Things to Do in Europe

Built by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834 and now owned by Qatar Holdings, Harrods is London’s largest and most iconic department store. With 330 different departments spread over seven floors, it’s a top choice for shoppers, selling everything from luxury souvenirs and gourmet British foods to renowned designer brands and stylish homewares. 

A popular tourist attraction, Harrods often gets included as part of London sightseeing tours. For more time to explore, opt to visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or book a VIP experience with an independent shopping tour and your own private driver. While you’re there, take a ride on the opulent Egyptian Escalator, pay a visit to the Princess Diana memorial, or indulge in a decadent afternoon tea at The Georgian.

Harrods is located on Brompton Road in the upmarket Knightsbridge neighborhood of West London, a short walk from the designer shops of Sloane Street. To get there by tube, take the Piccadilly line to Knightsbridge station.

Harrods is open daily all year round. Weekday mornings tend to be quietest, and while it can get busy during weekends and school holidays, that’s when to go to enjoy in-store events, pop-up shops, and celebrity appearances. During the festive season, the store hosts a spectacular Santa's Grotto and some of London’s most impressive window displays. 

The sprawling department store lives up to its motto: “Omnia Omnibus Ubique—All Things For All People, Everywhere.” In addition to clothing, jewelry, accessories, and cosmetics by designers such as Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Estée Lauder, Harrods also has a specialized range of tea, luxury accessories, cosmetics, furniture, books, and its own line of souvenirs.

The composer Joseph Haydn (1732­-1809) spent the last decade or so of his life in Gumpendorf, just outside of Vienna, composing the majority of his late work – including ‘The Seasons’. Upon the 200th anniversary of his death, his house was restored and is now a museum. The Haydnhaus museum focuses on the last years of the composer’s life, and the permanent exhibitions represent the political and social atmosphere of Austria in the early 19th century when Haydn lived there. The main focus of the exhibit revolves around Haydn’s music, his life, and the end of his years. He was an internationally renowned composer who was celebrated by his colleagues – indeed, he was the most famous composer in all of Europe when he died. Part of the exhibit includes the records and memoirs of the international visitors who came to pay Haydn their respects in his final years. The house’s ground floor displays portraits of Haydn’s guests from those days, and the rooms are divided up as they were in Haydn’s time. The highlight of the Haydnhaus is the small garden, which is modeled after the symmetrical bourgeois gardens of the time.

Built under Hadrian's rule in the second century, Hardknott Roman Fort (initially named Mediobogdum by the Romans) is a must-do for history buffs who find themselves in the English Lake District. More than just a simple amass of old stones, the archaeological remains are 374 feet (114 meters) long and well-marked, allowing visitors to clearly identify the ancient headquarters building, the commandant’s house and the bath house. The parade ground site still lies beside the fort and is now considered to be the finest surviving example in the Western Empire.

Thanks to its remote location high in the mountains of the Lake District, Hardknott Roman Fort boasts breathtaking panoramas of the national park. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to the Isle of Man and the Irish Sea. What used to be one of the loneliest outposts in the Roman Empire overlooks the River Esk in both upper and lower Eskdale. It was initially built to protect the busy and strategic Hardknott Pass, which was the main link between the coastal fort at Ravenglass and the Roman garrisons at Ambleside and Kendal.

Just north of popular Épernay, Hautvillers at first may seem like just another village in the countryside. But for true fans of Champagne, it has become a pilgrim's destination. That's because it is the birthplace of Champagne! The town's Saint-Pierre Abbey is where Dom Pérignon first made the bubbly elixir, and today he is buried in the abbey, now owned by Moët & Chandon. 

 

But there's more to Hautvillers than simply this historical fact. A stroll through the streets reveals the whimsical iron signs that grace every public or commercial building and what lies within. And there are wine tastings at Au 36, charming dining options and lots of activities nearby. Hautvillers' motto is “Entre Vignes et Forêts,” meaning between the vineyards and the forest–the perfect place to discover the magic of this verdant region.

With its gabled roof, oak beams and elaborately carved façade, the Harvard House is undeniably attractive, and it’s long been touted as one of Stratford-upon-Avon's most beautiful buildings. The Elizabethan-era town house was built in 1596 by local businessman Thomas Rogers and is now a Grade I listed property, remarkably preserved and decorated in period style. 

The Harvard House takes its name from Rogers’ grandson, John Harvard, who went on to found America’s famous Harvard University. Although he never lived in the property, the house is none-the-less an intriguing link between Harvard’s family and William Shakespeare, who lived just down the street. 

Today, the house is preserved as a museum and offers a fascinating glimpse into Elizabethan life. Visitors can explore the three floors, where exhibitions chronicle the property’s history and life in Elizabethan and Tudor times, including fun hands-on activities for children.

