Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Hverir
With its gurgling mud pools, hissing steam vents and plumes of volcanic rock, it’s easy to see why the Hverir geothermal area was chosen as one of the filming locations for HBO fantasy drama Game of Thrones. Used onscreen to portray the otherworldly landscapes ‘North of the Wall’, the fantastical landscapes are just as mesmerizing in real life – the pockmarked terrain bubbling with silver-grey mud and steaming fumaroles, and the stench of sulfur omnipresent.
Located just below the Krafla caldera and a short ride from Mývatn Lake, Hverir makes a popular stop on North Iceland’s Diamond Circle driving route, but with ground temperatures reaching heights of 400ºF, this isn’t a region for exploring off-the-beaten-track. Thankfully, a network of roped walkways and viewing platforms make it easy to take in the highlights, set against a backdrop of the looming Namafjall Mountain.
Practical Info
Hverir is located in the Mývatn region of North Iceland and can be reached by car, via a signposted gravel track off the main road to Krafla. The high temperatures of Hverir geothermal area make it far too hot for bathing or walking on, so be sure to stick to the marked paths and heed the warning signs.
Address: Iceland
From $ 230
Hveragerdi
One of the final stops on South Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route and just 45 km from Reykjavik, the green-living town of Hveragerdi harbors a wealth of geothermic wonders. Located on an active volcanic zone, the steaming landscape of Hveragerdi sprawls along a 5,000 year-old lava field and its geothermal park is one of the country’s main centers of natural energy. A unique community powered by the earth, the Hveragerdi Geothermal Park heats a series of greenhouses that grow everything from flowers to vegetables, and even bananas.
The celebrated Hveragerdi hot springs are one of the principal draws for visitors to the town, ranging from hissing steam vents and gurgling puddles of mud, to pools so hot that locals use the water to boil eggs and bake bread in a ground oven. Along with bathing in the naturally heated Laugaskarð swimming pool and enjoying an organic clay foot bath, the area around Hveragerdi also offers prime terrain for hiking, surrounded by lush forests running along the banks of the Varmá river. As of 2008, the region is also home to a new hot spring and its creation is the subject of the town’s fascinating Quake 2008 exhibition.
The celebrated Hveragerdi hot springs are one of the principal draws for visitors to the town, ranging from hissing steam vents and gurgling puddles of mud, to pools so hot that locals use the water to boil eggs and bake bread in a ground oven. Along with bathing in the naturally heated Laugaskarð swimming pool and enjoying an organic clay foot bath, the area around Hveragerdi also offers prime terrain for hiking, surrounded by lush forests running along the banks of the Varmá river. As of 2008, the region is also home to a new hot spring and its creation is the subject of the town’s fascinating Quake 2008 exhibition.
Address: Reykjavik, Iceland
From $ 47
Hungerburgbahn
The state-of-the-art funicular railway connecting Innsbruck with its hilly suburb of Hungerburg was opened in 2007. This futuristic cable railway is the work of British Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, who was also responsible for the Ski Jump Stadium at Bergisel, and it provides the first link in the journey from the Congress Centre right up to the slopes of Hafelekar, which are as high as 7,545 feet (2,300 meters), in under half an hour.
The glittering Hungerburgbahn terminus at Congress strongly resembles the spaceship in Star Trek. On exiting the station, the funicular train crosses the River Inn before ascending 1.15 miles (1,838 meters) into the alpine foothills on the Hungerburg plateau. There are two stations on the line, including a stop at the Alpenzoo Innsbruck, Europe’s highest zoo.
From Hungerburg skiers, boarders and hikers can catch the Nordkettenbahnen cable car up to Seegrube, with panoramic views of the peaks in the Inn valley and Zillertal Alps from the gondolas. The Alpenlounge Seegrube at the cable car station has a terrace on which to enjoy the scenery along with a cocktail for two. A second cable car then journeys on up to Hafelekar in the Alpenpark Karwendel.
Practical Information
The Hungerburgbahn runs daily, with services every 15 minutes between 7am-7:30pm (Saturday services start at 8am). Other public transport tickets are not accepted on the system.
The last cable car down the mountain from Hafelekar departs at 7:30pm. The Alpenlounge Seegrube offers a Friday evening ‘Ride & Dine’ package between 6pm-11:30pm; book ahead for a thrilling cable car ride up to Seegrube and diner with an Alpine view.
Address: Höhenstraße 145, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
Hours: Open daily from 7am-7:30pm, until 8pm on Saturdays. Later trips can be arranged as well.
