Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Schladming
Schladming is cradled between the lush alpine tarns and valleys of the Dachstein massif and the Schladminger Tauern range in the Styrian Alps. Life started in this remote alpine spot back in the 14th century, when Schladming was a mining village, but today it is known as one of Austria's premier ski resorts. The Schladming-Dachstein region is best for intermediate skiers, offering long and scenic tree-lined runs. There are nine mountains to ski, all connected by a state-of-the-art network of lifts and cable cars, and with plenty of trails for cross-country skiers and snow shoers plus plenty of options for mountain restaurants and après ski.
Summertime pursuits in this family-friendly resort include hiking and mountain biking, tobogganing and go-carting; one of the area's most popular (and nerve wracking) attractions is the Sky Walk up at Dachstein Glacier, where the panoramas include a sea of snowy alpine peaks and lurching drops of 250 meters (820 feet) straight down to the valley floor.
Practical Info
Schladming is 50 minutes' drive from Salzburg and its tourist office is at Rohrmoosstrasse 234. Ski hire and lessons can be organized close to all the main ski lifts.
Address: Schladming, Austria
From $ 86
Royal Opera House
The third theater to have stood on this Covent Garden site, the Victorian-era Royal Opera House (ROH) was given a major facelift at the turn of the 21st century. The landmark venue now hosts performances by two of the United Kingdom's most prestigious companies: the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera.
The Basics
Anyone wandering Covent Garden can admire the classical-style pillared facade of the opera house. The exterior can also be seen in passing on sightseeing tours of central London, both on bike and on foot.
To explore the interior of the ROH, travelers have two options. Book a ticket to a performance in the 2,256-seat auditorium or join a guided tour. Backstage tours last 75 minutes and showcase front of house as well as behind the scenes; participants may even get to see Royal Ballet dancers in class. The 45-minute Velvet, Gilt, and Glamour tour focuses on the architecture and history of the theater.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ROH is a must-see for culture vultures.
- No dress code is enforced, so wear whatever is comfortable.
- Avoid bringing large bags to the venue as security restrictions apply.
- The opera house has two bars and three restaurants, including a champagne bar and restaurant in the spectacular glass-vaulted Paul Hamlyn Hall (formerly Floral Hall).
- The ROH is wheelchair accessible, and 19 spaces are available for wheelchair users in the main auditorium.
How to Get There
The ROH is situated on Bow Street in central London and is best accessed by public transport. Take the Piccadilly tube line to Covent Garden station, or one of many city buses that stop at the nearby Aldwych Theatre.
When to Get There
Tours are very popular so book well in advance to ensure a spot. Performance ticket holders should arrive about 30 minutes before curtain; latecomers are not permitted to enter until a suitable break in the performance.
The History of London's Royal Opera House
Fires destroyed the original ROH and its replacement in the 19th century. Though today's facade, foyer, and auditorium date from 1858, much of the rest of the complex is the result of an extensive reconstruction project that took place in the late 1990s. A claim to fame of the opera house: In 1839, it became the first indoor theater in the world to use limelight, a kind of spotlight created by adding lime to a flame produced by an oxyhydrogen blowpipe, creating a very bright white light.
Address: Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
San Telmo Museum
San Telmo Museum is in the heart of the Old Town, housed in a 16th-century Renaissance convent structured around a lovely cloister. For the second half of the 19th century, the convent was used as a barracks and slowly fell into disrepair. It was rescued from dereliction and in 1932 became the city's municipal museum. The year 2011 saw the addition of a new gallery coated in aluminum, creating a seamless blend of Renaissance and contemporary design.
The museum examines the development of Basque culture from Neolithic times to present, helped along by the 11 murals in the chapel painted; these were painted by Jose María Sert in the 1930s and highlight the main events over the centuries. The fine-art collection contains lots of gloomy oil paintings, with a couple of standout masterpieces by El Greco as well as fine portraits by Spanish Impressionist Joaquín Sorolla. There's special interest taken in the industrialization of the region"”and its subsequent financial flowering"”in the 19th century, illustrated with a rare collection of black-and-white images. Temporary art exhibitions are held on the ground floor.
