louise to Bois de la Cambre. Take the metro to the Louise stop and you'll be at the Place Louise end of the street.
Address: Avenue Louise, Brussels, Belgium
From $ 29
Arabia Center
Once one of the biggest ceramics factories in Europe, dating back to 1874, Helsinki's Arabia Center is a unique spot for lovers of art, design, and handicrafts. Part shop, part gallery, part museum, the center is at the heart of Helsinki's Arabianranta design district, and sells an impressive array of Arabia, Iittala and Hackman products.
Visitors can shop for hand-crafted porcelain, earthenware, and ceramics at the factory shop; learn more about Finland's fascinating glass and pottery making heritage at the Design Museum Arabia; admire the exquisite creations on display in the showroom; or enjoy the temporary exhibitions and events held in the Design Lab event space.
Practical Info
The Arabia Center is located around 5km north of downtown Helsinki and is open Monday to Friday from 10am-8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Entrance to the Design Museum Arabia is €4.
Address: Hämeentie 111, Helsinki 00550, Finland
Hours: Mon"“Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Admission: Free; museum entrance €4
From $ 56
Bâlea Lake
Balea Lake is a glacial lake in Romania's Fagaras Mountains. Sitting at more than 2,000 meters high, it is one of the most popular lakes in Romania. Most visitors are drawn to the lake for the landscape and superb views on the drive there; the water is typically too cold for swimming. Two chalets are open near the lake all year round, but it is most easily accessed in the summer months. In the winter, visitors must ride the cable car from the chalet near the Balea waterfall to get there. In 2006, the first ice hotel in eastern Europe was built nearby using blocks of ice pulled from the frozen lake.
Practical Info
Balea Lake is a four-hour drive from Bucharest or Brasov. The nearest airport is at Sibiu, about 77 kilometers away and a better jumping off point. The lake can be accessed from the Transfaragan Road starting from Arefu village in the summer months, but the road is closed from November to early May. In the winter, it is possible to drive from Cartisoara to the Balea waterfall and take the cable car to the lake. The ice hotel may also offer transport in the winter.
Address: Fargaras Mountains, Romania
From $ 81
Art Library (Kunstbibliothek)
The Art Library is one of the largest specialized libraries for art history and cultural studies in the world. Founded in 1867, it's home to over 400,000 works including fine-art drawings, photos, posters, advertisements, and a book design collection. It's also a research institute which aims to gain new perspectives on important themes in art. These interdisciplinary outlooks range from the history of the art trade to the rise and evolution of international art styles and movements to the shared origins of Western and non-European art.
The Basics
Part of Berlin's massive Kulturforum, the library is surrounded by a number of cultural complexes. Many visitors combine it with a trip with the Modern Art Museum or the Musical Instrument Museum. Visitors can purchase the Berlin Pass to gain free entry to the library along with 50 other attractions in Berlin.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Art Library is a must-visit for art lovers and graphic designers.
- The entire museum is fully wheelchair accessible, including elevators and parking areas.
- The Kunstbibliothek also offers an on-site restaurant and museum shop, neither of which require admission tickets.
How to Get There
The Art Library is located at Matthaikirchplatz 6, adjacent to Potsdamer Platz. Visitors can take city bus M48 to the Potsdamer Brucke stop or bus 200 to the Philharmonie stop to access the Kunstbibliothek as well as the Kulturforum. The closest underground stations are U-Potsdamer Platz and U-Mendelssohn-Bartholdy-Park, both about a 10-minute walk from the library.
When to Get There
Visitors generally spend four hours exploring the contents of the Kunstbibliothek. For the most contemplative experience, it's best to visit the Art Library in the early morning when there are fewer visitors. Note that on Mondays, the library is open for research only.
The Costume Library:
Among the many collections of the Art Library, one that stands out is the Lipperheide Costume Library which holds the world's largest collection of images on the history of clothing and fashion. It is comprised of thousands of pieces of magazines, drawings, photos, and paintings of clothing stretching as far back as the 16th century.
