Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 4381-4400 of 4530 listings.
Piazza de Ferrari
Piazza de Ferrari is the expansive main square in Genoa, separating the historic district from the modern city center. Its large fountain is the square's centerpiece and a central meeting point for tourists and locals alike. The piazza is named for Raffaele de Ferrari, who donated a lot of money to help expand Genoa's port in the 1800s.
The Basics
Piazza de Ferrari is a bustling area featuring many important buildings such as the Palazzo Ducale, once the Palace of the Doge of Genoa and now used as a cultural center; the neoclassical opera house of Genoa, Teatro Carlo Felice; and the old stock exchange building. You can walk to the piazza and stroll around on your own, or book a city sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore Piazza de Ferrari and other Genoese landmarks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The piazza is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Genoa, especially those who love architecture.
- There is little shade in the piazza, so bring sun protection if you plan to visit during the day.
- The streets in and around the piazza are cobblestone and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes to walk around.
- Strollers and wheelchairs may have some trouble navigating the bumpy piazza.
How to Get There
Piazza de Ferrari is located in the heart of Genoa, in the Molo neighborhood. It's an easy walk from the historic city center and the Old Port. Alternatively, take the metro to the De Ferrari stop; a number of city buses also stop in the main square.
When to Get There
As Piazza de Ferrari is Genoa's main square, it is always bustling. The piazza hosts many events throughout the year, including the lighting of the city's Christmas tree and the Genoa City Festival. The best times to visit Genoa are between May and September, when the weather is warm and relatively dry.
Palazzo Ducale
One of the piazza's most significant structures is the Palazzo Ducale, the grand mansion of the former Doge of Genoa. The large palace was built in 1298 and is filled with sculptures, frescoes, and marble columns"”flaunting the wealth of Genoa during its peak maritime trade. The palace is also home to La Grimaldina, or the People's Tower, which served as a jail for political prisoners and commoners.
Address: Piazza de Ferrari, Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Perge
The remains of the ancient city of Perge, lie just 17km (11mi) northeast of Antalya and is the region's most significant Roman ruin.
Dating as far back as the Bronze Age, Perge was originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC and under Roman occupation grew to become one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. An important city for Christians during the Byzantine period, Saint Paul is said to have preached his first sermon here in 46 AD.
Excavations began on the site in 1946 and have since uncovered a large Greco-Roman theater with fine marble reliefs, a stadium that could seat over 12,000 people, a Hellenistic-Roman city gate flanked by ruined towers, a long colonnaded street, a large agora (central market), public baths and a gymnasium. Of these ancient remains, the theater and the stadium are Perge's best-preserved sites.
Many ancient scholars came out of Perge, including the physician Asklepiades, the philosopher Varius, the famous mathematician Apollonius (a pupil of Archimedes) and the female Roman ruler of the city Plancia Magna.
Practical Info
Perge is 17km (11mi) NE of Antalya and takes approximately 20 minutes by road. Most people visit the site on a guided tour.
Address: Aksu, Antalya Province, Turkey
Hours: Open year-round
From $ 120
Piazza Unità d'Italia
Trieste's magnificent Piazza Unità d'Italia (Unity of Italy Square, also known as Piazza Grande), facing the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. This large open space"”the largest seafront square in Europe"”lined with sumptuous 19th- and 20th-century palaces and historic cafes, is the very heart of the city.
The Basics
The palaces around Trieste's main square now house City Hall, the headquarters of the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and the prefecture. There are also a number of literary cafes on the square"”most famously the Caffè degli Specchi, dating from 1839 and a favorite haunt of Joyce, Kafka, and Italo Svevo"”and the elegant 18th-century Fountain of the Four Continents in the center.
For an in-depth exploration of the square, join a private tour to discover Trieste that also hits nearby highlights like the Castle of San Giusto and Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The center of Trieste is compact, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes if joining a walking tour.
- Since the square is closed to traffic, it's a relaxing spot for a stroll with kids.
- As one of the main ports for coffee imports in Europe, Trieste has a strong coffee culture, and the square is crowded with vibrant cafes.
- Piazza Unità d'Italia is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Trieste is located in northern Italy, just across the border from Slovenia, and makes an easy day trip from Venice. Centrally located Piazza Unita d'Italia is a short walk from the train station.
