Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Colosseum
The Colosseum has been a symbol of Rome since 80 AD, and today it’s a top monument in Italy. Some 50,000 spectators once gathered in the amphitheater’s tiered seats to watch gladiatorial games, and though parts of its original marble facade were pilfered over the years to build the likes of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum remains remarkably intact 2,000 years later.
The Basics
As the second most popular attraction in Italy after only the Vatican, the Colosseum hosts some 4 million annual visitors, meaning that long lines are nearly inevitable without a skip-the-line tour. Choose from a number of tours suited to any age or interest, such as a Colosseum underground tour that heads beneath the arena floor to explore a network of passages; a small-group guided tour of the third tier; or a night tour that offers an eery experience and relief from the daytime heat. Consider group tours, self-guided audio tours, or private tours to gain an understanding of this well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheater and its historical importance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It's best to purchase Colosseum tickets in advance to avoid long entry lines.
- The Colosseum is well-suited for families with kids.
- This is an open-air amphitheater, so bring a hat and sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes and attire.
- You may also see the Colosseum referred to as the Flavian Amphitheatre or the Coliseum.
How to Get to the Colosseum
Alongside the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Colosseum is in the center of Rome, just across the street from the Colosseo station on Line B of the city's underground metro system, which also stops at the main Termini train station.
When to Get There
Since the Colosseum is most crowded during the middle of the day, begin or end your Rome tour with a visit first thing in the morning or just before last entry (which is an hour before closing time) in the late afternoon. Alternatively, choose a night tour for a unique, less crowded experience. Summer is the most popular time of year to visit, while the site receives fewer crowds in November through February, aside from the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Colosseum in Numbers
The Colosseum is the world's largest amphitheater, has 76 entrances, and measures 615 feet (189 meters) long by 510 feet (156 meters) wide. The total area of the stadium covers six acres (24,000 square meters), and its highest tier reaches 157 feet (48 meters). It was built in under 10 years and was used for games and hunting for over four centuries.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, Rome 00184, Italy
Admission: €12
From $ 2
Columbus Monument
Some shorelines have lighthouses; Barcelona has the Columbus Monument. Standing 197 feet tall — the top 24 feet of which make up the statue of Columbus himself — the tower is quite hard to miss, especially given its prominent position at the end of Las Ramblas, and along the marina.The monument of Columbus (Colom in Catalan, or Colón in Spanish) was erected in 1888 for the Universal Exposition and in honor of the famous explorer, who returned here after his first expedition to the Americas. Much discussion is made of where he is pointing: some have thought he points to the New World, while others say he points east to his supposed home of Genoa — in reality, however, it seems he points southeast and therefore to nothing in particular but the sea, where he was probably most at home. On your visit here, admire the grand statue from below, or get a look at Columbus’s bird’s-eye view by taking the elevator up to the lookout platform.
Practical Info
The Columbus Monument is easily reachable from the tourist center, and also easily findable given its size and location (at the end of Las Ramblas). Note that the not-so-noticeable elevator only fits a few people at a time, as does the lookout, so those that don’t like tight spaces may wish to skip the visit to the viewing platform.
Address: Plaza Portal de la Pau, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
Hours: March-September: 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; October-February: 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Admission: General: €6; children, and those over 65: €4
From $ 7
Comana Nature Park
A natural oasis of lush wetlands, ancient forests and sprawling marshes, just 30 km from Bucharest, the Comana Nature Park offers a tranquil retreat from the city, with almost 25,000 hectares of land. Designated a national reserve in 2004, Comana is one of Romania’s most bio-diverse areas, home to around 141 bird species, including the endemic glossy ibis, and a startling array of flora, including wild pear trees and a rainbow of wild peonies that bloom in the spring and summer months.
Along with wildlife spotting, popular activities in the park include hiking, horse riding, biking and canoeing, while nearby attractions include the 16th-century Comana Monastery, built by the real-life ‘Dracula’ - Vlad the Impaler.
Practical Info
Comana Nature Park is located around 30 km south of Bucharest.