Practical Info
San Telmo Museum is located at Plaza Zuloaga 1 on the edge of the Old Town (Parte Vieja) and opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. General admission is €6 but €3 for students and free for everyone on Tuesdays. Prices may vary slightly according to the temporary exhibitions.
Address: Plaza Zuloaga 1, San Sebastian 20003, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm
Admission: Adults €6, Students €3 (free on Tuesdays)
From $ 236
Ruins Under Christiansborg
Built on the island of Slotsholmen in Copenhagen harbour, the neo-Baroque Christiansborg Palace is one of the city's most important landmarks. Completed in 1928, it is the fifth palace to stand on this spot and was once the residence of the Royal Family. Today it is the powerhouse of Danish politics and home to the Parliament and Supreme Court.
Much of the palace, including the Throne Room, Banqueting Hall and Royal Stables, can be viewed by guided tour. But Christiansborg also hides a secret, for it is constructed over the ruins of two of the earlier castles, the eldest being 800 years old. Deep below the palace lies a maze of atmospheric ruins that transport visitors right back to medieval Copenhagen.
The earliest ruins are of a stronghold constructed in 1167 by Bishop Absalon; he was the founder of Copenhagen and his medieval fortress had a fortified wall to keep out marauders. Still evident among the ruins today are its protective wall, pillars in the chapel and the remains of a medieval "˜rest room'.
After this first fortification burnt down in 1367, it was replaced by another, grander castle, from which the foundations of the mighty Blue Tower are still visible. This is where King Christian IV incarcerated his political enemies in the 17th century and where he imprisoned his daughter Leonora Christina for 22 years in retaliation for her husband's treason.
A short video and information boards explain the history of these dark, meandering passageways, and detail the turbulent backstory of Christiansborg Palace, which features on many shore excursions and walking tours of Copenhagen.
Practical Info
The ruins are open May"“Sept daily 10am"“5pm; Oct"“Apr Tue"“Sun 10am"“5pm. Admission for adults is 50 DKK; students are 40 DKK; young than 18 go free. Admission is also free with the Copenhagen Card. English-language guided tours of the ruins take place on Saturday at 12pm. Be forewarned, there is very limited parking around the palace. If taking public transportation, take the Metro to Kongens Nytorv or buses 1A, 2A, 26, 40 or 66 to Christiansborg.
Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: May"“Sept daily 10am"“5pm; Oct"“Apr Tue"“Sun 10am"“5pm
Admission: Adults 50 DKK; Students 40 DKK; young than 18s go free. Free with Copenhagen Card.
From $ 62
Royal Palace
Oslo's Royal Palace was designed by architect Hans Linstow and built in the early 19th century for King Charles III, who reigned over a united Norway and Sweden. He died before work was completed on the vast Neo-classical edifice and it was his son Oscar I who finally moved into the palace in 1849. Today it is the official city residence of King Harald V and his wife Queen Sonja, and is open during the summer for guided tours of parts of its 173 palatial rooms.
A dozen of the palace's ornate staterooms are included on the tour, including the Council Chamber, King Haakon VII Suite, Bird Room "” delicately decorated with 40 species of bird "” the Mirror Hall, Great Hall "” where lavish balls still take place under dripping crystal chandeliers "” and the Banqueting Hall.
The colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place outside the palace daily at 1.30pm; it's short in winter but in summer takes a full 40 minutes of pageantry, with the King's Guards on horseback, bands, square bashing and parades along Karl Johans Gate.
The Royal Palace is surrounded by the manicured gardens of Slottsparken, also laid out by Hans Linstow. As well as lakes, leafy promenades and picnic spots, the park is dotted with statues of Norway's great and good, including King Carl Johan and Queen Maud, mathematician Nils Henrik Abel and women's rights defender Camilla Collett "” the latter two both by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, whose lifework can also be seen in Oslo's Vigeland Park.
Practical Info
Slottsplassen 1, Oslo. Open daily 11am"“5pm from mid June to late August for guided tours only. There are four English-language tours per day, at 12pm, 2pm, 2.30pm and 4pm. Tickets adult NOK 135; seniors, students & children younger than 13 NOK 105; family ticket NOK 330. Slottsparken is open daily free of charge. The palace is a 10-minute walk from Central Station.