When to Get There
The best time of day to visit the square is after sunset, when it twinkles with lights and offers lovely views over the Gulf of Trieste. The square hosts a pretty Christmas market in December.
The Square as Concert Hall
Piazza Unità d'Italia has been a venue for a number of large rock concerts, including international acts like Iron Maiden and Green Day as well as Italian stars including Franco Battiato.
Address: Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, Trieste, Italy
From $ 207
Park Güell
Antoni Gaudi spent 15 years designing and building the whimsical fountains, mosaic benches, pedestrian walkways, and gingerbread house-like buildings within Park Güell, one of the seven Works of Antoni Gaudi buildings that together make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with the Sagrada Familia, the hilltop public park sits at the top of Barcelona's must-see list, and for good reason. The Art Nouveau wonderland adorns many a postcard of the city.
The Basics
While much of the park remains free to enter and explore, the Monumental Zone, housing many of the most notable landmarks"”the benches, gatehouses, dragon stairway, and columned Hypostyle Room"”requires a ticket to enter. Stop at the park on a city sightseeing tour, or combine a visit with a tour of Gaudi's other notable works or even a half-day trip to Montserrat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is a must-visit for art and architecture buffs.
- You can bypass the crowds with an early-access ticket.
- Download the free app, Park Güell, Official Guide to the Monumental Zone, before your visit for interactive maps and audio snippets about the park.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, particularly during summer.
- Free WiFi is available throughout the Monumental Zone.
- Due to flights of stairs and uneven paths, Park Güell is not suitable for wheelchairs.
How to Get to Park Güell
Park Güell is located in the Gracia neighborhood, about a 15-minute walk from the Vallcarca and Lesseps metro stations on Line 3. The hop-on hop-off blue line bus also stops at the park, as do public buses H6, 32, 24, and 92.
When to Get There
Tickets to the park's Monumental Zone, one of Barcelona's top attractions, often sell out during high season (July and August). Weather can also get hot and humid in summer; expect highs in the upper 80s F or low 90s F. Park hours are shorter in the winter months, while both spring and autumn strike a balance with fewer people, cooler weather, and longer opening hours. The hilltop area in the free portion of the park is a popular spot at sunset.
The Unsung Artist Behind Park Güell's Mosaics
Some of Park Güell's most notable features"”its colorful tile shard mosaics"”aren't the work of Gaudi. His assistant, artist Josep Maria Jujol, was responsible for the park's undulating tiled benches, as well as the tiled, domed ceiling of the Hypostyle Room.
Address: Carrer d'Olot 7, Barcelona 08024, Spain
Hours: Hours vary depending on season
Admission: Adult: 8 €, Children 7-12: 5.60 €, Children under 7: free
From $ 10
Place aux Huiles
Marseille is known as a vibrant city, and it's mostly with good reason. Even on the winding back streets of the Old Town, there are raucous conversations taking place among locals, and it seems like there's always something going on at every hour. Between the active port and the souk-like markets, it can all get a bit overwhelming, and when that's the case, visitors can head to the Place aux Huiles for a wonderful respite from the daily hub-bub.
Translated, the Place aux Huiles is Oil Square, which refers to the old canal that led from the Old Port to a shipping point for barrels of olive oil. In the early 20th century it was filled in, and later on the Place aux Huiles was built and named in honor of its past.
Today the L-shaped square, designed to resemble an Italian piazza, is just off the Quay Rive Neuve on the Old Port and is lined with some of the best restaurants and bars in town. But because it is off the main drag and only open to pedestrians, the area is relaxing, quiet and the perfect place to while away a lazy afternoon after sightseeing in the morning.
Practical Info
Place aux Huiles sits near the Old Port of Marseille.
Address: Place aux Huiles, Marseille, France
From $ 30
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most important and elegant squares in the heart of Florence, lined with porticoed 19th-century palazzi, Grand Dame hotels, high-end boutiques, bustling restaurants, and historic cafes. A stroll through this beautiful public space is a must during any Florence sightseeing tour.
The Basics
Florence's main square is located on the site of the city's ancient Roman Forum, which later became the market square dedicated to commerce while the Piazza del Duomo was the center of religious and civic affairs and Piazza della Signoria was the city's political heart. A warren of narrow lanes crowded with buildings, churches, towers, and palaces sprang up in the area surrounding the market square, a portion of which became the Jewish ghetto. Today's sweeping space was created by razing almost all of this neighborhood as part of a 19th-century urban renewal project during the brief period when Florence was capital of the newly united nation of Italy. Today the only original architectural detail that remains is the 15th-century Colonna dell'Abbondanza, marking the historic center of the square.
