Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Campo del Principe
Translated as Field of the Prince, this Granada square is said to be named after Prince Juan, whose late-15th-century wedding was supposed to be celebrated here. Today, however, it's more popularly known as a pilgrimage destination come Holy Week, during which the 17th-century Cristo de los Favores cross plays the star.
Year round, people also come here to enjoy the many tapas bars that surround the square "” perhaps while letting the kids burn some energy on the plaza's playground. Humble as the square may seem, it has a special allure thanks to its historic cross, its typically Andalusian pebble-designed ground, and because it's very much considered one of the most important places in Granada's Realejo neighborhood, once the city's Jewish quarter.
Practical Info
The square is a short walk from other Granada sights, such as the Alhambra and the Albaicín. It is also a stop on the city's hop-on hop-off train.
Address: Plaza Campo del Principe, Granada, Andalucia 18009, Spain
From $ 38
Bridge of Sighs
As striking as its namesake in Venice, the Bridge of Sighs is one of Cambridge's most memorable landmarks, spanning the banks of the River Cam at St John's College. Built in 1831 by architect Henry Hutchinson, the bridge actually bears little in common with its Venetian counterpart, aside from being a covered bridge. It's none-the-less a romantic spot, with its Neo-gothic arches and dramatically sculpted windows.
Now a grade I-listed structure, the bridge remains an important thoroughfare for college students, linking the New Court with the old college. For visitors, the best view of the bridge is from the river and Cambridge punting tours typically pass beneath its arches.
Practical Info
The Bridge of Sighs is located on the River Cam at St John's College in Cambridge.
Address: St John's College, River Cam, Cambridge, England
From $ 14
Butte-aux-Cailles
Walking the quaint cobbled streets of Butte-aux-Cailles, it's easy to forget that you're in Paris. With its rows of petite painted houses, family-run bistros and tiny boutiques, the lively neighborhood maintains the feel of a rural village, despite being just minutes south of the Seine.
The best way to explore Butte-aux-Cailles is on a walking tour, starting along the main streets of Rue des Cinq Diamants and Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, then ducking off to explore the maze of side streets and alleyways. Along the way, pay a visit to the Sainte-Anne de la Butte aux Cailles church, admire the pretty timber-fronted houses along Rue Daviel or take a dip at the famous Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles, fed by natural hot springs.
Most importantly, take the time soak up the ambiance of local life in the quartier "“ stop for a coffee in one of the terrace cafes, browse the small shops for local produce like honey and handicrafts, or buy a bag-full of croissants and pain au chocolats to munch on as you stroll through the Jardin Brassaï park.
Practical Info
The Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood is located in Paris' 13th arrondissement and the nearest Metro stations are Corvisart and Tolbiac.
Address: Butte aux Cailles, Paris, France
From $ 56
Berlin TV Tower Restaurant
Towering 1,207 feet (368 meters) over the Alexanderplatz public square, the Berlin TV Tower is the city's tallest building and one of its top landmarks. The views over Berlin are unforgettable, but for many visitors the tower's main highlight is the revolving restaurant at the top. Dubbed The Sphere, here guests can dine on gourmet cuisine and sip Champagne while gazing out over the city skyline.
The Basics
Lines to enter the tower are notoriously long, but luckily there are a number of skip-the-line ticket options to choose from. You can visit the observation deck; enjoy a cocktail at Bar 203, Berlin's highest bar; or make a reservation for the TV Tower restaurant where options include a decadent champagne breakfast, a 2-course lunch, or a VIP dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the tower is open until midnight, the last entrance to the restaurant is at 11pm.
- Reservations for the restaurant are essential, especially during high season.
- All visitors to the tower are subject to security checks and bag searches. Large items such as suitcases and strollers are not permitted.
- Due to concerns about emergency evacuation procedures, the Berlin TV Tower is not accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The Berlin TV Tower is located on Alexanderplatz public square in the Mitte District of Berlin. The closest Ubahn (underground train) and Sbahn (above-ground train) station is Alexanderplatz, located next door to the tower.