Address: Matthäikirchplatz 6, Berlin 10785, Germany
From $ 114
Ateneum Art Museum (Konstmuseet Ateneum)
The Ateneum Art Museum (or Konstmuseet Ateneum) houses Finnish paintings and sculptures from the 18 century to the 1950s. There's also a small, interesting collection of 19th and early-20th century foreign art, including a copy of Auguste Rodin's bronze The Thinker, and paintings by Van Gogh, Gaugin and Cezanne. The building itself dates from 1887. Downstairs is a cafe, good bookshop and reading room.
The list of painters at the Ateneum reads like a 'who's who' of Finnish art, housing paintings and sculptures by Albert Edelfelt, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, the Von Wright brothers and Pekka Halonen. Pride of place goes to the prolific Gallen-Kallela's triptych from the Kalevala depicting Väinämöinen's pursuit of the maiden Aino.
The Finnish National Gallery's other main museum, the Sinebrychoff, contains the largest collection of Italian, Dutch and Flemish paintings in Finland. The museum also features Russian and Karelian icons, silver, porcelain and furniture.
Practical Info
The museum is very easy to reach by public transport. It is located in the center of town, close to the Central Railway Station. By bus the stop is Railway Station Square.
Address: Kaivokatu 2, Helsinki 00100, Finland
Hours: Tue, Fri 10am "“ 6pm; Wed, Thu 10am "“ 8pm; weekends 11am "“ 5pm. Closed Mondays
Admission: Adults: € 9, Children (under 18yrs): Free
From $ 35
Aran Islands
Set off Ireland's craggy, wind-battered Atlantic coast on the western edge of Europe, this trio of sparsely populated and starkly beautiful islands is a stronghold of traditional Irish culture. The Aran Islands' jagged coastal cliffs enclose a patchwork of green fields, where the remnants of ancient stone forts and medieval churches can be seen, while in their one- and two-pub towns, locals trade gossip in Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) and traditional music sessions last well into the night.
The Basics
The Aran archipelago comprises three separate islands: Inishmore (Inis Mor, meaning Big Island in Irish), Inishmaan (Inis Meain, meaning Middle Island), and Inisheer (Inis Oirr, meaning East Island). Though many travelers only see the islands from afar, it is possible to visit all three, either by ferry or plane. For flexibility, book a round-trip ferry ticket in advance and explore independently on foot, by bike, bus, or pony trap from Inishmore's main town, Kilronan. Guided day tours from Galway often combine a trip to the Aran Islands with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher on mainland Ireland and include round-trip transport from the city. Visitors can also take a guided day tour from Dublin, traveling to Galway by train before flying across to the islands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Aran Islands are primarily an Irish-speaking region known as a Gaeltacht, although English is widely spoken.
- Ferries can accommodate passengers with wheelchairs with advance notice.
- Ferry sailings are weather dependent and may be canceled if conditions are poor.
- Wear warm clothes and bring a waterproof layer.
How to Get There
Take the ferry to any of the three islands from Rossaveal in County Galway or from Doolin in County Clare. Departures from Doolin are seasonal (generally from March to October), while ferries depart from Rossaveal year-round. Ferries usually take between 40 and 90 minutes, while the journey is just 10 minutes by plane.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Aran Islands is between April and September. During summer, calm conditions and clear skies are more common, though not guaranteed.
Dive into Aran Islands History
The Aran Islands are littered with the ruins of historical structures. Inishmore is home to the Iron Age fortresses of Dun Aengus (Dun Aonghasa) and the Seven Churches, an assortment of crumbling chapels, crosses, and religious buildings dating from the eighth to 11th centuries. The less-visited Inis Meain and the smallest island, Inis Oirr, also have impressive ruins"”the former in the form of a fourth-century fort, and the latter, a three-story 16th-century castle.
Address: Ireland
From $ 58
Avenyn (Kungsportsavenyn)
Buzzing with activity day and night, the grand main street of Avenyn (Kungsportsavenyn) runs for a kilometer through the heart of Gothenburg city center and makes a popular starting point for exploring the city. Laid out in the middle of the 19th century, the scenic parade is lined with stately architecture and crammed with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as offering tram links to all the city's top attractions.