Piazza della Repubblica is generally included in private or small-group Florence walking tours, or Florence tours by Segway or electric bike. In addition to this landmark square, skip-the-line Florence highlights tours may include the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's David statue in the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia), Piazzale Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Florence Duomo, and Santa Croce (Basilica di Santa Croce).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don't miss the square's most famous landmarks: the historic literary cafes and the Hotel Savoy.
- With its lively merry-go-round and street performers, Piazza della Repubblica is a fun stop for kids.
- Most tours of the historic center of Florence and Piazza della Repubblica are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- The wide and flat public square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
How to Get There
Piazza della Repubblica is located in the historic city center of Florence, just a short stroll down the Via Roma pedestrian thoroughfare from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo).
When to Get There
The square is a lively spot to visit year-round, but during the winter holidays many of the shops and businesses surrounding the square are decorated with abundant fairy lights, making it especially magical at night.
The Cafes of Piazza della Repubblica
At the end of the 19th century, the literary cafes lining Piazza della Repubblica became a meeting place for Florentine scholars, writers, and artists. Many of these spots are still open more than a century later; among the most famous are Giubbe Rosse and Gilli.
Address: Florence, Tuscany, Italy, Italy
From $ 3
Park of the Nations (Parque das Nações)
On the northeastern riverfront lies the Parque das Nações. Built for Expo 98, the development includes a huge world-of-its-own aquarium, the Oceanário, plus the Pavilhao do Conhecimento, and a landscaped riverside park with restaurants and bars. There's some stunning modern architecture here: the ribbed Death Star structure of Gare do Oriente and the Pavilhao de Portugal by Portugal's leading architect, Álvaro Siza Vieira.
A riverside teleferico, more than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long and 66 ft (20 m) high, gives stunning views of the river and the Vasco da Gama bridge. The 1.2 mi (2 km) long park site sometimes feels as if you have wandered into an architectural model, but it's an entertaining place to visit, particularly for families. A mini-train trundles around hourly, and you can even rent bikes.
Take the metro to Gare do Oriente and walk through the Centro Vasco da Gama to the park's main Posto de Informaçao, with free maps and information. The Cartao do Parque gives admission to the Oceanário, Pavilhao do Conhecimento, cable car and Vasco da Gama tower, as well as some restaurant discounts.
Address: Cartao do Parque, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Apr - Oct 10am - 8pm, Nov - Mar 10am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Phoenix Park
At 1,752 acres (709 hectares), Phoenix Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. This is the home of the Dublin Zoo, as well as the Victorian People's Flower Garden, ÃÂras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the president of Ireland), and a herd of about 300 deer, which roam freely around the woodland areas and grassy lawns.
The Basics
Though it began as a royal deer park for King Charles II during the 17th century, Phoenix Park is now a public park and one of Dublin's most beloved recreational spaces. It attracts a steady stream of dog walkers, joggers, strollers, and picnickers.
Many out-of-town visitors come to the park to visit Dublin Zoo or to tour ÃÂras an Uachtaráin, where the president of Ireland lives. Some travelers arrive at Phoenix Park via hop-on hop-off tour buses, and explore the park on foot or by bike. Bicycles are available for rent near the park's main entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Phoenix Park is a must for families, active travelers, and anyone who wants a break from the city streets.
- For more information on the park, stop by the visitor center, which contains exhibits on the history of the park.
- Phoenix Park offers many wheelchair-accessible paths.
How to Get There
Phoenix Park is 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from Dublin city center. Ride the Red Line Luas tram to the Museum or Heuston stops. Dublin bus routes 25 and 26 go to Parkgate Street near the main park entrance.
When to Get There
Summer is the busiest season, but thanks to its huge size, the park never feels crowded. Go in autumn to see the park's many deciduous trees display their fall foliage. Fall is also deer rutting season, when bucks vie for the attention of does. Visit during daylight hours when most of the park's attractions are open.