When to Get There
The Berlin TV Tower restaurant is open year-round and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The busiest months are July and August, when you should book well in advance. Reserve a dinner date for the holiday season to enjoy a dramatic view of the city's festive illuminations.
The View From the Tower
At 666 feet (203 meters) high, the TV Tower's 360-degree observation deck affords a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Look down at the Spree River; admire the grand buildings of Museum Island, Potsdam Square, and Tempelhof Park; and spot landmarks such as the Reichstag Building, Berlin Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, and the main train station.
Address: Panoramastraße 1A, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 98
Callanish Standing Stones
Overlooking Loch Roag and the hills of Great Bernera, the Callanish Standing Stones comprise 13 large stones set around a Celtic cross"“shaped monolith, with some 40 smaller stones radiating out from the center. Built between 3,800 and 5,000 years ago, this stone circle was erected at around the same time as the pyramids of Egypt.
The Basics
If you come to this Neolithic site independently, head to the Calanais Visitor Centre to find out more about the prehistoric monument. Alternatively, visit the enigmatic site in the company of a guide who can shed light on its history and the many theories regarding its function and purpose, as well as share folk tales associated with the stones.
The Callanish Stones feature on multi-day tours of the Outer Hebrides departing from Edinburgh or Inverness. Shorter tours, lasting up to three days, tend to focus on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, while longer tours often make stops at the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides and parts of the Scottish Highlands too.
Things to Know Before You Go
- One of Scotland's most evocative prehistoric sites, Callanish is a must for history lovers.
- Wrap up warm as Lewis is frequently subject to strong winds.
- A cafe is located at the nearby visitor center.
- The visitor center is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. With uneven grassy surfaces, the site itself may be difficult to access for wheelchair users, but the stones can be seen from the roadside.
How to Get There
Callanish Standing Stones are about 17 miles (27 kilometers) west of Stornoway. To get here from Stornoway, follow the A859 and A858 roads; the journey takes about 30 minutes. Public transit is not available, so travelers without a car are best going as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
While you can see the stones at any time of the year, the visitor center is open only from April to September (daily), and from October to March (Wednesday through Saturday). Because of its off-the-beaten-path location, the site is never overrun with tourists. For some excellent photo opportunities, go at dawn or dusk.
Archaeological Sites in the Outer Hebrides
The island of Lewis and Harris is littered with remnants of long-gone civilizations. Just a few miles from the Callanish Stones is Dun Carloway, a well-preserved Iron Age broch (a circular stone construction). Farther south, on the island of South Uist, is Cladh Hallan"”a settlement believed to date back to around 2,200 BC"”where you can see the outline of ancient roundhouses.
Address: Callanish Stone Circle, Callanish, Isle of Lewis, UK HS2 9DY, Scotland
From $ 474
Berlin Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum in Berlin is a haven for those interested in the history of music. It houses the largest collection of musical instruments in Germany, with more than 3,500 pieces from the 1500s to today. The museum is also a part of the State Institute for Music Research under the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation.
The Basics
Part of Berlin's Kulturforum, the museum (Musikinstrumenten-Museum Berlin) is home to some of the world's rarest instruments from around the world. Notable pieces include Bach's harpsichord, Benjamin Franklin's glass harmonica, Frederick the II of Prussia's flute collection, and rare Naumburg wind instruments from the early baroque period.
You can purchase an individual entry ticket or use the Berlin Pass, which includes free entry to more than 50 attractions in the city"”including the Musical Instrument Museum"”as well as a public transport ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Berlin Musical Instrument Museum is a must-visit for music aficionados.
- The museum offers an onsite cafe with changing lunch menus.
- Audio guides are available for rent in English and German.
- The entire museum, its parking facilities, and the restrooms are fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Musical Instrument Museum is located at Berlin's Kulturforum at Tiergartenstrasse 1. Take the city bus M41 to the Philharmonie Sud stop, or bus 200 to the Philharmonie or Varian-Fry-Str./Potsdamer Platz stops. The museum is also a short walk from Potsdamer Platz, to which you can take the S1, 2, 5, or 25, or the U2 U-Bahn.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 9am to 10pm Thursday; and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. You can learn more about the instruments with a public guided tour offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings for a small fee. The instruments on display are constantly rotating and offer an opportunity to see a multitude of rare pieces.