Built in the late 1880s and expanded several times between 1900 and 1922, the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices were where the plans for the RMS Titanic and numerous other White Star Line ships were drawn up. Though the offices are now occupied by the Titanic Hotel, key heritage rooms have been preserved. 

Many Titanic Quarter walking tours and Northern Ireland day tours from Dublin pass by the old Harland & Wolff Drawing Office, as do cruises on the River Lagan. Guests of the Titanic Hotel can explore the various heritage rooms (providing they are not in use), and read the information plaques situated throughout. 

Alternatively, buy tickets for the Discovery Tour at Titanic Belfast, which includes a walk through the offices with a guide. Among the preserved heritage rooms are the office of Thomas Andrews, the former managing director, and the office of Lord Pirrie, chairman of Harland & Wolff. Visitors can also pop-in for lunch or afternoon tea in the Drawing Office Two.

Find the Titanic Hotel Belfast in the Titanic Quarter, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the city center. Walking from the city center takes just 25–30 minutes. Alternatively, Translink Metro bus routes 26 and 26B travel between Belfast City Centre and the hotel, as does the Airport Express 600B. 

When to Get There 

Titanic Belfast Discovery Tours are held on select dates and are more likely to fill up during the busy summer months. Book in advance to ensure a spot on a tour. Be aware that the heritage rooms of the hotel are often rented for events, and may not all be available to view. 

After learning about the history of the Harland & Wolff Drawing Office, visitors can continue on the trail of the Titanic in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Visitors can also step down onto the floor of Titanic’s Dock, where work on the ship was completed, as well as touring the comprehensive and interactive exhibitions of the Titanic Belfast experience. The Titanic Hotel is just steps away from the SS Nomadic, the tender ship to Titanic, which carried first- and second-class ticket holders from Cherbourg, France.

As Europe’s largest airport, London Heathrow (LHR) serves more than 70 million air travel passengers annually. It’s the UK’s busiest airport, serving as the gateway to London for most of the world and offering currency exchange facilities, accommodation, luggage storage, and VIP lounges.

There are many airport transfer services in and out of Heathrow, whether you’re headed into London or elsewhere in the UK. Direct transfers, both private and shared, are available to Southampton Port, Oxford, Bristol, Cambridge, or straight to your London hotel. Options depend on your available time and preferred level privacy. Book transfers in advance to ensure on-time pickup.

Heathrow Airport is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of central London and is connected by public transport, taxi, and private transfer to the city. Public transport to the terminals runs from 5am and 11:45pm. The Heathrow Express (20 minutes) and Heathrow Connect (30 minutes) trains depart from and arrive to London Paddington. Other options include the London Underground (Piccadilly Line, about 50 minutes from central London) and the night bus (about 90 minutes from Trafalgar Square). Private drivers and direct London airport transfers are the best bet for anyone wanting to avoid public transit.

As Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, you’ll want to ensure enough time ahead of your scheduled departure. It’s a good idea to arrive at least three hours in advance for an international departure.

Delays are unfortunately common at such a massive airport, but booking an airport transfer reduces some of the worry you’d otherwise have about a late arrival. When you book online and share your flight information, drivers typically track your flight. They also reduce travel stress by helping with luggage and offering the potential for hotel pickup or drop-off. 

Since the 1980s young travelers have been collecting iconic Hard Rock Café t-shirts from far reaches of the globe. In April of 2003, another opportunity to secure serious Hard Rock swag opened in historic Cologne. Tucked into the landscape of one of the oldest cities in Germany—near the Gothic spires of St Peter and Mary’s cathedral—this American staple serves up traditional comfort food and some pretty incredible live music, too.

Travelers can pop in for one of the Hard Rock Café’s famous live performances, or tuck into a juicy burger with an ice cold beer while taking in a truly spectacular collection of music memorabilia. From Eric Clapton’s hallow body electric guitar to Sting’s autographed Fender and Bob Dylan’s black leather Harley vest, Hard Rock Café Cologne showcases some of the best of American food and international music, too. 

Devoted to the life and times of one of London’s most legendary composers, the Handel House Museum is a must for fans of classical music. Housed in the grand Georgian town house where George Frideric Handel lived from 1723 to 1759, the museum has been restored in period style, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of the great Baroque composer.

Visitors can learn about Handel’s rise to prominence, from his early life in Germany to composing for the British Royal family; admire an eclectic collection of instruments, Handel portraits, manuscripts, and personal effects; and discover the origins of masterpieces such as 'Messiah', 'Zadok the Priest', and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', all composed at the house.

The museum also serves as a live music venue, regularly hosting concerts, lectures and other music-themed activities.

The town of Haro is the wine capital of La Rioja region, known for its local red wine production and many bodegas. Its annual Haro Wine Festival draws in visitors from all over the world, and the climate, soil and infrastructures built by the French — who came to La Rioja to grow wine in the 19th century after pests attacked their own vineyards — all contribute to the prime conditions for growing grapes here. With clay soils sheltered by the Cantabrian mountain range, the vineyards here grow some of the best wine in Spain.