What to See in the Park
Adjoining the visitor center is Ashtown Castle, a restored medieval tower house. ÃÂras an Uachtaráin, the grand residence of the president of Ireland, can be explored on a guided tour (Saturday only). Near the Parkgate Street entrance sits Dublin Zoo. The Victorian People's Flower Garden is situated between the Parkgate Street entrance and the North Circular Road Gate entrance.
Address: Dublin, Ireland
From $ 23
Parc Zoologique de Paris
Parc Zoologique de Paris, also referred to as the Zoo de Vincennes, is a 36 acre zoo that was just reopened in April 2014 after major renovations. The zoo's aim is to preserve, protect, and promote animal species and to teach visitors about the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting the environment. There are five different bio-zones at the zoo representing the ecosystems of five geographical locations: Sahel-Sudan, Patagonia, Europe, Guyana and Madagascar. The different landscapes allow visitors to observe the animals in the natural habitat. More than 1,000 animals from 180 species can be found at the Paris zoo.
Some of the animals visitors can see include Humboldt penguins, sea lions, guanacos, pumas in the Patagonia section. In the savannah habitat of the Sahel-Sudan section, you can see white rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras, West African Lions, and pink flamingos. You can view otters, birds of prey, wolves, lynx, wolverines, frogs, toads, newts, tortoises, lizards and snakes in the Europe section. In the rain forest and river habitats of the Guyana section, you can observe jaguars, macaws, marmosets, sloths, giant anteaters, and manatees. The Madagascar section is home to lemurs, bats, fossas and radiated tortoises.
Address: Route de la Ceinture du Lac, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 144
Plaza de España
Designed for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, Seville's grandiose Plaza de España is a semicircular public square brimming with brick and tile fountains, canals, and foot bridges, giving it the nickname Venice of Seville. Renaissance and neo-Moorish towers sit at either end of the plaza, which is situated within Maria Luisa Park.
The Basics
While the buildings of the Plaza de España mostly house government offices, the tiled alcoves make for a pleasant stroll; each of the 48 alcoves depicts scenes from one province of Spain. Due to the plaza's popularity, it's almost always included as a stop on Seville sightseeing tours (walking tours, bike tours, and river cruises), along with other points of interest like the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla), Alcázar royal palace (Real Alcázar), and the Santa Cruz quarter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Plaza de España is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Seville.
- Don't forget to wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as the central portion of the plaza doesn't offer much shade.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; the plaza is the size of five football fields.
- The flat plaza is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, as are some of the surrounding sights.
How to Get There
The Plaza de España sits near the river in the historic district (Centro Histórico) of Seville. It's easily (and best) accessed on foot; bear left upon entering Maria Luisa Park.
When to Get There
While the alcoves are shaded, much of the plaza is exposed to the intense Spanish sun, so plan to visit from September to May when the sunshine is welcome rather than scorching. To experience the plaza with the fewest crowds, visit first thing in the morning or in the early evening.
A Spanish Photo Op
If you spend some time observing visitors within the plaza, you'll likely notice Spanish couples and families having their pictures taken in front of the colorful ceramic tiled alcoves. It's become somewhat of a tradition for visiting Spaniards to snap a photo on their home province's bench.
Address: Seville, Spain
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta
Spanish architect Joaquín Rucoba built Málaga's neo-Mudejar bullring in 1874. Entrepreneur and former president of Málaga Football Club, Fernando Puche Dona, owns it today. The arcaded stadium has capacity for 14,000 spectators, with stables and training grounds for the horses, corrals for the bulls, and a mini-hospital.
The Basics
Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta continues to host bullfights from April to September, with the biggest events taking place during Easter Week (Semana Santa) and the annual Bullfighting Festival (Feria Taurina) in the summer. During the rest of the year, visitors can tour the ring and the small Museo Taurino Antonio Ordonez, dedicated to one of Spain's best-loved matadors. The collection within showcases traditional bullfighting costumes and red capes.
Many cycling tours of Málaga stop outside the bullring for a quick photo op.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Plaza de Toros is a must-visit for history buffs, architecture lovers, and those interested in the heritage of Spanish bullfighting.
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steps, if you plan to explore the spectator stands.
- For views of the bullring from above, climb or take the shuttle up to Gibfralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibfralfaro).
- The bullring is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The bullring is located in the La Malagueta neighborhood of Málaga near Málaga Park (Parque de Málaga). Several public buses stop just outside the ring at Paseo de Reding (Plaza de Toros) station.