The Berlin Kulturforum
The Kulturforum, a collection of cultural buildings near Berlin's Potsdamer Platz, is a hub for the arts. The most iconic institutions are the Berlin State Library (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin), the Philharmonic (Berliner Philharmoniker), and the Musical Instrument Museum, all designed by Hans Scharoun. Other notable buildings are the Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie), the Berlin Art Library (Kunstbibliothek), and the Museum of Decorative Arts (Kunstgewerbemuseum), making this complex a great place for art lovers to spend a day exploring.
Address: Tiergartenstraße 1, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 114
Bridge of Sighs
Hertford Bridge, more commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs, is a skyway bridge linking two parts of Hertford College over New College Land in Oxford, England. The Old Quadrangle, which houses the college's administrative offices, is to the south, and the New Quadrangle, which is mostly student accommodation, is to the north. It was completed in 1914 and is often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs because it supposedly looks like the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. However, many say it more closely resembles Venice's Rialto Bridge. It is one of the area's top tourist sights due to its unique look and design.
There was a famous legend about the bridge from decades ago that said a survey was taken of the health of the students of the University of Oxford. The results of the survey indicated that Hertford College students were the heaviest, resulting in the college closing the bridge in order to force the students to take the stairs and get more exercise. However, this legend is false and the bridge was never closed. In fact, the students would actually be climbing fewer stairs by not taking the bridge.
Practical Info
The Bridge of Sighs crosses New College Lane just east of Catte Street in Oxford, England.
Address: Oxford, United Kingdom, England
From $ 27
Botanical Gardens
Opened in 1787 by Sweden's King Gustav III, the University of Uppsala Botanical Gardens are one of the city's most popular destinations. In addition to outdoor gardens and a tropical greenhouse, the grounds house a cafe, special exhibition hall, and gift shop.
The Basics
Contained within the grounds of the Botanical Gardens are the Baroque Garden, drafted in 1750 and featuring a 17th-century wall and rockery; the Linnaean Garden, designed by super-scientist Carl Linnaeus; the Orangery, a greenhouse in the Linnaean Garden; and the Tropical Greenhouse, a warm oasis in the winter months. The grounds also house Cafe Victoria and a small gift shop.
Guided tours of the park and gardens are offered Saturdays and Sundays from June through August, and tours of the Tropical Greenhouse on the first Sunday of every month from September through May. While the grounds are best explored at a leisurely pace, private walking tours of Uppsala provide in-depth information about the city's planning and architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tropical Glasshouse and Linnean Orangery are wheelchair accessible.
- Cafe Victoria, open daily from May through September, offers pastries and light meal options made with local, organic ingredients.
- The Botanical Gardens houses Sweden's only indoor rainforest.
How to Get There
Located in the heart the city adjacent to Uppsala University, the Botanical Gardens are easily accessible on foot or by public transit. The nearest stops are Uppsala Blasenhus on bus 2 and 7. Parking lots are located at Villavagen 6 and Norbyvagen 18, and handicap parking is located in front of Cafe Victoria.
When to Get There
While the gardens are busiest on weekend afternoons, the size of the grounds ensure it never feels overly crowded. Go on a weekday morning for a quiet visit.
Where to Find the Best Views of the Gardens
Head to the 16th-century royal Uppsala Castle to experience a piece of Sweden's history and take in panoramic views of the Botanical Gardens' intricate layout. From the top floors, visitors can gaze down onto the Linnaean, a garden designed by 18th-century scientist and "father of modern taxonomy" Carl Linnaeus.