Address: Slottsplassen 1, Oslo, Eastern Norway 0010, Norway
Hours: daily 11am"“5pm in summer for guided tours only
Admission: Adult NOK 135; seniors, students & children younger than 13 NOK 105
From $ 41
Royal Yacht Britannia
For 44 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia carried the British royal family across the high seas to destinations near and far. After retiring in 1997, the vessel took up a permanent residency at the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh, where curious visitors now come to find out more about royal life at sea.
The Basics
The Royal Yacht Britannia is often visited as part of a guided excursion from Edinburgh port and on royal-themed day trips around Scotland's capital.. View photographs and exhibits about the yacht and pick up a headset for a self-guided audio tour around the vessel at the Visitor Centre. On board, explore the lavish state drawing room, the queen's bedroom, the crew's quarters, the engine room, and the sun lounge, reportedly the queen's favorite room.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Royal Yacht Britannia is ideal for royal enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the Royal Navy or British history, in general.
- The yacht is fully wheelchair accessible.
- A special version of the audio tour is available for children..
- Purchase drinks, light meals, and snacks at the Royal Deck Tea Room on board.
- Allow around 2 hours to cover the exhibits at the visitor center and the yacht itself.
How to Get There
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in the port of Leith, around 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Edinburgh city center. Bus routes 11, 22, and Skylink 300 connect the city center to the Ocean Terminal waterfront shopping center, where Britannia is located. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at Ocean Terminal.
When to Get There
Royal Yacht Britannia is busiest during in August. Allow extra time to tour the vessel if visiting at this time. Early mornings are quietest.
The Storied History of Royal Yacht Britannia
The last in a long line of more than 80 royal yachts, Royal Yacht Britannia has welcomed many esteemed guests on board, including Sir Winston Churchill, Boris Yeltsin, and Nelson Mandela. During its 44-year tenure, the yacht covered more than 1 million miles, carrying the queen and other dignitaries to destinations in Britain and beyond.
Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Sandunovsky Baths (Sanduný Banya)
No visitor to Russia should leave without experiencing a traditional Russian bathhouse, and the Sandunovsky Baths may be the best place to do so. Founded in 1808, this bathhouse is the largest and most impressive in Moscow, with high ceilings, marble staircases and gold frescoes throughout the interior. It also features a beauty salon, restaurant and laundry service. Called the "czar of bathhouses," the Sandunovsky Baths are frequented not just by tourists but by Russian businessmen and socialites alike.
To follow the traditional Russian routine, head to the steam room for about 10 minutes, then jump into a pool of cold water and then do it all over again. Take a break in between to have a snack, enjoy a beer or sip a cup of tea. You might also get "beaten" with birch twigs while in the steam room"”another longstanding Russian tradition. The women's side of the baths today feels more like a modern salon, with other typical spa treatments also available.
Practical Info
Located at Neglinaya Ulitsa 14, the Baths are accessible from the Kuznetsky Most metro station. They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., except for Tuesdays, and are separated into men's and women's sections. There is a charge for admission, plus additional costs for specific treatments or experiences and to rent bath towels and slippers.
Address: Neglinnaya ul. 14 bldg 3"“7, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Admission: 1000 rubles for three hours
From $ 136
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
With its castle-like façade perched on the East Cliff and idyllic leafy gardens sloping down to the seafront, it's impossible to miss the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. The Grade II-listed heritage building was built in 1901 for Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes to house their growing private collection of art and artifacts. The remarkably preserved Art Nouveau mansion, along with its contents, was gifted to the city of Bournemouth in 1908 and formally opened as the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in 1922.
Today, the striking Art Nouveau building is as celebrated for its unique architecture and attractive gardens, as it is for its lavish interiors and sizable art collection. The gallery's permanent exhibitions include a significant collection of European and Japanese works, dating mostly from the 19th- and early 20th-century, while the museum hosts a magnificent array of souvenirs collected by the Russell-Cotes on their world travels. As well as visiting the galleries and museum, visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, or take in the views from the on-site cafe.