Address: Romania
From $ 103
Coll Baix Beach (Playa Coll Baix)
The island of Mallorca is known for its turquoise waters and scenic natural beauty, and Coll Baix Beach is no exception to this. What makes this secluded beach special, aside from its idyllic surroundings, is the fact that it is protected and often deserted. Because it is difficult to reach, crowds are nearly nonexistent and you may even have the beach to yourself.
Opening out into a wide sea inlet, the soft and sandy beach is surrounded by tall, rocky cliffs and Mediterranean forest. It is hard to imagine clearer or more vibrantly colored waters. The stunning beach is most popular with those who love the outdoors and don’t mind some hiking — as it is only accessible by boat or foot. Those who go will undoubtedly agree that the trek is worth it. Boat operators often lead tours from town. It’s quietest in the morning and evening.
Practical Info
Coll Baix is located on the northern coast of the island, about seven kilometers from Alcúdia old town. The best way to get there is with a car — you’ll drive the Cami del Mal Pas out of town. Once you reach the closest part by car, it’s about five rocky kilometers on foot before you reach the beach. Though its off-shore waters are relatively shallow, you’ll want to take care when swimming as there is no lifeguard on duty.
Address: Platja des Coll Baix, Balearic Islands 07400, Spain
Hours: Open 24 hours
From $ 250
Collserola Natural Park (Parc de Collserola)
Named for the Catalan coastal mountain range Serra de Collserola, the Parc de Collserola isn’t far from the city of Barcelona — yet it remains relatively unknown to most tourists. Covering nearly 20,000 acres of wild land and with thousands of plant and animal species, it’s the largest metropolitan park in the world.
Its forests are extremely biodiverse and rich with wildlife, and the park’s lands are protected for this reason. Squirrels, foxes, and wild boar are a few of the commonly spotted species. Popular activities inside the park include hiking, cycling, jogging, and birdwatching; natural paths and trails weave throughout.
From most any viewpoint the park’s largest mountain Tibidado can be seen (which can be also accessed by funicular from the city.) Mount Tibidado has some of the best panoramic views in all of Barcelona. There are restaurants, farmhouses, and even small churches located throughout, and grilling at a barbecue is a common weekend activity for locals. The park is a great place to get in touch with nature without going far from the city, and tours to the area run from the city center.
Practical Info
It takes about 20 minutes to get to Collserola from the center of Barcelona by car, but you can also hike or bike up to the entrance in about one hour. Or you access the park via public transportation using the Baixador de Vallvidrera train stop. There is a visitor information center that’s worth visiting to get your bearings. The park’s facilities are open daily from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Address: Ctra. de l'Esglesia 92, Barcelona41.442534, 2.101564, Spain
Hours: 9:30am-3pm
From $ 16
Colonne di San Lorenzo
Milan is known for its opera, fashion, and banking – not its ruins. And yet the city has Roman ruins – including the Colonne di San Lorenzo. These well-preserved ruins all date from the 2nd century, when they were part of a Roman building (experts aren't sure whether it was a bath house or a temple). They were likely moved to their current location in the 5th century.
The 16 columns line one side of a piazza in front of the fifth-century Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of Milan's oldest churches. They were brought to the piazza when the church was complete.
Practical Info
The Colonne di San Lorenzo are on Corso di Porta Ticinese, southwest of the Duomo in the historic city center.
Address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, Milan, Italy
From $ 39
Cologne Old Town (Altstadt)
Stretching along the west bank of the Rhine River and presided over by the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town (Altstadt) is both the navigational and historical heart of Cologne. With its colorful old buildings, beautiful Romanesque churches, and scenic riverside promenades, it’s an obvious starting point for any exploration of the city.
The Basics
No Cologne sightseeing tour is complete without a visit to Old Town landmarks like the Cologne Cathedral, the Town Hall, and the Hohenzollern Bridge. Join a walking tour and learn more about the city’s history from your tour guide; admire the views on a cruise along the Rhine River; or explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cologne’s main Visitor Information Center is located outside the cathedral in the Old Town.