Address: Villavägen 8, Uppsala, Uppsala County 75236, Sweden
Admission: Varies
From $ 137
Berlin Victory Column (Siegessäule)
Standing 67 meters (220 feet) high and topped with a 35-tonne gilded figure of Victoria "“ the Roman goddess of victory in battle "“ the Berlin Victory Column was inaugurated in 1873 to commemorate Germany's (or Prussia, as it was called then) victory over Denmark in the Danish-Prussian War of 1864. Lovingly nicknamed "˜Golden Lizzie' by Berlin locals, the sandstone memorial was designed by German architect Heinrich Strack and sits on a red granite base adorned with columns; it originally stood in Königsplatz, which is today's Platz der Republik. In the run up to World War II, the column was moved to the center of the Tiergarten park as part of Hitler's plan to rebuild Berlin as the grandiose capital city of the Third Reich. The viewing platform at 50 m (164 ft) gives panoramas over the gardens and down the Strasse des 17 Juni 31 to the landmark Brandenburg Gate "“ ironically today a symbol of Germany's freedom from tyranny "“ but visitors have to climb 285 steps up a winding spiral staircase to get there.
Practical Info
Grosser Stern, 10557 Berlin. Open Apr"“Oct Mon"“Fri 9.30am"“6.30pm; Sat"“Sun 9.30am"“7pm. Nov"“Mar Mon"“Fri 10am"“5pm; Sat"“Sun 10am"“5.30pm. Admission adults €3; concessions €2.50. Walk down Strasse des 17 Juni 31 or take bus no. 100 from the Brandenburg Gate.
Address: Grosser Stern, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: €3
From $ 17
Budapest History Museum
Located in sight of the Chain Bridge on the Buda side of the Danube River, Budapest History Museum forms one wing of the Royal Palace, sharing space with the more extensive Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galeria).
The museum relates the turbulent 2,000-year history of the three towns that form Budapest "“ Buda, Pest and the oft-overlooked Óbuda "“ and there are currently five permanent exhibitions, with one covering recent Budapest history still under construction. The ruins in the basement are poorly labeled but worth persevering with as they are a mix of staircases, cellars and corridors from previous castles on the site.
There are plenty of dumpy prehistoric figures, tiled medieval stoves and Gothic statues but the highlights of the museum are the reconstructed rooms of the Royal Palace, which include the medieval chapel and the Gothic Knights' Hall. An innovative new exhibit submerges visitors in 3D film to "˜walk through' the history of the last 1,000 years.
The museum relates the turbulent 2,000-year history of the three towns that form Budapest "“ Buda, Pest and the oft-overlooked Óbuda "“ and there are currently five permanent exhibitions, with one covering recent Budapest history still under construction. The ruins in the basement are poorly labeled but worth persevering with as they are a mix of staircases, cellars and corridors from previous castles on the site.
There are plenty of dumpy prehistoric figures, tiled medieval stoves and Gothic statues but the highlights of the museum are the reconstructed rooms of the Royal Palace, which include the medieval chapel and the Gothic Knights' Hall. An innovative new exhibit submerges visitors in 3D film to "˜walk through' the history of the last 1,000 years.
Practical Info
English-language audio-guides and English-language guided tours are available. Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (4pm November through February). Admission is discounted with the Budapest Card. Bus no 16 from Deák ter or the Sikló funicular from Clark ÃÂdám ter by the Chain Bridge.
Address: Szent György ter 2, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Castle: Mar1-Oct31 Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (closed Mon), Nov1-Feb28 Tue-Sun 10am-4pm (closed Mon).
Admission: Castle: Adult: 1500 HUF; Student/Senior 750 HUF
From $ 25
Bessastadir
One of Iceland's most impressive buildings, located in Alftanes, just outside Reykjavik, the Bessastadir is the official residence of the Icelandic president. Dating back to 1761, the striking edifice once housed one of Iceland's first educational institutions, before being donated to the state in 1940. After the Independence of Iceland in 1944, the Bessastadir became the official residence of the President and First Lady of Iceland and remains so today.
The Bessastadir is also renowned for its church, one of the oldest stone-made structures in Iceland, dating back to 1796 and featuring exquisite stained glass windows, painted in 1956 in honor of Asgeir Asgeirsson's (Iceland's 2nd president) 60th birthday.