Practical Info
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is located on the East Cliff Promenade on Bournemouth's waterfront and is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Adult admission is £6.
Address: East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA, England
Hours: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £6, Child £4
From $ 16
Rue Montorgueil
Located in the center of Paris in the 2nd arrondissement, Rue Montorgueil is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood where, within a three block radius, you'll find some of Paris's best bites. The market street was once the home of the iconic Les Halles wholesale market, and while that was disbanded in the 1970s, its foodie culture remains in the form of fish and meat markets, restaurants, bistros, food shops, chocolatiers, pastry shops and kitchen supply stores.
For many a traveling foodie, the crowning jewel of the Rue Montorgueil neighborhood is La Maison Stohrer, a patisserie that opened in 1730, making it the oldest still-standing pastry shop in the city.
Practical Info
You can get to Rue Montorgueil by taking the metro Line 4 to Etienne Marcel, Line 3 to Sentier or either Line 3 or 4 to Reaumur Sebastopol.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 29
Sadberk Hanim Museum
The Sadberk Hanim Museum was established by the Vehbi Koc Foundation and named in honor of Vehbi Koc's deceased wife, Sadberk. Featuring the private collection of Sadberk Koc, the museum consists of two 19th century villas in the Buyukdere neighborhood of Istanbul. Opened in 1980, the main building, known as Azaryan Yalisi, covers about 4,300 square feet and includes a ground floor gift shop and tea room. Exhibits include gold coins of the Ottoman Empire and Turkish Republic, Islamic and Ottoman art, Iznik tiles and ceramics, Chinese and Turkish porcelains, Beykoz and Bohemian glassware and women's traditional costumes.
An adjacent building, known as the Sevgi Gonul Wing, opened in 1988 and houses archaeological exhibits from Turkey's pre-Islamic period. Considered a fine example for contemporary museums, it was honored with the Europa Nostra Award the same year. Museum displays showcase a variety of lamps, jewelry, coins, beads, sculptures and glass from as far back as the late Neolithic and early Chalcolithic periods.
While the Sadberk Hanim Museum was founded with around 3,000 works, today it holds more than 18,000.
An adjacent building, known as the Sevgi Gonul Wing, opened in 1988 and houses archaeological exhibits from Turkey's pre-Islamic period. Considered a fine example for contemporary museums, it was honored with the Europa Nostra Award the same year. Museum displays showcase a variety of lamps, jewelry, coins, beads, sculptures and glass from as far back as the late Neolithic and early Chalcolithic periods.
While the Sadberk Hanim Museum was founded with around 3,000 works, today it holds more than 18,000.
Practical Information
The Sadberk Hanim Museum is located in Buyukdere neighborhood at Piyasa Caddesi 27-29. Take the ferry to Sariyer, from where it is about a ten-minute walk. It is also possible to reach the museum by bus; visit http://www.sadberkhanimmuzesi.org.tr for a list of possible bus routes. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday and admission is 7 Turkish lira.
Address: Turkey
Hours: Visiting Hours: 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Closed on Wed, 1st of Jan and Religious Holidays
Admission: 7 TL, 2 TL (Students)
From $ 44
Salzburg Museum
Located in the gloriously ornate Neue Residenz in Mozartplatz, the Salzburg Museum opened in 2007 to great acclaim and won European Museum of the Year two years later. It serves as an informative and educational museum of art and history, scanning aspects of the development of Salzburg as a city.
A museum of several parts housed in fine marble apartments, it features temporary art exhibitions, highlights the lives of prominent Salzburg movers and shakers, and examines the history of the city through a series of artwork in the permanent exhibition "˜The Myth of Salzburg'. A one-man exhibition on the third floor spotlights the mesmeric paintings of famous contemporary Austrian artist Gottfried Salzmann.
The Salzburg Museum is partnered to the adjacent Panorama Museum and they are connected by the subterranean Panorama Passage, which reveals a section of Roman wall covered with murals and four models of Salzburg at pertinent points in its development. The undoubted star of the Panorama Museum is the 85-foot (26-m) cyclorama of the city painted in 1829 by Johann Michael Sattler; it is supremely impressive in its fine architectural and topographical detail.