When to Get There
If you're interested in seeing a live bullfight, you'll have to plan your visit for Easter Week or the Bullfighting Festival in July and August. The museum is open Monday to Friday morning and early afternoon.
Seeing Red
The idea that matador capes are red to attract the attention of the bull is a common misconception. In reality, bulls are colorblind to red and are instead drawn to the movement of the cape, no matter what color it happens to be.
Address: Plaza de Toros, Malaga, Spain
Hours: Open Apr-Sept 10am-2pm and 6pm-8pm; during August Feria 10am-8pm.
From $ 29
Plaza Mayor
Salamanca's Plaza Mayor is the Spanish Main Square that your dreams are made of. Home to the city's commanding City Hall building "” and once the site of bullfights until as late as 1992 "” the plaza is widely considered the most beautiful square in Spain. Beautiful because of its dramatic Baroque style, its 247 balconies, and its 88 arches behind which hide all sorts of restaurants and shops.
Indeed, this is where you'll want to go to bask in your Salamanca surroundings by sitting al fresco (when weather permits) to enjoy tapas while savoring views of the 18th-century square and its emblematic sandstone buildings. From here, you'll also have easy access to other city sights, as it's just a short jaunt from stops such as the Salamanca Cathedral, Casa de las Conchas, and the University of Salamanca. Meanwhile, those looking for a good selection of shops need only head down Calle del Toro, a street just off the northeastern corner of the plaza.
Practical Info
Salamanca's main sights can easily be tackled on foot. For additional information on visiting the city, there is a tourist office located near the southwest corner of the plaza.
Address: Plaza Mayor, Salamanca, Castile and Leon 37008, Spain
From $ 81
Piazza delle Erbe
Translating to Square of Herbs, Verona's Piazza delle Erbe is the city's central square and host to the local market. It has been the center of political and economic life in Verona for centuries. It was also once the site of a Roman forum. The 272-foot Tower Lamberti, the tallest tower in Verona, stands in the piazza topped by an octagon-shaped structure that holds the 1464 Rengo and Marangona bells. Palazzo Commune, Verona's town hall building, is also located here. It was built in the Middle Ages, but renovations in the 19th century added a neoclassical facade.
Also located in Piazza delle Erbe is Torre Gardello, which was built in 1370 but not finished until 1626. Palazzo Mafei is a Baroque building on top of which are sculptures of the gods Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, Hercules and Minerva. The most popular attraction in the square is the 14th-century Madonna Verona Fountain, also known as the Virgin of Verona.
Practical Info
Piazza delle Erbe is located between Via Mazzini and the Corso Porta Borsari.
Address: Verona, Italy
From $ 365
Piazza Caricamento
One of Genoa's main public squares "“ the Piazza Caricamento "“ is located along its famous waterfront.
Whether you're in Genoa because you're on a cruise or you're simply visiting this historic city on your own, you'll no doubt spend plenty of time at the city's waterfront. The port is Italy's largest, so there's always lots going on, which makes the placement of the Piazza Caricamento particularly good for anyone who likes people-watching.
The piazza sits across from the pier on which the Genoa Aquarium sits, and extends underneath a road overpass away from the harbor. The 13th-century Palazzo San Giorgio sits on the piazza's southern end.
Practical Info
Piazza Caricamento is a popular meeting point for many guided tours, and there's a tourist information office located in the square.
Address: Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Playa de Muro
Playa de Muro is a beautiful six-kilometer-long sandy beach with turquoise water in northern Mallorca; it is one of the island's newest resort destinations. It is a "Blue Flag" beach, meaning that it meets certain criteria in regards to the water quality, safety and services. Although quieter than neighbor beach Alcudia, Playa de Muro is less sheltered and can experience bigger waves during high winds. Playa de Muro is very popular with families thanks to its warm shallow waters; because of this, water-sport enthusiasts abound, be it for water-skiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, pedal boating or paragliding. There is also a wooden jetty for boats, and boat trips around the coast are offered.
The westernmost portion of the beach, near Alcudia, is lined with resort hotels and holiday apartments, which all have premium access to the beach. Note that it is possible for non-guests to rent loungers and parasols upon request; this is also where most of the restaurants, cafes, and bars are located. Further east is the two-kilometer long Es Brac area, very similar in shape and style but overally quieter. At the eastern end of Playa de Muro is Es Comu, where the unspoiled and non-serviced beaches are located. This is the true natural side of Mallorca, with plenty sand dunes, pine trees, and juniper bushes. This portion is not accessible from the street; there are two distinct entry points, in Casetes des Capellans and in Es Brac.