- There are free Wi-Fi spots located around the Old Town.
- Most of the attractions in the Old Town are wheelchair accessible, but some of the narrow cobbled streets might be tricky to navigate.
How to Get There
Most of Cologne’s main attractions, hotels, and restaurants are located in or around the Old Town, so it’s impossible to miss the neighborhood. The main Köln Hauptbahnhof train station sits just north of the cathedral. From the cathedral, trams run to nearby sights such as the Rheinauhafen and the Chocolate Museum.
When to Get There
Whether you visit during the day as part of a city tour or after dark to drink or dine along the riverfront, Cologne’s historic center is lively at all hours. The busiest time to visit is during the peak summer months (July and August), when attractions like the cathedral can get busy; get an early start if you want to escape the crowds. Alternatively, Cologne is at its most atmospheric during the annual Carnival or over the winter holidays, when the Old Town hosts some of Germany’s best Christmas markets.
A walking tour of Cologne Old Town
Start your walking tour outside the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, then head to the riverfront to see the Hohenzollern Bridge and stroll along the waterfront. Stop to see Museum Ludwig and Great St. Martin’s Church, then head west to the Alter Market, where you can visit a traditional brauhaus (brew-pub) to sample a Kolsch beer. Continue to the Neumarkt, one of the main shopping centers, stopping along the way to see the Heinzelmännchen fountain and the Tünnes and Schäl statues, then visit the Farina Museum to learn more about Cologne’s perfume-making history.
Address: Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 27
Como-Brunate Funicular Railway (Funicolare Como-Brunate)
The historic single-track Como–Brunate Funicular Railway has been carrying passengers up and down the steep mountain slope between the lakeside city of Como and the village of Brunate since 1894. The 7-minute ride passes through a scenic stretch of countryside with sweeping views over Italy’s Lake Como as far as the Swiss Alps.
The Basics
Once powered by steam engine, the Como–Brunate Funicular Railway (Funicolare Como–Brunate) now runs with an electric motor and travels through a lengthy tunnel before emerging to panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding area, including Villa d'Este, Villa Erba, and Monte Rosa. If Brunate, perched 2,362 feet (720 meters) above Como, isn’t high enough for you, after exiting the cable car you can continue another 30 minutes along a rough mule track to San Maurizio and then take 140-plus steps to the top of the Volta lighthouse. Either buy a return ticket for the funicular back down to Como, or take one of the many hiking trails that wind their way down to the lakeshore. Scenic trips on the Como–Brunate Funicular Railway are included in many Como day trips from Milan and as part of small-group hikes from Como.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With views like these, you will definitely want to bring your camera.
- Kids love the dizzying, steep trip up and down the mountainside.
- If you are headed up the mountainside to hike, be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring plenty of water.
- The funicular is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Como–Brunate cable car entrance is located at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, about 10 minutes by bus from the railway station through the Como city center. From the bus terminal on Via Torno, it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the funicular. Lake Como (Lago di Como) is a popular day trip from Milan, the bustling capital of Lombardy.
When to Get There
The cable car runs all year, but the best time to visit the region is from late spring to early fall, when the countryside is lush and the high altitude offers a respite from the heat.
Como’s Main Sights
The city of Como sits on the shores of Lake Como and offers a number of interesting attractions. Those not to miss include Piazza Cavour; the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to scientist and inventor Alessandro Volta; and the neoclassical Villa Olmo.
Address: Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, 4, Como CO, Italy
From $ 69
Comporta Beach
Turquoise water, white sand, a long beach framed by mountains…a familiar scene. Yet this beauty of the Portuguese coast remains relatively undiscovered. As a result the beach is often quiet, uncrowded, peaceful and clean. The lands surrounding the area are covered in rice paddies — miles of green until the wide expanse of sand meets the shoreline. There are pine forests, vineyards, and villages nearby as well, with Comporta located in the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and wetlands.
In total there are more than twelve miles of sand dunes and white sand beaches. The area of Comporta Beach is certified as both accessible and “Blue Flag” for its commitment to upholding environmental standards. The clear turquoise waters often draw comparisons to the Caribbean. Conditions can be good for surfing and windsurfing as well — though you’ll likely have the beach to yourself.