Start your walk at Götaplatsen square, home to the City Library, Gothenburg Concert Hall and the Gothenburg Museum of Art, as well as one of the city's liveliest nightlife areas, then follow the boulevard all the way to the Rosenlund Canal, where you'll find the grand Neo-Renaissance Stora Theatre and the Kungsportbron bridge, from where boat tours set out along the city's canal ways.
Practical Info
Avenyn (Kungsportsavenyn) runs through Gothenburg city center from Götaplatsen to Kungportsplatsen, from where it's a 15-20 minute walk to the Göta River waterfront or a 10-minute walk to the main train station.
Address: Kungsportsavenyn, Gothenburg, Sweden
Hours: Daily
From $ 127
Baños Árabes (Arab Baths)
A hallmark of Granada's Moorish tradition is its use of water "“ fountains, pools, trickling streams, and of course the Baños Árabes (Arabic baths). Although it might not reach quite the glorious heights of the Sultan's own bath (Blind musicians! Dancing girls!), Granada's Aljibe de San Miguel Arab Baths (San Miguel Hammam) is still a great way to relax after a tough day on the tapas.
A soothing color scheme in yellow and blue, the waft of essential oils, chunky adobe pillars and seven pools with different temperatures will put you in a heavenly state of calm. If any stress lingers, choose some scented oils and treat yourself to an optional massage.
Practical Info
Sessions are mixed, so swimwear is mandatory. If you don't have a swimsuit you can buy one. The bathing experience lasts for about an hour.
Address: San Miguel Alta 41, Granada 18002, Spain
Hours: Open daily. Sessions begin every 2 hours from 10am - 10pm
Admission: Bath options start at €19
From $ 69
Artis Royal Zoo
Established in 1838, Amsterdam's happily family-friendly zoo was the first to open in The Netherlands and covers more than 14 hectares (35 acres) of shady tree-lined pathways and landscaped botanical gardens in the Plantage. It combines 19th-century architecture amid hundreds of mature trees with a 21st-century approach to conservation, housing more than 900 species of animal, some in majestic 19th-century compounds. The most impressive of these is the Aquarium, which was built in 1882 and reveals a cross-section of the murky waters of the city's canals as well as housing more than 300 species of shark, eel and shoals of tropical fish.
While the Wolf House was formerly a 19th-century pub, the big cats, elephants, gorillas, zebras, meerkats, giraffes and antelopes range freely in spacious enclosures of modern design. Artis holds daily keeper talks (not always in English, so check ahead of time at the ticket office, where daily timetables are posted) and feeding times for the sea lions, vultures and comical penguins as well as elephant training "“ always popular with the kids, who will also love the fluttering dashes of color in the Butterfly Pavilion. The ticket price also gives admission to the greenhouses, zoological and geological museums as well as the Planetarium, where 3D movies on the birth of our universe are featured. There's a kiddies' playground, five restaurants and plenty of tray bikes selling pancakes and spicy, creamy bitterballen. Late-night openings on Saturday evenings between June and late August are often accompanied by live music.
Practical Info
Located at Plantage Kerklaan 38"“40, the Artis Royal Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. in April through October. Admission costs €19.95 for adults, €16.50 for children ages 3-9 and is free for those under 3. Tram 9 or 14 can be taken to the zoo.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam 1018 CZ, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults €19.95, Child 3-9 €16.50, 3 and Under Free
From $ 46
Ataturk Mausoleum (Anit Kabir)
The Ataturk Maouselum, part of the Anā±t Kabir (literally "memorial tomb"), is the mausoleum of Mustaga Kemal Ataturk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. The Anit Kabir encapsulates both architectural impressiveness and historical significance, making it one of Anakara's must sees.
Anit Kabir's construction spanned 9 years and commenced in 1944. It consists of four main parts - the Road of Lions, the Ceremonial Plaza, the Hall of Honor (the location of Atatürk's tomb) and the Peace Park that surrounds the monument.
Inside of the ceremonial plaza you can find several museum rooms displaying memorabilia and personal artifacts of Ataturk, giving visitors a sense of the famous leader's life. The Hall of Honor is an impressively lofty structure, lined in marble and decorated with mosaics. An immense marble cenotaph stands at the northern end of the hall above the actual tomb.