Wine is the cultural and economic center of life in Haro. There is even a Museo del Vino (wine museum) in town, with tasting courses available, and each year Haro hosts a citywide “wine battle” where two sides pour thousands of liters of wine on one another. Haro also has an artistic heritage with homes and taverns in the Casco Vierno (Old Quarter), as well as the historic Santo Tomás church.

The Hauptmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany is the city's main square, and it is located near the Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady. Crowds gather here at noon to witness the clock's figures performing Männleinlaufen, or Little Men Dancing, up in the clock tower. One of the main features of the square is the Schönen Brunnen fountain with intricately detailed sculptures carved onto the sides. The church and the fountain were built in the 14th century and are important pieces of the square, although the fountain you see today is a replica. The original is held in the German National Museum for safekeeping.

This is the city's main outdoor market where you can find fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, bread, flowers, crafts, and other local goods. Several cafes and restaurants are located on and near the square, and several pedestrian streets lined with stores connect with the square, making this a nice area to go shopping. In December you'll find Christmas markets set up in this square.

Less than a half hour from Vienna is the Heiligenkreuz Abbey, the second-oldest Cistercian monastery in the world and the oldest continuously active and inhabited one. It was founded in 1133 by St. Leopold III and is located in the peaceful Vienna woods in Lower Austria. The Cistercian monks here gather several times a day to praise God by singing a Gregorian chant without accompaniment as a way to strengthen their sense of community. Visitors to the monastery are welcome to listen and watch this medieval ritual. 

Due to its continuous use, Heiligenkreuz Abbey has been well preserved. Visitors can still see the Romanesque nave and facade, the Gothic cloister, and the neo-Gothic high altar. There are also several Baroque paintings. Visitors can also see the tombs of four ruling dukes of the Babenbergs in the late Romanesque chapter room. In the courtyard, there is the Trinity column and the Josefbrunnen fountain. Several hiking trails lead to the monastery and through the surrounding forest.

Set on the waterfront, the striking Harpa Concert Hall, home to both the Icelandic Opera and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, is one of Reykjavik’s most prominent landmarks. Designed by world-renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson and Danish firm, Henning Larsen Architects, the building’s glass facade features honeycombed panels that change colors as they reflect the sky and the ocean.

Opened in 2011, Harpa Concert Hall is the hub of the Reykjavik cultural scene. There’s something going on here nearly every night of the week, from the city’s most prestigious music and theater events to lower-key, free concerts. Even if you are not seeing a show, it is well worth visiting to admire the shimmering interiors, filled with public artworks, and the views over Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building also houses a couple of restaurants and several shops selling Nordic music, books, design items, and gifts.

Guided tours of the concert hall shed light on the award-winning architecture and typically take visitors behind the scenes to areas of the building, including the main stage, usually only accessible to performers. You can also enjoy Harpa Concert Hall’s beautiful exterior as a stop on a variety of Reykjavik walking tours and Segway excursions. You can even view the hall from the water during a whale-watching cruise or from the sky in a helicopter.

Harpa Concert Hall is in the center of Reykjavík, by the Old Harbour, no more than a 15-minute walk from downtown hotels via the pedestrian crossing over Tryggvagata. If you are driving, you can access Harpa via Saebraut and park in the concert hall’s own (paid) covered parking lot. Harpa Concert Hall bus stop is served by public bus number 3.

Harpa Concert Hall is open every day from early morning through late night. After dark provides the best views of the exterior as the facade’s shifting color patterns light up the night sky. One of the best times to catch a concert is during the annual Iceland Airwaves music festival, one of the world’s premium musical showcases. Airwaves concerts occur around the city, but the biggest names tend to play Harpa.

A Reykjavik landmark, Harpa Concert Hall is as famed for its striking architecture and glistening interiors as it is as the setting for the most important cultural dates on the calendar. Book a ticket to hear classical music or touring pop stars, to watch stand-up comedy or a play, or to join a guided tour to look behind the scenes and uncover Harpa’s secrets.

A visit to the old brewery at the Heineken Experience is a must-see for beer lovers in Amsterdam. During the 90-minute self-guided tour, you'll learn the history of the Heineken beer family, find out how the brand's logo has evolved over time, learn about the complete brewing process from beginnings to bottles—and, of course, taste the goods for yourself.

The Heineken Experience tour takes place inside the former Heineken brewery. Wander past vintage brewing equipment and tall malt silos, and participate in interactive exhibits. Along the way you'll have a chance to watch international Heineken commercials and observe the life cycle of the signature green bottle. You'll finish the brewery tour like a VIP with free beers in the tasting room.