Practical Info
Comporta Beach is located on the Troia Peninsula — an hour south of Lisbon, 12 miles west of the A2 highway. Shaded, free parking is available.
Address: Comporta, Portugal
From $ 81
Commerce Square (Praça do Com ercio)
Still known locally as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square) thanks to its being the former location of Lisbon’s Royal Palace until its destruction in the great earthquake of 1755, Praça do Comércio was completely rebuilt in the late 18th century and is today an elegant square hugging the banks of the River Tagus.
Thanks to the vision of Portuguese architect Eugénio dos Santos, this vast square was built in a sweeping ‘U’ shape and is full of ornate arches and overblown civic buildings. It is dominated by a massive equestrian statue of King Jose I, while sights around the square include Lisbon’s historic Café Martinho da Arcada, dating right back to 1782 and famous for its coffees, pastries and ports. Lisbon’s main tourist information office is on the north side of the arcaded square, which is largely lined with outdoor restaurants. Along the riverbanks great marble steps lead down to the Tagus and historically formed the main entry to the city.
The Praça do Comércio is close to other downtown Lisbon attractions, including the city’s main public piazza, Rossio Square, and its main shopping street, Rua Augusta, which is entered through a triumphal arch adorned with statues of Portuguese heroes including explorer Vasco da Gama.
Practical Info
Located in Baixa (downtown Lisbon), Commerce Square can be reached by taking the metro to Terreiro do Paço.
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 6
Cogges
Cogges was once a small village in the Cotswalds area of England but is now considered part of the town of Witney along the River Windrush. It consists of a group of stone cottages and farm buildings surrounding Cogges Manor Farm in a peaceful setting that makes you forget how close you are to a bustling town. Today the 15 acre farm is a museum where visitors can explore the house and grounds. There is a walled garden, a picnic orchard, a moated island, and walking trails along the river. Activities that entertain children include feeding the farm animals, exploring the adventure playground, and dressing up in vintage clothing.
Cogges is also one of the filming locations on the popular television show Downton Abbey. The Cogges Manor Farm becomes the Yew Tree Farm and home of Mr Drewe, the tenant farmer, on the show. The farm buildings and their interiors were also used as the setting for where Marigold, Lady Edith's illegitimate daughter, was brought up. While visiting Cogges, you can view photographs that show how the buildings were transformed during filming, plus other Downton Abbey memorabilia.
Practical Info
Cogges is located 12 miles from Oxford. Take the S1 or S2 bus from Oxford to Church Lane. Opening hours at Cogges Manor Farm are 10:30am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday and on bank holidays. Adult admission is 5.45 pounds.
Address: Cogges, South East England, United Kingdom, England
From $ 188
Collegio del Cambio
Collegio del Cambio - Perugia’s exchange guild - was built sometime between 1452 and 1457 and originally operated as a bank. Today, this stunning example of Roman architecture is a destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the best-preserved Renaissance frescoes in the nation.
Though only two rooms are open to the public at a cost of about five euros, visitors say what lied behind the massive wooden doors is definitely worth a visit. Stunning works from the artist Perugino, ornate wood carvings and a truly spectacular ceiling make this an attraction that is not to be missed while in Perugia.
Practical Info
Collegio del Cambio is located in Perugia’s Palazzo dei Priori at 25 Corso Vannucci. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Sundays and public holidays the museum is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Address: Corso Vannucci 25, Perugia 06121, Italy
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Sundays and public holidays the museum is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Admission: € 4,50
From $ 185
Cobh Cathedral
With its 328-foot (100-meter) spire and imposing facade, this large neo-Gothic cathedral—also known as St. Colman’s Cathedral—dominates the skyline of the harbor town of Cobh. The cathedral is famous for its 49-bell carillon, the only such instrument in Ireland and one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
The Basics
Many visitors to Cobh Cathedral are cruise ship passengers, who have disembarked at Cobh Cruise Liner Terminal. Many travelers combine a visit to the cathedral with other Cobh attractions, such as the Cobh Museum and the fort-topped Spike Island. Some shore excursions departing from Cobh, and full-day tours from Dublin and Killarney, also visit the cathedral. Visitors can explore the Cobh Cathedral independently, or join guided tours, which take place on Sunday afternoons.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cobh Cathedral is a must for amateur photographers, offering an excellent vantage point over Cork Harbour.