Practical Info
A leader of the Turkish nationalist movement, Ataturk serves as the nation's most famous hero for his outstanding political and military leadership. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, he spearheaded the Turkish nationalist movement in the Turkish War of Independence, which eventually culminated in the creation of an independent Turkish nation in 1923.
During his time as president of Turkey, Ataturk embarked on a serires of political, economic, and cultural reforms, eventually transforming the former Ottoman Empire into a modern and secular nation-state.
He died on November 10, 1938, at the age of 57.
Address: Akdeniz Cad Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
Hours: Open daily except Mondays. Fall/Winter Hours: 9am - 4pm Spring/Summer Hours: 9am - 5pm
From $ 82
Aquarium San Sebastian
Extensively revamped in 2008, San Sebastian's aquarium has an enviable waterside position at the foot of Monte Urgull, is one of the most up-to-date in Europe, despite its location in a 1928 building. With 31 aquaria featuring marine eco-scapes from Cantabria and the tropics, the premier attraction here is the 360-degree perspex tunnel that dives through the Oceanarium while more than 40 species of fish, including bull sharks, turtles, sinister stingrays and jellyfish, swim merrily past.
A small museum of marine history displays the bleached skeleton of a whale caught off the Atlantic coast in 1878, and a smattering of fascinating whaling and fishing boats that showcase San Sebastian's enduring relationship with the sea.
Practical Info
San Sebastian's Aquarium is at Piazza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, 1, and admission is €13 for adults, €9 for seniors and students, €6.50 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for those under 6. The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on the season.
Address: Piazza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, 1, San Sebastian, Spain
Hours: Daily 10am-7pm or 8pm (seasonal)
Admission: Adults €13, Seniors/Students €9, Children 4-12 €6.50
From $ 236
Arctic Circle
A circle of latitude marking the southern boundary of the Arctic region, the Arctic Circle has long been thought of as the gateway to an icy, uninhabitable wilderness, but for visitors to Finland, it's also the entry point to one of the country's most breathtaking region. The majority of Finnish Lapland lies within the Arctic, with popular destinations like Rovaniemi and Suomu lying directly on the Arctic Circle and attractions like Santa Claus Village even marking the location of the circle on the ground for the benefit of tourists.
The unique location of the Arctic also lends itself to a number of natural phenomena, most famously the otherworldly Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, which can be seen in and around the Arctic region during the winter months. Equally unusual is the Midnight Sun, a period during midsummer when the sun appears to never set, while conversely, the midwinter months appear to be in a perpetual state of twilight, with temperatures dipping as low as -58 degrees F.
Practical Info
The Arctic Circle is a geographic coordinate marking the southern border of the Arctic region on a map and passing through the northernmost regions of Scandinavia, Greenland, Canada and Russia.
Address: Napapiiri, Rovaniemi, Finland 96930, Finland
From $ 80
Aquincum Museum
For anyone with an interest in Roman history or a fascination with Roman ruins, the Aquincum Museum is a must-see while visiting Budapest. Displaying archaeological findings from the ancient Roman city of Aquincum, the museum boasts the largest collection of intact Roman era artifacts in Hungary and Central Europe. Visitors can tour both indoor exhibitions and an outdoor archaeological park, with highlights including the remains of a Roman amphitheater, sarcophagi, mosaic floors, coins, wall paintings, sculptures and a reconstructed 3rd-century water organ.
The museum also hosts a traditional Roman spring festival known as Floralia each year. Named for Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, the popular festival is held at the end of May and features gladiator shows, theater performances and children's programs, as well as plenty of eating, drinking and dancing.
Practical Info
The indoor exhibitions at the Aquincum Museum are open November-March, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April-October, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The surrounding park is open April-October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and November-March, only when the weather is dry and the ground is not slippery. Both are closed on Mondays. To get there, take the suburban railway from Batthiany Square to Aquincum or take bus 34, 106 or 134 from the Arpad bridge to the Zahony street bus stop. Tickets are 1600 HUF and buying a ticket to this museum, the Castle Museum or the Kiscelli Museum gives you free entry into other two for 30 days.