The Heineken tour is one of the most popular activities in Amsterdam, so it's best to book admission in advance. The experience can be paired with a canal cruise to take in more of the city.

The Heineken Experience is located on Stadhouderskade, and is easily accessible by public transport. From Amsterdam's Centraal station, catch line 24 and get out at tram stop Stadhouderskade. From Leidseplein, take line 7 in direction Flevopark, or line 10 in direction Azartplein, and exit at tram stop Weteringcircuit. Nearby popular attractions include the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

The Heineken Experience is open daily from 10:30am to 7:30pm, with extended evening hours on weekends in July and August (until 9pm). Last entry is typically two hours before closing. The best time to visit is before 11am; after that, it can get crowded.

You're sure to have worked up an appetite after sipping beers at the Heineken Experience, so continue satisfying your stomach by exploring Amsterdam's culinary offerings. Consider booking a food-themed tour that combines two of Amsterdam's top attractions—a pizza cruise along the canals plus a beer tour—or head off on an afternoon food walking tour of the Dutch capital after visiting the Heineken Experience in the morning. Another option is to visit a local host's home for dinner, where you'll really get a taste of Dutch culture.

In the 1980s travelers flocked to these popular rock and roll-themed cafes to collect iconic Hard Rock t-shirts from locations around the globe. And while that trend may have passed, the upscale bar, scenic outdoor terrace and huge live entertainment space still at Hard Rock Café Vienna still attract plenty of visitors to this historic city.

Travelers can saddle up to the bold art deco bar and sip on signature cocktails before settling in to one of the space’s cozy tables for a meal that blends typical Hard Rock fare with more traditional, hand-crafted local food that’s always made from scratch. The restaurant’s walls are decorated with an impressive array of musical memorabilia, which includes international superstars as well as local legends like Christina Sturmer and Parov Stelar, which means this place stays true to the Hard Rock vibe.

Located a few blocks north of Römerberg square, Hauptwache is one of Frankfurt’s most famous public squares, leading onto the city’s principal shopping street, the Zeil. The square takes its name from the restored 1729 baroque building of the same name, the former headquarters of the city's Stadtwehr Militia that now serves as a lively café and dominates the center of the square, overlooking the Zeil.

A medley of architectural styles mark the Hauptwache, including the 17th-century baroque-style St Katharina Church, with its 54-meter tall clock tower; the futuristic mirrored façade of the My Zeil shopping mall and the neighboring glass-fronted Zeilgalerie; and the towering Commerzbank, Germany’s tallest skyscraper. Beside the Hauptwache café, a sunken terrace area, nicknamed ‘the Hole’ by locals, leads to an underground passageway of shops and eateries, linking the square to the Kaufhof department store.

Climbed for the first time by two naturalists in 1750, Hekla had been the topic of many speculations ever since the year 874; but what Europeans believed was one of the two gateways to hell turned out to be Iceland’s most active volcano. Hiking Hekla is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, thanks to magnificent views of the Fjallbak Mountains and Vatnajökull glacier.

Hekla has the shape of an overturned boat. Its tip is covered in craters and its flanks are blanketed by thick layers of lava flow and ash from previous eruptions. In fact, Hekla has produced one of the largest volumes of lava in the world over the last millennium, at around 8 cubic kilometers. Hekla is 1491-meters high and is the most active part of a much larger volcanic drift. Because of its age, size and frequent eruptions, Hekla has covered a rather large portion of Iceland in powdered dust which, nowadays, is used to date eruptions of other volcanoes.

Venice may look like it hasn't changed in hundreds of years, but wander behind St. Mark's Square and you'll find evidence to the contrary – the Hard Rock Cafe Venice.

This is the smallest Hard Rock Cafe in Europe,  and it's located inside an historic Venetian building. One side of the restaurant overlooks a canal and what is typically a large gathering of gondolas – it's near one of the main pick-up points for visitors who want a gondola ride.

It's the place to go in Venice if you're craving classic American food and the only place to get those signature Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs. There's also a “Rock Shop” at the Rialto Bridge, if you just want to go shopping without eating at the restaurant.

With the majestic Harburg Castle looming on a hilltop above the scenic River Wörnitz and a cluster of half-timbered buildings that appear plucked from medieval times, the sleepy town of Harburg entices many Romantic Road travelers to pull over. It’s impossible to miss the castle from the roadside, and with its backdrop of forested hillsides and fairytale turrets reflected in the waters below, it’s a magnificent photo opportunity.

Exploring the 11th-century castle is the main highlight of a visit and it’s possible to tour the castle house, chapel, ballroom and dungeons, as well as taking in the views from the guard towers. After visiting the castle, cross the old stone bridge into the small town of Harburg and wander around the maze of medieval lanes, stopping to admire the grand Town Hall on Rathausplatz, where the town’s annual Christmas market is held, or escape into the surrounding countryside, where there’s a network of hiking and biking trails.