- Cobh Cathedral is still a functioning house of worship, so be respectfully quiet during your visit..
- The cathedral is wheelchair-accessible via a ramped entrance.
How to Get There
Cobh Cathedral is about a 10-minute walk from the cruise liner terminal and Cobh train station, which connects Cobh to Cork city. The walk is uphill so wear comfortable shoes.
When to Get There
Services take place on weekday mornings, Saturday evenings, and on Sundays in the morning and evenings. Avoid visiting during service times as you will not be able to wander freely around the cathedral interior. At 4:30pm on Sundays between May and September, carillon recitals are performed at the cathedral. The recitals are free and open to the public.
What Else to See in Cobh
Though Cobh Cathedral is the town’s biggest landmark, Cobh has a much bigger claim to fame: this unassuming little town was the last port of call for the RMS Titanic before it set off on its tragic journey across the Atlantic. Several attractions, including the Titanic Experience Cobh and Cobh Heritage Centre document Cobh’s Titanic connections. The Heritage Centre also explores the port’s role as a major departure point for Irish emigrants.
Address: 5 Cathedral Pl, Cobh, Cork, Ireland
From $ 58
Colonia Guell & Gaudi Crypt
Barcelona teems with modernist architecture, including several notable buildings by famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Fans of this architectural style can immerse themselves in it with a short trip south to Colonia Güell, a modernist industrial village commissioned by Eusebi Güell and home to a Gaudi-designed crypt.
The Basics
Colonia Güell, the largest modernist colony in Catalonia, no longer houses textile workers. Today, the red-brick complex attracts visitors who come to take a step back into its 19th-century atmosphere.
Travelers can choose between a basic entrance ticket (including Gaudi’s Crypt) or opt for a combo ticket with included round-trip transportation from Barcelona. Both include an audio guide in English. Visitors pressed for time can combine a visit to Colonia Güell with a tour of Montserrat in a single day trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Colonia Güell and Gaudi’s Crypt are a must-see for architecture buffs.
- Consider booking your tickets ahead of time to save time queuing up at the ticket office.
- Wi-Fi and restrooms are available in the Visitors’ Center.
- Colonia Güell and the crypt are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The colony is located about 20 minutes south of Barcelona. To get there by train, take line S4 from Plaça d’Espanya. After exiting the station, blue steps on the floor lead to the Visitors’ Center.
When to Get There
Colonia Güell is open daily throughout the year, with reduced hours during the winter season (January to April).
Colonia Güell and La Sagrada Familia
As the village for Güell’s textile workers was being designed, Antoni Gaudi was tasked with building the colony’s church. It broke ground in 1908. After only eight years, though, enthusiasm for the project fizzled with only the crypt completed. Many experts believe that Gaudi’s work on the crypt was a prototype for what would become his magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia.
Address: Calle Claudi Guell, 6, Santa Coloma de Cervello, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Column of Marcus Aurelius
Standing an impressive 100 feet high, the Column of Marcus Aurelius was built as a Roman victory monument and stands in what is now called the Piazza Colonna, situated in what would have been the northern boundary of Ancient Rome.
The original date of construction is unknown, but there are inscriptions of the column throughout the region that promote the idea that the construction was completed, at the very latest, by 193 AD. Most scholars believe that the construction of the column may have started directly after the Roman victories over a number of their northern rivals.
Parallel to this idea are the intricate carvings on the column that work in a spiral fashion and tlel the stories of victories, war and conquest. The details show images of men, horses, women and the destruction of certain villages. By the 15th century, the statue of Marcus Aurelius atop the column had already deteriorated. Thus, in 1589, a restoration was done by Domenico Fontana, placing nearly 10 feet of it underground. The remodeling also meant that a bronze statue of St Paul was placed where Marcus Aurelius once stood.