Practical Info
Salzburg Museum is in Mozartplatz, easily accessible on foot. There are parking facilities close by. Opening hours are Tue-Sun 9am-5pm. Admission is €8.5, 16-26 €4.5, children 6-15 €3.5. There are free guided tours on Thur 6pm. Admission free with Salzburg Card.
Address: Mozartplatz 1, Salzburg 5010, Austria
Admission: General: €8.5, 16-26 year olds: €4.5
From $ 29
Saluhallen
The biggest indoor food market in Gothenburg, upmarket Saluhallen hosts over forty shops and places to dine. Built in 1889 on the site of the former boatyard at Götaverkan, its iconic barrel roof was designed by Swedish architect Hans Hedlund.
Inside, shop at independently-owned delis for spices and cheeses, olives, fruits and chocolates. Look out for tasting samples as you wander! Organic, locally-sourced produce is as big as you'd expect in Sweden: look out for Saluhallen bakery, which sells all kinds of organic breads.
Saluhallen Kungstorget, also known under the name Stora Saluhallen, is located a block from the canal on Kungstorget (Royal Square) in central Gothenburg, There are lots of bistro style spots with daily-changing menus that offer everything from soup to fresh fish. A few of its restaurants stay open late for summer too, and have terrace bars where you can sit outside and enjoy the Swedish sun.
Practical Info
Located on 46 Kungstorget, Stora Saluhallen is open Monday - Friday from 9am - 6pm, and on Saturdays from 9am - 3pm.
Address: 46 Kungstorget, Gothenburg 411 17, Sweden
From $ 127
Royal Opera
Recently renovated to its original splendor, the Royal Opera at Versailles is fit for a king, and one can imagine the spectacles performed here over the centuries. But its history is a bit rockier than you might expect from a monarchy.
Louis XIV was the first to conceive of the idea of a dedicated performance space for royal performances in the late 17th century, but the ensuing historic troubles that plagued the monarchy meant that Louis XV put a stop to its construction. But that doesn't mean there were no shows at the palace. Instead, for every concert and performance, an entire theater was built from scratch and then dismantled.
Finally, faced with the spectacle that would be the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Dauphin's grandfather completed construction and is the Royal Opera house we know today.
Since its reopening in 2009 after extensive renovations, the palace administration has made a concerted effort to book a full suite of performances and programs each season, and with this new era brings the hope that generations to come will once again enjoy this historic space.
Address: Rue des Reservoirs, Versailles 78000, France
From $ 49
San Jerónimo Monastery (Monasterio de San Jerónimo)
San Jerónimo Monastery, the first monastery to be built after the Christian conquest of Granada, was also the first church in the world consecrated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Construction on this Renaissance-style church began in 1496, but it was relocated in 1504 when many of the city's current buildings were under construction.
Aside from serving as the burial place for the Great Captain (Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba), a Spanish general who fought in both the Conquest of Granada and the Italian Wars, the monastery is known for housing one of the most exquisite Spanish Baroque sacristies in the world. Also notable is the inner courtyard full of orange trees and the elaborate, high altar, covered in depictions of saints, angels, and other historical and mythical figures. Be sure to check out the some 500 memorial stones for the monks that spent their lives here.
Practical Info
For additional information about the monastery, be sure to pick up an English program for €1 when you enter.
Address: Calle Rector López Argueta 9, Granada, Andalucia 18001, Spain
Hours: Daily 10am"“1:30pm; 4"“7:30pm
Admission: €4
From $ 34
Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection
The building that now houses the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection was once used as officer barracks and later as a police station. In 1967 it was the Egyptian Museum, which later moved back to Berlin's Museum Island in 2005. It reopened in the summer of 2008 as the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection.
The collection began with Otto Gerstenberg who built up one of the most impressive art collections in Germany. His collection included almost all prints made by Albrecht Dürer, Francisco de Goya and Rembrandt. He also collected paintings from Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas. Gerstenberg eventually owned the complete set of prints of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec.