Practical Info
It is advised to access to the beach by car, as there is ample parking everywhere. The journey from Palma takes 45 minutes via road Ma-13 and Ma-12. Public transport can sometimes be difficult to navigate due to crowded buses.
Address: Avenue Platges de Muro, Illes Balears, Majorca 07458, Spain
From $ 76
Piazza Duomo
The city's most memorable architectural and navigational landmark, Piazza Duomo is the buzzing center of downtown Catania and a strategic starting point for walking tours of the city. The UNESCO-listed square is encircled with grand buildings, the creative vision of local architect Vaccarini and a prime example of the acclaimed Sicilian Baroque style.
Dominating the northern edge of the piazza is the ornate Palazzo Degli Elefanti, now housing the City Hall, while the palatial Cathedral of Sant'Agata looms to the east, flanked by the elegant Bishop's Palace and the arched walkway of the Porta Uzeda. At the center of the square is Duomo's star attraction - Giovanni Battista's Fontana dell'Elefante, a monumental fountain crowned by the city's emblem - a statue of an elephant carrying an obelisk, sculpted from volcanic rock and dating back to 1736.
Practical Info
Piazza Duomo is located in the center of downtown Catania, at the meeting point of major boulevards Via Etnea, Via Garibaldi and Via Vittorio Emanuele II.
Address: Catania, Italy
From $ 48
Piazza Brà
Home to the city's town hall and other important buildings, Piazza Bra sits at the heart of life in Verona. The huge city square welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to stroll the wide expanse, enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the al fresco restaurants, or attend one of the regular music performances held at the Verona Arena.
The Basics
Any visitor to Verona can expect to cross Piazza Bra at least once during their stay. On the west side of the square is Portoni della Bra"”a grand arched entryway"”and the impressive Gran Guardia Palace. On the south side is the Barbieri Palace, now the city's town hall. The square is a frequent stop on guided walking or bike tours of the city.
On the north side is the liston, a parade of cafes and restaurants named after the paving stones that line the area that's ideal for people watching over a cappuccino. On the east side is perhaps the most famous of all Verona's attractions, the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater that seats 15,000 people. In summer, grand-scale operas are held here"”it's an annual event that is famous worldwide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you're planning to attend a performance at the Verona Arena, book in advance.
- A small shaded garden in the square surrounds a fountain and a bronze statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy.
- Visitors can find out more about the buildings in the square on a guided walking tour.
How to Get There
Piazza Bra is located in the center of Verona. It's accessible on foot, by bus, taxi, or as part of a bike or Segway tour of the city center.
When to Get There
A public square, Piazza Bra is open 24 hours a day all year round. Cafes and restaurants are busy at the usual hours, especially in summer. For the best people watching, head to the square early evening to take part in the daily passeggiata, a tradition when Italian families and groups of friends take a stroll before dinner.
Explore Verona Arena
Dominating the eastern side of Piazza Bra is the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater built during the first century AD to hold up to 30,000 people. Visitors can peek inside on a guided tour, or, better yet, by attending one of the summertime opera performances.
Address: Piazza Brà, Verona, Italy
From $ 23
Pitmedden Garden
The beautifully landscaped Pitmedden Garden in northern Scotland dates back to 1675. The center piece of the property is the Great Garden, a formal walled garden that was originally designed by Sir Alexander Seton, 1st Baronet of Pitmedden. In the 1950s the National Trust of Scotland began recreating the garden using designs from the 17th century. Some of the designs might have been used in the gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh in 1647. One section is a heraldic design based on Sir Alexander's coat of arms. Today Pitmedden Garden has more than 5 miles of box hedging arranged in intricate patterns forming six sections. These different sections of the garden are filled with color during the summer months from approximately 40,000 plants.
Pitmedden Garden sits on a 100 acre estate. Also on the property is the Museum of Farming Life which teaches visitors about historical agriculture. There are also several woodland trails, ponds, an extensive herb garden, a nature hut, and a visitor center.
Practical Info
Pitmedden Garden is located 14 miles north of Aberdeen.