Address: Záhony utca 4, Budapest 1031, Hungary
Hours: Nov thru March Tue-Sun 10am-4pm & April-Oct Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: HUF1600
From $ 25
Autrique House
La Maison Autrique was the first house built by Belgian architect Victor Horta, with early elements of his famous Art Nouveau style apparent in the design details. Although the entry and ground floor reflects the classic architectural style of the 19th century, when it was built, the halls and other rooms are illuminated by open space and natural light, an innovation at the time.
The house is simpler than Horta's later projects, as it was built as a comfortable home for engineer Eugène Autrique and his family. It was completed in 1893, but was recently renovated and reopened to the public. With a striking exterior of iron pillars and columns, Horta's touch can be seen with the use of light and color in the home's intricate stained glass in the interior. The classic town house is at once both an embodiment of a traditional private Belgian home and the modern step toward Art Nouveau.
Practical Info
The town house is located 266 Chaussee de Haecht/Haachtsesteenweg, in the Schaerbeek area of Brussels.
Address: Chaussee de Haecht 266, Schaerbeek, Belgium
From $ 30
Antoni Tapies Museum (Fundacio Antoni Tapies)
Get closer to Barcelona's vibrant art scene by perusing the masterpieces of one its most famous artists, Antoni Tapies. Born in Barcelona, Tapies specialized in contemporary art that was dominated by social themes. His work, which was influenced by the likes of fellow Catalan artist Joan Miro, is imaginative and abstract, employing elements beyond just paint and canvas but also rags, paper and other scraps.
Founded by Tapies himself, the foundation serves to promote and provide education around contemporary art. While there, you can explore a collection of his creations, an impressive library, as well as revolving exhibitions by other artists. The building itself is a work of art too: Constructed in the late 1800s, it was considered a pioneer of Modernisme architecture. Meanwhile, you won't be able to miss the cloud-and-chair sculpture that tops it, which is meant to represent meditative attitude and aesthetic contemplation.
Practical Info
The museum is located just steps away from the Passeig de Gràcia and other popular Barcelona sights such as La Pedrera and Casa Batllo. You can gain skip-the-line entrance with a Barcelona Museum Pass. Note that the museum closes on Mondays.
Address: Carrer d'Aragó, 255, Barcelona, Catalonia 08007, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Admission: General: €7; reduced: €5.60
From $ 35
Ballarò Street Market (Mercato Ballarò)
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the local culture of Palermo, the Ballarò Street Market is the place to go. As the city's oldest street market and one of the most vibrant markets in Europe, Ballarò also provides a glimpse into Palermo's past as a major commercial center and port.
The Basics
Said to be more than 1,000 years old, the market winds through the narrow medieval streets surrounding Piazza Carmine in the Albergheria, one of the five Norman quarters in the center of Palermo. While it is primarily a food market specializing in fresh produce, fish and meat, and local specialties, it is also a great place to buy inexpensive clothing and other goods.
Listen for street vendors speaking a local dialect similar to Arabic"”the name Ballarò comes from Bahlara, a town outside Palermo where Arab merchants historically made their home. And, sample some of Sicily's famous street food while you stroll through this colorful market as part of a Palermo walking tour or bike tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As with any busy outdoor market in Italy, pickpockets can be a problem in the Ballarò, so be vigilant.
- Be sure to bring your camera, as the colorful stalls (and charismatic vendors) in the Ballarò make for fantastic photos.
- Market tours through the Ballarò Market are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- There is limited space filled with crowds of shoppers between the market stalls, so Ballarò is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The Ballarò Market occupies the streets from Piazza Casa Professa past the Church of San Nicolò toward Corso Tukory, about a 10-minute walk from the main train station in Palermo.
When to Get There
The Ballarò Market is open daily from 7am to 7pm, but it is especially lively on Saturdays and Sundays when the weekly flea market is also open and food stands prepare traditional street food from Palermo.
Palermo's Many Markets
Palermo has a number of landmark outdoor markets in the city center famous for their lively and authentic atmosphere. Aside from the Ballarò, the most famous are the Vucciria Market and the Capo Market.
Address: Via Ballaro, Palermo, Italy
From $ 32