Unfortunately his collection was severely damaged during World War II. In 1961, the pieces that remained were handed down to his grandsons Walther and Dieter Scharf, the latter of whom inherited prints by Francisco de Goya and Charles Meryon, as well as a lithograph series by Édouard Manet. His own collection included 300 pieces from over 50 Surrealist and Symbolist artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti. Other artists on display include Odilon Redon, Max Klinger, Alfred Kubin, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst and Rene Magritte.
Practical Info
The Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection is located at Schloßstraße 70. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday.
Address: Schloßstraße 70, Berlin 14059, Germany
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm
Admission: Adults EUR10
From $ 114
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Brussels has several top-class museums and the Royal Fine Arts Museum is foremost among them. The four main galleries are adjacent to each other in the place Royale; these comprise the Musee Old Masters, Musee Modern and the Musee Fin-de-Siècle, connected underground to the Musee Magritte.
The revamped, spacious galleries show off Belgian art from the 14th-century Flemish Primitives to the 20th-century Surrealists. Star turns in the Old Masters include Hans Memling, Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Brueghel the Elder and Lucas Cranach. Next door, the modern art galleries are currently being re-organized, so a tiny percentage of collection's treasures "“ such as Van Gogh or Delvaux "“ are on revolving display.
Musee Magritte opened in 2009 and holds the world's biggest collection of more than 200 works by the Belgian surrealist master Rene Magritte, including his seminal The Dominion of Light as well as sculptures, sketches, photos and musical scores. The Musee Fin-de-Siècle is the newest kid on the block and showcases elegant Art Nouveau furniture as well as the sublime still lives of late-19th-century Belgian Realist James Ensor.
Set aside at least an afternoon when visiting, while dedicated art lovers could loose themselves at the Royal Fine Arts Museums for days. The two outposts of the museum found elsewhere in Brussels are the Musee Meunier, dedicated to sculptor Constantin Meunier, at rue de l'Abbaye 59, and the Musee Wiertz at rue Vatier 62, celebrating the work of Belgian Romantic artist Antoine Joseph Wiertz.
Place Royale 1"“3. Admission per museum €8 adults, €6 seniors and students, €2 aged 6"“26. Combo tickets for entry to all four place Royale museums cost €13 for adults; €9 for seniors and students and €3 for those ages 6-26. The museums are free to all on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Address: Rue de la Regence 3, Brussels, Belgium
Hours: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Admission: €8 adults
From $ 29
Sablon District
Just a short stroll from Brussels' central sights, the Sablon district has long been one of the city's most affluent and atmospheric neighborhoods. Renowned for its elegant architecture and lively antiques market, the area is crammed with terrace cafes, hip restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and fine chocolatiers.
The Basics
Sablon is relatively compact, making it easy to tour on foot. At its heart is Place du Grand Sablon"”a stop on the Brussels hop on hop off bus tour"”lined with restaurants and cafes and host to a weekend antique market. From the square, it's a short walk to the Place du Petit Sablon, where you find the late-Gothic church of Notre-Dame du Sablon, the district's most notable historic landmark. Nearby, the Mont des Arts district is home to museums including Magritte Museum (Musee Magritte), Musical Instruments Museum, and Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes"”the best way to explore the cobbled lanes of Sablon is on foot.
- Place du Grand Sablon has plenty of cafes and restaurants, but for a better value, venture down the side streets.
- There are free Wi-Fi hot spots dotted throughout Brussels, including at Place du Jeu de Balle in Sablon.
How to Get to There
The Sablon district is about a 10-minute walk from the Grand Place to the north and the Parc de Bruxelles to the east. The closest metro station to the Place du Grand Sablon is Louise (lines 2 and 6) and trams 92 and 93 also stop nearby. Hop-on hop-off bus tours of Brussels stop right on Place du Grand Sablon.
When to Get There
The busiest time to visit Sablon is during the peak summer season (July and August), but the crowds add to the atmosphere. Tour Sablon on a weekend and experience one of Brussels' most popular antique and book markets on the Place du Grand Sablon. If you visit at Easter or Christmas, check out area chocolate shops' window displays filled with festive-themed chocolates and elaborate gift boxes.