Admission: Varies depending on trip; Ranges from €3,30 (USD$4.30) to €6,80 (USD$9)
From $ 11
Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Built in neo-Renaissance style, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences is the work of Prussian architect Friedrich August Stüler and was completed in 1865, although the society was originally founded back in 1825 at the instigation of the Hungarian politician Count István Széchenyi. Its underlying purpose was to promote the Hungarian language alongside the sciences and arts, and the academy is found in a leafy square named after Széchenyi, who also donated the equivalent of a year’s income towards its building. It overlooks the River Danube and is close to the iconic Chain Bridge and there are panoramic views leading up to Buda’s Castle District. The Secessionist dream that is the Gresham Palace – which is now a grand hotel – is also located in Széchenyi István tér.
Statues adorning the three-tier façade of the Hungarian Academy represent the main branches of science and the opulent interior has suites of ornate rooms with frescoes by Károly Lotz; the academy also boasts Hungary’s most comprehensive scientific library. The third-floor art collection displays portraits and drawings from the collection of Count Széchenyi, but otherwise the building is not often open to the public.
Practical Info
Széchenyi István tér 9. Art collection open Mon & Fri 11am–4pm. Tram 2 to Széchenyi István tér.
Address: Széchenyi István tér 9, Budapest 1051, Hungary
From $ 25
Hungarian National Museum
Founded in 1802, the Hungarian National Museum is the oldest public museum in Hungary and is home to the most important collection of historical artifacts in the country. It is also became an important symbol of Hungary’s national identity when the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 was launched after a reading on the museum’s front steps. For a time, the upper house of the Hungarian Parliament also met in the building.
The neo-Classical building housing the museum was built between 1837 and 1847 and today features seven permanent displays. Two sections provide an overview of Hungary’s history, while another focuses on modern history beginning with the Rakocizi War of Independence in the early 1700s. Yet another chronicles the rise and fall of Communism in Hungary. On the ground floor of the museum, you can find a collection of medieval and early modern stone carvings, while in the basement, ancient Roman stone inscriptions and carvings are on display. The first floor display of a medieval Hungarian Coronation mantle should not be missed.
Practical Info
The Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Museum in Hungarian) is located on the Pest side of Budapest. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission for adults is 1600 HUF. To get there, take streetcar 47 or 49, or take the Metro line M3 to Kalvin ter.
Address: Múzeum körút 14-16, Budapest 1088, Hungary
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults 1600 HUF
From $ 17
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Few landmarks epitomize central London as perfectly as Big Ben, the iconic clock tower that stands at the east end of the Houses of Parliament. Heralding the location of Great Britain's political nucleus in Westminster, Big Benâor the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in honor of the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubileeâstands proud as a symbol of London and the striking centerpiece of the Thames waterfront. The Palace of Westminster, the home of the Houses of Parliament, is another historic monument, as behind the grand Gothic facade, politicians have dictated local laws since 1215, when King John's Magna Carta signified the birth of parliament in the United Kingdom.
The Basics
The Basics
The most exciting ways to see the great clock face are from a capsule on the nearby London Eye Ferris wheel or on a Thames River cruise, both of which offer magnificent views of the 315-foot (96-meter) clock tower and the Neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster while allowing you to avoid the crowds that gather at Big Ben's base. The landmarks can be experienced at their most atmospheric on a night tour of London, when Big Ben is dramatically illuminated.
Travelers wanting to learn about British politics, with its complex system of monarchs, lords, and elected members of parliament, can arrange an official tour of the Houses of Parliament or even watch a debate from the public galleries. Big Ben, however, is only accessible to UK residents, who must request permission from their local member of parliament to visit. For everyone else, the clock tower is best admired from afar on a city tour that includes stops at other London attractions, such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Big Ben
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are located on the north bank of the Thames River, easily accessible from the Westminster underground tube station, which is serviced by the Jubilee, Circle, and District lines. Alternatively, hop off at Waterloo station to wander along the vibrant South Bank past the London Eye, then walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben.
- Big Ben is visited on most half- and full-day tours of London, whether a walking, biking, or bus tour.
- Take 10 minutes to admire the statues of Parliament Square, all of which depict famous political figures.