Practical Info
The Column of Marcus Aurelius is in the Piazza Colonna on the northern end of Ancient Rome along Via del Corso. The plaza isn't directly served by the metro, but the Barberini stop is nearby. There are also a number of buses that serve the area, such as the N6, N25, 81 and 117.
Address: Piazza Colonna, Rome, Italy
From $ 35
Concertgebouw
Whether you’re hoping to hear some of the finest renditions of classical music in Amsterdam or simply marvel at a modern architectural wonder, the city’s famous Concertgebouw is sure to satisfy all your senses.
Designed by architect Adolf Leonard van Gendt, the 19th-century building, located right in front of the Rijksmuseum, was inspired by the famous 18th-century Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig. Fashioned mostly in a Dutch Neo-Renaissance style, the impressive building includes a classic monumental facade and a gilded lyre atop its roof. Today, the concert hall is the home of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and is renowned for both its outstanding acoustics and propensity for diversity – Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd all performed there in the ‘60s, and Jazz and World musicians continue to take the stage, as well as Classical orchestras.
To fully experience the Concertgebouw’s spectacular interiors and acoustic prowess, attend one of the 445 annual concerts held in the main hall, or better still, couple your evening entertainment with a Theatre Tour where you can learn more about the intricate architecture before soaking up the atmosphere of a live performance. Those on a budget can get a taster of events to come by attending the free 30-minute rehearsal slots held at midday, each Wednesday between September and June.
Designed by architect Adolf Leonard van Gendt, the 19th-century building, located right in front of the Rijksmuseum, was inspired by the famous 18th-century Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig. Fashioned mostly in a Dutch Neo-Renaissance style, the impressive building includes a classic monumental facade and a gilded lyre atop its roof. Today, the concert hall is the home of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and is renowned for both its outstanding acoustics and propensity for diversity – Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd all performed there in the ‘60s, and Jazz and World musicians continue to take the stage, as well as Classical orchestras.
To fully experience the Concertgebouw’s spectacular interiors and acoustic prowess, attend one of the 445 annual concerts held in the main hall, or better still, couple your evening entertainment with a Theatre Tour where you can learn more about the intricate architecture before soaking up the atmosphere of a live performance. Those on a budget can get a taster of events to come by attending the free 30-minute rehearsal slots held at midday, each Wednesday between September and June.
Address: Concertgebouwplein 2-6, Amsterdam 1071 LN, Netherlands
From $ 12
Collserola Tower (Torre de Collserola)
Rising high from the top of the tallest mountain in Barcelona, the Collserola Tower’s unique design has made its mark on the city’s skyline. Built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, at 288 meters high (946 feet) it is used as a radio and TV transmitter that broadcasts throughout Catalonia. Outside of its functional use, it has an observation deck with some of the best views of the surrounding city, mountains, and sea. From its windows you have 360 degree views from the highest vantage point in all of Barcelona.
The tower appears futuristic, almost like a needle pointing toward the sky. It takes two and half minutes to reach the observation deck, but you’ll be rewarded with views that can reach as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day. The experience is almost like seeing Barcelona from the sky. (Helicopter tours are really the only way to get a better view.)
Practical Info
The tower is located in the Tibidado mountain part of Barcelona, which is accessible via the funicular. To get to the observation deck, take the lift to the 10th floor which is open to the public on weekends. Admission is €6 for adults and €4 for children.
Address: Ctra. de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Weekends from 12–1:45PM, 3:30–7:45PM
Admission: €6 for adults, €4 for children
From $ 185
Cobh Heritage Centre
The port town of Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown, was the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants who left the country between 1848 and 1960. Housed in the town’s Victorian train station, the center chronicles the often-heartbreaking journeys of Irish emigrants during the Great Famine and beyond.