Belgian Chocolate
Belgium is famous for its chocolates, and Brussels is home to a number of world"“renowned chocolatiers, many of which have shops on and around the Place du Grand Sablon. Look out for Pierre Marcolini, famous for its pralines and macarons; sample indulgent handmade chocolates and truffles at Godiva; or tuck into decadent pastries, eclairs, and chocolates at Wittamer. Leonidas and Neuhaus chocolate shops are also located nearby.
Address: Brussels, Belgium
From $ 29
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
There are few more fitting locations to watch one of Shakespeare's plays than Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the iconic playwright, and the most prestigious venue in town is the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Built in 1932, the historic theater is the official home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, whose performances of Shakespeare's works are renowned around the world.
Built to replace the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, which stood on the site since 1879, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre was the design of Elisabeth Scott (one of Britain's first notable female architects) and underwent extensive renovations in 2010. Today, the theater hosts regular performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company in its 1,000-seat auditorium, but it's also a popular destination for tourists.
A range of tours allow visitors to explore the Front of House, peek behind-the-scenes, visit the grounds and gardens, or even get a backstage look at the nearby rehearsal rooms and costume store. Alternatively, the theater's 32-meter-high Tower offers far-reaching views over Stratford-upon-Avon, while the Rooftop Restaurant and Riverside cafe serve up everything from afternoon tea to cocktails, and a range of free temporary exhibitions are hosted on-site.
Practical Info
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is located along the waterfront of the River Avon in central Stratford-upon-Avon and is open daily from 10am "“ late. Access to the public areas and restaurants of the theater is free, but admission to the tower costs £2.50 and guided tours start from £6.50.
Address: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BB, England
Hours: Daily 10am-late, tours by booking only
Admission: Public areas: free, Tower: £2.50, Tours from £6.50.
From $ 19
Saariselkä
Located about 155 miles (250 km) north of the Arctic Circle, Saariselkä is one of Finland's northernmost ski resorts, a remote spot that is an ideal choice for those looking to get off the beaten track and escape the crowds.
Saariselka is best known for its winter sports, and the nearby fells of Kaunispaa and Iisakkipaa offer 11 ski and snowboard slopes, along with more than 155 miles (250 km) of cross-country skiing trails. Other popular activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, husky sledding and reindeer safaris, while summer visitors can make the most of the abundant hiking and mountain biking trails. Saariselkä also makes a great destination for viewing the Northern Lights, with its northern location offering some of the highest sighting rates from September to March.
Practical Info
Saariselkä is located in Northern Lapland, 160 miles (260 km) north of Rovaniemi and 19 miles (30 km) from Ivalo airport.
Address: Saariselkä 99830, Finland
From $ 139
Royal Scottish Academy
Connected to the Scottish National Gallery by underground passageway, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary Scottish art and architecture. Inside the 19th-century Doric-style building, galleries host exhibits ranging from the work of recent graduates from Scotland's top art colleges to pieces by eminent artists.
The Basics
The RSA's vast gallery spaces showcase visual arts of all mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography, installations, prints, and film. The work of RSA members is often on show in the Academicians' Gallery. Emerging graduate talent is spotlighted during the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition, while artists from all around Scotland are represented in the popular RSA Annual Exhibition. Tours of the RSA are self-guided.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Royal Scottish Academy is a must-see for art and architecture enthusiasts.
- Combine a visit here with a trip to the adjoining National Scottish Gallery.
- The RSA is accessible to wheelchair users. Disabled access is via the rear of the building or via the National Gallery of Scotland's Weston Link complex.
How to Get There
The RSA is located on the Mound, at the boundary between Edinburgh Old Town and New Town. To get there, ride the tram to Princes Street or any Princes Street bus. Edinburgh Waverley, the nearest train station, is just a 5-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is during the RSA Annual Exhibition, which typically takes place in May or June. The annual exhibition is popular and can draw large crowds, especially on weekends. Get there early in the day to avoid the midday rush.
An Architectural Landmark
Built by acclaimed architect William Henry Playfair in the early 19th century, the Royal Scottish Academy, originally known as the Royal Institution, is one of Edinburgh's most prominent neoclassical buildings. The imposing colonnaded exterior is topped by a pediment, upon which stands a statue of Queen Victoria.
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland
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