The Bessastadir is also renowned for its church, one of the oldest stone-made structures in Iceland, dating back to 1796 and featuring exquisite stained glass windows, painted in 1956 in honor of Asgeir Asgeirsson's (Iceland's 2nd president) 60th birthday.
Address: Alftanes, Iceland
From $ 47
Brohan Museum
The Bröhan Museum proudly displays a large collection of art nouveau, art deco, and functionalism from the 1890s to 1939. Named after its founder Karl H. Bröhan, who donated his entire collection to Berlin on this 60th birthday, the museum's exhibition spaces display vases, lamps, carpets, paintings, and a rich porcelain collection.
The Basics
As you walk through the 11,000-square-foot (1,020-square-meter) Bröhan Museum's three floors, it's easy to witness the progression from the late art nouveau period toward art deco, modernism, and the Berlin Secession movement. Displays show the functioning form of each piece along with decorative extras as would have been in the arrangement of a home during this time period.
Individual admission tickets are available, or you can purchase the Berlin Pass for free entry to the gallery and 50 other attractions in the city plus a public transit ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bröhan Museum is a must-visit for art and interior design lovers.
- Visitors under 18 years of age enjoy free admission, and everyone is free on the first Wednesday of each month.
- Free tours of special exhibitions are held at 5pm every Wednesday.
- Visitors generally spend around two hours exploring the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible with an accessible elevator, bathrooms, and parking. Guided tours for those with hearing impairments are available upon request.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.
How to Get There
The Bröhan Museum is part of the Charlottenburg Palace complex, located at Schlosstrasse 1a. Take city bus 109, 309, or M45 to the Schloss Charlottenburg stop. The underground Richard-Wagner-Platz and Sophie-Charlotte-Platz stations, as well as the overground Westend station, are both a short walk from the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday. Given that the museum is rarely crowded, plan to visit in the early morning for a more contemplative experience before heading to the nearby Charlottenburg Palace.
Why Visit the Bröhan Museum?
This museum gives a very real idea of what interior design was like during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Items are on display with complementary designs and matching styles as if they were in a home from the time period. This was the ultimate goal of Karl Bröhan, who recognized interior design from around 1900 as a "treasure... waiting to be unearthed" and wanted to show it to the world.
Address: Schloßstraße 1a, Berlin 14059, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 114
Cafe Ursula
Founded in 1952, Kaivopuisto Park's Cafe Ursula quickly grew from tiny kiosk to bustling cafe by the Baltic Sea. A summertime favorite among Helsinki locals, Cafe Ursula's outdoor terrace is a popular place to sit in the fresh air with a coffee, beer or glass of wine and watch the boats ply the glittering waves to Tallinn and St. Petersburg. Summertime evening events at Cafe Ursula include live jazz and full moon celebrations.
The self-service cafe has a popular salad buffet and also sells sandwiches, with the open-faced shrimp sandwich being especially noteworthy. Soups, cakes, pastries and ice cream are also on sale. When it's not warm enough to sit outside on a blanket with a drink, Cafe Ursula is a popular place for sitting cozily indoors, looking out to the islands across the sea.
Practical Info
Located at Ehrenstromintie 3, to get to Cafe Ursula, you can take the 3T tram to Kaivopuisto and then walk 400 meters toward the sea. The cafe is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. from Sunday to Tuesday, and from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday.
Address: Ehrenstromintie 3, Helsinki 00140, Finland
From $ 35
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Standing proud against the fearsome storms that ravage the north coast of Lewis is the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. Designed by Scottish lighthouse engineer David Stevenson in the 1860s, the watchtower wasn't automated until 1998, making it one of the last in the British Isles to lose its lighthouse keeper.
While you can no longer go inside, there are information plaques outside, and it's interesting just to see the lighthouse in all its exposed red-brick glory instead of the usual white.