- Guided tours of the Houses of Parliament run most Saturdays, and the public galleries are open when parliament is in sessionâtime your visit wisely to watch opposing political parties in fierce debate.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are located on the north bank of the Thames River, easily accessible from the Westminster underground tube station, which is serviced by the Jubilee, Circle, and District lines. Alternatively, hop off at Waterloo station to wander along the vibrant South Bank past the London Eye, then walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben.
When to Get There
Holiday travelers can join the crowds to watch London's legendary New Year's Eve fireworks, which take place right in front of Big Ben and ignite the sky in a riot of color. Ensure you book tickets for the firework display well in advance to avoid disappointment and guarantee an unforgettable evening.
Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, England
Hours: Daily when parliament is in session
Admission: £14-£16.50 (adults)
From $ 13
Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galeria)
Located up at Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery is the country’s premier fine-art gallery, housed in the vast, colonnaded former Royal Palace, a restored Renaissance building of massive proportions.
The gallery is chronologically laid out over four levels and follows the development of Hungarian art from medieval times to present day. With around 25,000 artifacts in the collections, the gallery divides between nine permanent exhibitions.
To many western eyes, much of the work will be by unknown artists but the dynamism and skill of the work will more than compensate as the development of Hungarian art unfolds through the gallery. The 19th-century portraits are fascinating as they provide a glimpse into the rarified world of pre-World War I Hungarian aristocracy, but the show is totally stolen by the gleaming, gilded medieval wooden altarpieces depicting the Madonna and various ecclesiastic scenes.
The gallery is chronologically laid out over four levels and follows the development of Hungarian art from medieval times to present day. With around 25,000 artifacts in the collections, the gallery divides between nine permanent exhibitions.
To many western eyes, much of the work will be by unknown artists but the dynamism and skill of the work will more than compensate as the development of Hungarian art unfolds through the gallery. The 19th-century portraits are fascinating as they provide a glimpse into the rarified world of pre-World War I Hungarian aristocracy, but the show is totally stolen by the gleaming, gilded medieval wooden altarpieces depicting the Madonna and various ecclesiastic scenes.
Practical Info
English-language audio-guides available. Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Access to the permanent displays is free with the Budapest Card; temporary exhibitions are discounted. There are free English-language tours of the gallery at 2pm on Thursday and 10pm on Saturday. Take the Sikló funicular from Clark Ádám tér by the Chain Bridge.
Address: Szent György tér 2, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am - 6pm, ticket office closes at 5pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: Admission: 1400 HUF
From $ 25
Humboldt University
Humboldt University was founded in Berlin in 1810 and is the city's oldest university. It was founded by the liberal Prussian educational reformer and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt. He was the first to introduce the unity of research and teaching, and his university model strongly influenced other European and Western universities. Teachings began with the four classical faculties of law, medicine, theology and philosophy. The university was originally called Frederick William University and later Universität unter den Linden due to its location, but in 1949 its name was changed to Humboldt-Universität in honor of both its founder Wilhelm and his brother, naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.
Today Humboldt University ranks among Germany's top ten universities and has educated 29 Nobel Prize winners. It has more than 33,000 students, including several thousand students from other countries, and 185 degree courses. The university aims to promote young talents and to positively influence society and economy outside the university framework.
Practical Info
Humboldt University is located at Unter den Linden 6.
Address: Unter den Linden 6, Berlin, Germany
From $ 25
Hundertwasserhaus
Standing in stark contrast to the baroque palaces and grand plazas of historic Vienna, the colorful facade of the Hundertwasserhaus is one of the city’s most unique works of architecture. Unconventional and somewhat eccentric, the apartment complex is the masterpiece of 20th century Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, one of the country’s most imaginative and controversial contemporary artists. Mimicking elements of Gaudí’s Art Nouveau style, Hundertwasser’s designs marry whimsical shapes and curved lines with a bold color palette, resulting in some of Austria’s most recognizable and most visited landmarks.
The Hundertwasserhaus was finished in 1986 and features a playful mix of painted mosaics and different sized windows, spread over the 52 apartment buildings. The organic theme even goes one step further, with a grass-covered rooftop sprouting with trees that appear to be grown from within.
The Hundertwasserhaus was finished in 1986 and features a playful mix of painted mosaics and different sized windows, spread over the 52 apartment buildings. The organic theme even goes one step further, with a grass-covered rooftop sprouting with trees that appear to be grown from within.
Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, Vienna 1030, Austria
From $ 41
House of the Vestal Virgins
Reopened to the public in 2011 after over 20 years of restoration work, the House of the Vestal Virgins is among the most fascinating of Rome’s ancient ruins. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the 50-room complex stood next to the Temple of Vesta, and was home to the six high priestesses of the Cult of Vesta. The priestesses, virgins chosen from noble Roman families, were tasked with keeping the sacred flame - revered as a symbol of Rome’s eternal life - of the Temple of Vesta alight and each served up to 30 years.
Today, the sparse ruins merely hint at the once-lavish residence and mostly date back to 64AD, when it was rebuilt after a fire. Visitors can follow the ancient Via Nova from Palatine Hill to the Temple of Vesta, and view the remains of the large atrium, two-story portico and a series of statues the Vestales.
Practical Info
The House of the Vestal Virgins is located next to the Roman Forum in central Rome and is open daily from 8.30am until 1-hour before sunset. Admission is included in the entrance fee for the Colosseum and Roman Forum, starting from €16 for adults.
Address: Piazza Santa Maria Nova 53 and Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6, Rome 00186, Italy
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-1hr before sunset
Admission: Adults: from €16; Children: from €4.00
From $ 23
HR Giger Museum
Gruyères is a Swiss village world-famous for the production of cheese but this cute little Alpine enclave has an eccentric surprise tucked up its sleeve. Known for surreal and sometimes disturbing paintings, film props, album covers and – most famously – the mechanical monster from Alien, the renowned Swiss artist HR Giger (1940–2014) moved here in 1997, buying the medieval Château St Germain. The following year he opened the world’s biggest collection of his work in a wing of the castle; not for the faint-hearted, this is no ordinary exhibition but a fully immersive adventure on the dark side of art, made all the more striking by the chocolate-box sweetness of the surrounding village.
Among Giger’s weird and macabre SciFi models, props, sketches and drawings for the film sets of Alien, Dune and Poltergeist is some of his graphic erotica, all clearly labeled ‘Adults Only’ and displayed in sepulchral gloom. The exhibition also features a short movie on his life, the Academy Award he won for Alien and artwork from his own private collection, which includes pieces by Ernst Fuchs and Salvador Dalí. Following a tour of the museum, most visitors head to the cavernous Giger-themed bar for a restorative strong drink.
Practical Info
Château St Germain, Gruyères. Open Apr–Oct daily 10am–6pm; Nov–Mar Wed–Fri 1pm–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–6pm. Admission adults CHF 12.50; seniors & students CHF 8.50; children under 18 CHF 4. Best accessed on foot through the pedestrianized village, which can be reached by rail or by car along the E27 motorway, taking the Bulle exit. Some of HR Giger’s work is unsuitable for young children.
Address: Château St Germain, Gruyères, Fribourg, Switzerland 1663, Switzerland
Hours: Open Apr–Oct daily 10am–6pm; Nov–Mar Wed–Fri 1pm–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults: CHF 12.50; Children: CHF 4
From $ 13
House of the Arts (Haus der Kunst)
The House of the Arts, or Haus der Kunst in German, is an art museum in Munich that was originally founded by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in 1937. It originally housed Hitler's vision of what great German art was, and the exhibits were folk art displaying Nazi ideals. The museum's purpose has changed several times since the end of World War II, but since 2003 the museum has been dedicated almost exclusively to contemporary art. The Archive Gallery, the museum's permanent exhibition, displays art, photography, and other items that explore the museum's turbulent history.
Other exhibitions in the museum come from contemporary artists whose works include painting, drawing, photography, video, installations and more. Aside from the exhibitions, the museum also focuses on education and research. The House of the Arts holds special events, kids' and youth programs, and tours.
Practical Info
The House of the Arts is located at Prinzregentenstraße 1. Opening hours are 10am to 8pm Friday through Wednesday and 10am to 10pm on Thursdays.
Address: Prinzregentenstraße 1, Munich, Germany
Admission: Adult: €12 - €15
From $ 17
Household Cavalry Museum
Located in the heart of London, the Household Division’s headquarters looks back on hundreds of years of tradition and rich history. But the integrated Household Cavalry Museum isn’t just any old dusty exhibition; it’s an actual workplace that provides insight about real people doing their real jobs – jobs that involve longstanding ceremonies that haven’t been changed in over 350 years. The Household Cavalry is responsible for guarding the queen on various occasions in the United Kingdom and also for serving as part of the British Army around the world in vehicles. As a military museum, this site offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ceremonial duties and working role of the British Army’s senior regiment, the Household Cavalry.