The Basics
The Cobh Heritage Centre houses the Queenstown Story, an exhibition covering the maritime and naval history of the area. The exhibition also tells the story of the many millions of emigrants who left Ireland, some in search of new lives in America, and others—typically convicts—banished to far-away British colonies, such as Australia. Visitors in Cobh can prepurchase skip-the-line tickets and explore the exhibition with the aid of an audio guide.
The Cobh Heritage Centre is often visited as part of organized day trips from Dublin, during which participants travel by train and explore both Cork and Cobh. Some shore excursions from Cobh include a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre too.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cobh Heritage Centre is a must for history buffs and anyone with an interest in Irish emigration.
- The center houses a café that sells hot and cold drinks, hot meals, sandwiches, and more.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the center.
- The center is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Cobh Heritage Centre is situated adjacent to Cobh railway station in Cobh, County Cork. Visitors coming from Cork City can ride the train from Kent Station to Cobh. Most large cruise ships dock at the port in Cobh. Cruise passengers disembark directly onto the wharf, which is just a few steps from the center.
When to Get There
Cobh Heritage Centre sees its highest number of visitors in the summer season. The center is particularly busy when cruise ships are in port, the majority of which arrive between April and October. To save yourself waiting around, prebook a skip-the-line ticket.
Cobh’s Titanic and Lusitania Connections
Cobh is also known for its connections to two ill-fated ocean liners: the RMS Titanic and the RMS Lusitania. Cobh was the final port of call for the Titanic before it set sail across the Atlantic. The town was also involved in rescue efforts relating to the Lusitania, a British cruise liner that sank off the southern coast of Ireland in 1915 after being torpedoed by a German submarine. Both of these events are explored at the Cobh Heritage Centre.
Address: Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland, Ireland
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Comana Monastery
Founded in 1471 by Vlad the Impaler (the real-life ‘Count Dracula’ who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional character of the same name), the Comana Monastery has long been an intriguing site for fans. Legend has it that the headless body of Vlad the Impaler was even found during excavations of the site.
The monastery was originally located on an island in the middle of a swamp and accessible only by a wooden bridge. Rebuilt in the 16th century by Romanian ruler Radu Serban and restored by Serban Cantacuzino at the turn of the 18th century, it remains a striking sight and makes a popular diversion for those visiting the nearby Comana Nature Park.
Practical Info
Comana Monastery is located close to the Comana Natural Park, about 30km south of Bucharest.
Address: Romania
From $ 103
Collegiate Church of San Gimignano
Taking prize place beside the Town Hall on Piazza Duomo, the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, or the Duomo of San Gimignano, ranks among most impressive monuments of San Gimignano’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
Behind its comparatively reserved façade, the church’s main claim to fame is its exquisite frescos, which date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and remain remarkably unrestored. The bold colors and painstaking detail bring to life iconic biblical scenes including Cain and Abel, Noah’s Ark, the Garden of Eden and dramatic depictions of Heaven and Hell, with highlights including works by Bartolo di Fredi, Lippo Memmi, Benozzo Gozzoli and Taddeo di Bartolo.
Adjoining the church, the small Museum of Sacred Art includes more works taken from the Collegiata and other San Gimignano churches, including a Crucifix by Benedetto di Maiano and the ‘Madonna of the Rose’ by Bartolo di Fredi.
Insider’s Tip: Don’t forget to take a peek at the chapel of Santa Fina, a Renaissance masterpiece by architect Giuliano da Maiano, sculptor Benedetto da Maiano and painter Domenico Ghirlandaio.
Practical Info
The Collegiate Church of San Gimignano is located in Piazza Duomo in the historic center of San Gimignano. Opening times are: Nov-March Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 12.30-5pm; April Oct Mon-Fri 10am-7.30pm, Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 12.30-7.30pm. Adult admission is €4, while combined admission to the church and the adjoining Museum of Sacred Art is €6.
Address: Piazza Duomo, 2, San Gimignano, Italy
Hours: Nov-March Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12.30-5pm; April-Oct Mon-Fri 10am-7.30pm, Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 12.30-7.30pm
Admission: Adult €4, Child €2
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