A birdwatcher's paradise, look out for buzzards, gulls and the occasional puffin soaring around the cliffs. Also, take a close look at the crags being buffeted by the North Sea, some of the oldest exposed rock in Europe, created up to 300 million years ago back in the Cambrian period. While you're here, follow the coast southwest past the lighthouse. You'll soon see a natural sea cave, known as the Eye of the Butt.
Practical Info
The lighthouse sits a 28-mile drive to the north from Lewis' main town of Stornoway. In summer, buses run about five times a day from town to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.
Address: Stornoway, Lewis, Scotland
From $ 474
Berlin Underground
Hidden beneath street level in Berlin is a network of darkened shelters, tunnels, abandoned underground stations, and bunkers. Berlin Underground (Berliner Unterwelten) offers tours of these secret subterranean spaces, some of which were used as air-raid shelters during World War II and as escape tunnels during the Cold War.
The Basics
Access to Berlin's underground realm is by guided tour only, and visitors can choose between several different tour routes. On one route, tour guides take participants to an underground bunker that has been left exactly as it was at the end of World War II. Other tours explore tunnels used to bypass the heavily guarded Berlin Wall, Cold War"“era nuclear shelters, and a World War II flak tower (anti-aircraft tower), designed to protect against Allied air attacks.
Book tickets for a tour of your choice or opt for a combination ticket, which also provides access to an exhibit documenting the Third Reich's blueprint for Berlin after the anticipated Axis victory of World War II. Some Berlin sightseeing and transport passes include discounted admission to Berlin Unterwelten.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours have adult themes and are only open to participants age 7 and older. Higher age restrictions apply for select tours.
- Some sections of the underground complex remain chilly, even in summer, so bring a sweater or jacket.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good tread, as you'll spend a lot of time on your feet, and some surfaces may be uneven.
- Berlin Underground tours are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Berlin Underground ticket office is situated at the south entrance of Gesundbrunnen station in Berlin's Mitte district. S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S25, S26, S41, and S42, as well as U-Bahn line U8, all stop at Gesundbrunnen.
When to Get There
Tickets for Berlin Underground tours can only be purchased on the tour day. Arrive early to secure a spot on a tour; in many cases, you may have to wait an hour or two until the next departing tour. Summer weekends are particularly busy, so be prepared to wait in line.
Other Underground Attractions in Berlin
While you can't actually get inside it"”the entrances have been blocked off"”the site of the underground bunker where Hitler committed suicide, known as the Führerbunker, can still be seen near the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin's Friedrichstadt district. Look out for an information panel showing the layout of the bunker. Also of note are some of the stations on Berlin's underground U-Bahn train network, such as Deutsche Oper, which features public artworks by Portuguese artist Jose de Guimaraes.
Address: Berlin, Germany
From $ 32
Bygdøy Peninsula
Jutting out into Oslo Fjord, the Bygdøy Peninsula is a one-stop leisure destination just west side of the city center. A clutch of Norway's most popular museums are found here along with hiking and cycling trails, beautiful "“ if small "“ beaches at Huk and Paradisbukta, plus several cafes and seafood restaurants. Come sunny days, the peninsula is full to bursting with Oslo families enjoying the peninsula's laid-back vibe and the organic farm at the Royal Manor, which is the summer residence of King Harald V.
Altogether Bygdøy is home to the Neo-Gothic castle of Oscarshall, the Holocaust Center in the austere Villa Grande, and no less than five museums. Of these, the Viking Ship, Fram, Maritime and Kon-Tiki museums deal with Norway's illustrious nautical heritage, while the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum concerns itself with Norway's cultural past. It displays a colorful collection of Sami national costumes from Lapland alongside 150-odd reconstructed buildings including traditional Sami goahti and a magical 13th-century wooden stave church from Gol, a small town north of Oslo.
Practical Info
The Bygdøy Peninsula can be reached by taking the ferry from Pier 3 or bus 30 to Bygdøy. Museum times vary, but the peninsula is accessible 24 hours a day.
Address: Bygdøy Peninsula, Oslo, Norway
Hours: Daily. Museum times vary.