Address: Pitmedden, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, UK AB41 7PD, Scotland
Hours: Grounds Open Daily; Gardens Open Daily from 1 May - 30 Sep: 10am-5:30pm
Admission: Adult £6.50
From $ 14
Photography Museum (Museum für Fotografie)
Berlin's Photography Museum (Museum für Fotografie) has attracted photography enthusiasts from around the world since 2004. The museum's two main exhibits are "Helmut Newton's Private Property" and the Kunstbibliothek's Collection of Photography, which features German and international photographers including Annie Leibovitz and Peter Lindbergh.
The Basics
The Photography Museum showcases some of the world's most iconic photographers and pieces from the 19th to 21st centuries. The collections feature works by some of the world's first photographers"”Édouard Baldus, Edward Steichen, Willy Romer"”and span the history of photographic art. You'll see many pieces by Helmut Newton as well as other exhibits that push the limits of the art of photography.
Individual admission tickets are available, or you can purchase the Berlin Pass for free entry to the Photography Museum and 50 other attractions in the city plus a public transit ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Photography Museum is a must-visit for photography and art aficionados.
- Backpacks, briefcases, umbrellas, and tripods must be left in the cloakroom.
- Visitors generally spend about two hours exploring the museum.
- The entire museum is wheelchair accessible and features an accessible lift and bathrooms on the ground floor. Wheelchairs are available at the museum.
How to Get There
The Photography Museum is conveniently located next to the Berlin Zoo in Charlottenburg at Jebensstrasse 2. Take the U1, U2, U9, S5, S7, or S75 to Zoologischer Garten station. Several city buses, including the 100, 200, M45, and M49, service the nearby Hertzallee (Berlin) stop.
When to Get There
The Photography Museum is open from 11am to 7pm Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours (until 8pm) on Thursday. Though this museum rarely gets crowded, visit during the week for the most contemplative experience. Guided museum tours are available every Sunday at 4pm.
The Works of Helmut Newton
The 3-floor museum complex is home to the Helmut Newton Foundation, the prolific German-Australian photographer whose iconic black-and-white photos graced the pages of Vogue. The permanent collection features many of Newton's various phases throughout the years as well as pieces from his wife, Alice Springs. Temporary exhibits of his photo collections include "Sex and Landscapes," "Men, War & Peace," and "Between Art & Fashion."
Address: Jebensstraße 2, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum)
One of Germany's most visited museums, Berlin's Pergamon Museum is renowned for its impressive collection of art and antiquities from Turkey and the Middle East. Located on Berlin's UNESCO-listed Museum Island, the Pergamon is split into three permanent exhibitions"”the Collection of Classical Antiquities, the Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Museum of Islamic Art"”which together chronicle over 2,000 years of history.
The Basics
Visitors to the Pergamon Museum can explore independently or learn about the museum's vast collection on a guided skip-the-line tour with an expert guide. Purchase a Berlin Pass or Museum Island day pass to gain entry to Pergamon Museum along with numerous other attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Pergamon Museum is currently undergoing extensive restorations. As a result, parts of the north wing will be closed until 2023.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, a free coat check, and a cafe.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible"”lifts and ramps are available on all floors.
How to Get There
The Pergamon Museum is located at the northern tip of Museum Island in central Berlin, close to the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Altes Museum. The closest S-Bahn railway stations are Friedrichstrasse and Hackescher Markt, both a 10- to 15-minute walk to the island. The M1 and M12 trams stop at Kupfergraben, a 5-minute walk from the museum.
When to Get There
The Pergamon is open year-round from 10am to 6pm with extended hours on Thursday until 8pm, but the site can get crowded during the peak summer months, when it's best to arrive early or opt for a weekday visit.
Highlights of the Pergamon Museum
Among the many treasures of the Pergamon Museum, must-sees include the massive Pergamon Altar from the second century BC and the Market Gate of Miletus, both in the Classical Antiquities collection. In the Near East exhibition, standout attractions include part of King Nebuchadnezzar's throne hall and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, which dates back to the sixth century BC. The stunning Aleppo Room"”a masterpiece of painted wall paneling"”is the star attraction of the Islamic exhibition.
Address: Bodestraße 4, Museum Island, Berlin 10178, Germany
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm. (Open until 10pm on Thursdays)
Admission: € 12
From $ 68