Visitors can observe the troopers working in the original 18th-century stables on site (which are only separated from the museum by a glass screen), learn how the horses and their riders are trained and discover the long history of the queen’s mounted bodyguards through a collection of pageantry, uniforms, instruments, awards and personal accounts. If timed right, the enriching experience includes the famous guard change and inspection ceremonies.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in April through October, and until 5 p.m. from November through March. The Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on Sunday and at 11 a.m. every other day of the week. Entrance costs £7 for adults and £5 for children, seniors and students. The closest tube stations are Charing Cross, Embankment and Westminster.
Address: Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2AX, England
Hours: April-October Daily 10am-6pm; November-March 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults £7 Children/Students/Seniors £5
From $ 10
Howth
Howth is a small fishing village outside of Dublin with views over the bay. It is also home to Howth Castle, which is partly in ruins. The castle is about a 10-minute walk from the market. There are many hiking trails in the area where you can enjoy the coastal scenery and views of the cliffs. From the pier, you can see Ireland's Eye, an island that's a 15-minute boat ride from the coast. Due to its location on the sea, Howth is a popular place for yachting and other scenic boat trips. Legend has it that many mermen were spotted from the town's lighthouse, making it another must-visit attraction.
This seaside town is a popular getaway, and there are several hotels, guesthouses, pubs, and restaurants. Locally caught fish is on almost every menu. The market is the perfect place to pick up local Irish crafts and handmade jewelry as well as local and organic food.
Practical Info
Howth is located less than 10 miles from Dublin and can be reached by public transportation.
Address: Howth, Ireland
From $ 23
Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Allami Operahaz)
This neo-Renaissance opera house has an illustrious history as one of Budapest’s greatest cultural venues, with legendary composer Gustav Mahler having once served as director here. Behind the Miklós Ybl–designed facade, which features statues of Puccini, Mozart, Liszt, and Verdi, is a plush interior with gilding, marble, and chandeliers.
The Basics
A landmark of Hungary’s capital, this beautiful building is seen during many city sightseeing tours, including walking, bike, Segway, tuk-tuk, scooter, and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Visitors who want to explore the interior have two options: Join one of the thrice-daily guided tours of the venue, which conclude with a mini concert performed by two opera singers, or book tickets for a full performance.
The opera house is home to the Hungarian National Opera and National Ballet companies, as well as the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances are held most days, and sometimes more than once a day. Most operas are performed in their original language, whether German, Italian, or French, with Hungarian and English surtitles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hungarian State Opera House is a must for music fans and architecture enthusiasts.
- Refuel at the Opera Café, situated on-site.
- No dress code is enforced but most patrons wear smart dress (i.e., no shorts or sneakers).
How to Get There
The Hungarian State Opera House is situated on Andrássy út boulevard in the Terézváros district of Budapest on the Pest (east) side of the Danube. To get here, ride the M1 metro line to the Opera stop, which is just steps from the Hungarian State Opera House, or take the M3 line to Arany János station.
When to Get There
Tours take place in the afternoon with tickets available at the door. If you have tickets to a performance, arrive at least 20 minute before the start time so you have time to find your seat and get settled.
Choosing a Seat
Tickets to performances at the Hungarian State Opera House are—by American standards—relatively cheap. The most reduced-price tickets typically have only partial views of the stage, while more expensive tickets tend to offer unobstructed views. That said, the venue is renowned for its acoustics, so the sound will be excellent no matter where you sit.
Please note: The Hungarian State Opera House is currently closed to the public for renovations. The reopening is scheduled for 2019.
Address: Andrássy Way 22, Budapest 1061, Hungary
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Hvar Cathedral (Cathedral of St Stephen)
There’s no better place to take in the essence of Hvar than in its main plaza while admiring the Cathedral of St Stephen. Set upon a backdrop of green hillside, the church you see today was built between the 16th and 17th centuries, with elements of an even older church still preserved inside.
Though the cathedral boasts a relatively humble interior, it is noted for its attractive altars, late Renaissance paintings, and 15th-century wooden choir stalls. For most, though, it’s the exterior that really leaves the biggest impression, with its scalloped rooftop and four-story, 17th-century bell tower that both grandly watch over the expansive limestone plaza that rolls out to the Adriatic Sea.
Practical Info
Though Hvar may be warm and waterside, note that women may be expected to cover up their shoulders in order to enter the cathedral. Take advantage of your central Hvar location to check out other city sights, including the hilltop fortress, and the Arsenal, a naval building-turned-theater. The island of Hvar is an easy day trip from Split. Ferries will take you to the town of Stari Grad or to the ferry terminal in Hvar town, which is a short walk away from the plaza and Hvar Cathedral.