From $ 23
Bomber Command Memorial
The long-awaited memorial to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command, London's poignant Bomber Command Memorial is a heartfelt tribute to the 55,573 British, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and Commonwealth pilots and aircrew who lost their lives and the many others who were wounded or captured during the air raids of WWII.
Officially opened in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth II, the striking memorial takes center stage near the western entrance of London's Green Park and includes a Bomber Command Memorial Time Capsule crafted from the remains of a Second World War bomber. The design of architect Liam O'Connor, the memorial also features a 2.7-meter high bronze sculpture depicting a seven-man bomber crew, housed inside a grand classical portico made of Portland Stone.
Practical Info
The Bomber Command Memorial is located in front of the RAF Club in Green Park. The nearest underground (tube) station is Hyde Park Corner.
Address: Green Park, London, England
From $ 42
Bratislava Old Town (Starý Mesto)
The charming but minuscule Old Town lies at the historic heart of Bratislava, the mini-capital city of Slovakia, clustered around the much-restored, landmark Renaissance castle and crammed with fountain-filled piazzas connected by a warren of medieval cobbled alleyways. It is a cosmopolitan district of red-roofed, pastel-colored townhouses brimming with high-end designer stores, souvenir shops, sophisticated restaurants and local bars, with more than its fair share of Baroque churches and Neo-classical palaces.
The area's great Gothic Cathedral of St Martin was the coronation venue of Austro-Hungarian monarchs, and there are also museums aplenty to explore"”with collections encompassing artwork, weapons, music and Jewish history"”and a thriving cultural life thanks to the Slovak National Theatre.
Come Christmas, festive markets fill the streets, while summer sees music festivals and classical concerts. To catch the best views over Bratislava Old Town, head for the UFO Observation Deck high above the Nový Most (New Bridge) across the River Danube.
Practical Info
Old Town is the historic center of the city of Bratislava, and at 3.7 square miles, it is easily walkable.
Address: Bratislava, Slovakia
From $ 14
Botanical Garden of Barcelona
Showcasing the plant life of six different Mediterranean climate areas and the Canary Island, the Botanical Garden of Barcelona allows for a trip around the world in one place. Vegetation from Australia, South Africa, Chile, and California over 14 hectares make this one of the city's biggest parks, and a great place to escape the hectic energy of urban life. The Mediterranean theme allows for a closer comparisons of plants growing in a similar climate worldwide.
The park works to preserve a diverse collection plant species, of which there are over 1,500. There is a fascinating sensory garden which emphasizes touch and smell, as well as a collection of medicinal plants. A wide paved path allows for a leisurely stroll through the different sections. Those interested in local plant life will enjoy the orchard consisting of typical Catalan vegetables.
Practical Info
The gardens are located at Carrer del Doctor Font i Quer 2 on Montjuic, behind the Olympic Stadium. The closest metro station is Plaça Espanya (about a ten minute walk from there.) It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. General admission is €3,50.
Address: Carrer del Doctor Font i Quer, 2, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
Admission: €3,50
From $ 35
Brucke Museum
The Brücke Museum in Berlin is dedicated to the work of the artist group Die Brücke (the Bridge) from 1905 to 1913. The group was formed in Dresden by four students, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Fritz Bleyl, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Erich Heckel, when its members started experimenting with abstract forms, bright color and perspective, breaking from the art of the academies and representing the beginning of German Expressionism. The museum houses around 400 paintings and thousands of drawings, water color paintings, original graphics, and wood carvings from this expressionist group. The museum also displays work by artists who were closely connected to the Brücke group.
One of the main principles of the Brücke movement was building a bridge to the surrounding nature. This principle is represented by the location of the museum surrounded by the pine and birch trees of the beautiful Grunewald forest just outside the southwest corner of the city. The building's simplistic style echos the art on display, and with less than 5,400 square feet of exhibition space, it is Berlin's smallest museum.
Practical Info
The Brücke Museum is located at Bussardsteig 9.
Address: Bussardsteig 9, Berlin 14195, Germany
Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-5pm
Admission: Adults € 5,00, Students & Military € 3,00
From $ 114