Address: Trg Sv .Stjepana, Hvar 21450, Croatia
Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: 10kn
From $ 151
Hrastovlje
Despite its relatively small size, Hrastovlje is home to two of Slovenia’s most-unique features. The karst spring of the Rizana River, which flows through this quiet destination, is the only major spring in the entire country. And while this quiet body of water draws visitors because of its beauty, the Holy Trinity Church is Hrastovlje’s main attraction.
This impressive stone structure was built before 1500 and contains a world-famous Danse Macabre fresco that is truly impressive to see. Extensive restoration of the plaster walls and interior murals took place in the 1940s, and today, travelers can check out the church’s nave, where scenes from the Book of Genesis, saints, and the famous “Dance of Death” sequence line the walls. The church, which is located on a hillside just above town, also offers beautiful views of Hrastovlje and the Slovanian countryside.
Practical Info
Hrastovlje is located in Koper in the Littoral region of Slovenia.
Address: Hrastovlje, Slovenia
From $ 85
Houseboat Museum (Woonboot Museum)
In Amsterdam’s central district Jordaan, along the Prinsengracht canal, you’ll find this small, quirky museum floating right on the water. The Houseboat Museum (Woonboot Museum) is a traditionally furnished houseboat that really gives a feeling for what everyday life on the canals of Amsterdam was like before ‘modern’ times. The boat, a former freighter named the ‘Hendrika Maria,’ is completely furnished and has several different visuals and models to show how life on the canals has changed through the decades. Once on board, you can see how the authentic barge (built in 1914) was converted to a comfortable houseboat in the 1960s. The houseboat has proper skipper’s quarters with a sleeping bunk, a good-sized living room and kitchen, and a bathroom. (The houseboat is equal in size to the average Amsterdam apartment.) Nowadays, the Hendrika Maria welcomes visitors to its homey interior — it seems as though the owners have just popped out to do a bit of shopping! Visitors can sit in the ship’s living room with a cappuccino or a hot chocolate from the museum’s shop while taking in the surroundings.
Practical Info
The Houseboat Museum is located in a very central area of Amsterdam, in the Jordaan district, just a five-minute walk from the Anne Frank house. Though it’s small and rather off the traditional tourist circuit, the charming museum is interesting and well worth a visit.
Address: Prinsengracht 296K, 1016 HW, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; closed on bank holidays.
Admission: Adults € 4,50; Children 5–15 years € 3,50; Groups of 10 or more, € 3,50/person
From $ 21
Hvar Fortress
Skirted by a fringe of trees, the 16th-century Hvar Fortress rises above its namesake seaside village. Not long after the castle’s 16th-century completion, it dutifully protected Hvar citizens from attacks by the Turks, and then shortly thereafter was all but destroyed due to fires from a lightening storm. But the fortress was rebuilt, and its Middle Aged walls survived — and all of it stands tall today as arguably Hvar’s most prized sight.
Also called Fortica Španjola (meaning Spanish Fortress, given that it is said that Spanish engineers worked on its construction), the castle can be reached by first trekking up the staircase-filled backstreets of Hvar, then onto a zig-zag path that takes you farther up a hill of flowers and greenery. It’s not a brisk walk by any means, but your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of the town, harbor, and islands beyond. Meanwhile, catch your breath and quench your thirst at the castle café.
Practical Info
The fortress can be reached on foot, though note that there are many steep flights of stairs during the uphill climb. Hvar is an easy day trip from Split. Ferries take you to the town Stari Grad or the ferry terminal, which is not far from the plaza and the fortress beyond. Apart from by car, going on foot is best.
Address: D116, Hvar 21450, Croatia
Hours: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Admission: 25kn
From $ 116
House of Terror Museum
Appropriately housed within the former headquarters of the communist secret police, the House of Terror Museum was established in 2002 to present two truly horrific periods of Hungarian history: its fascist and Stalinist regimes.
A Soviet tank in the atrium serves as a stark welcome to the museum. The basement, where prisoners were once tortured and killed, now displays recreations of the prison cells where suspected enemies of the state were held. The Hall of Tears displays the names of the executed on its walls. Exhibits on the upper floors highlight period propaganda, Social Realist art and photographs of the men responsible for the atrocities.
Practical Info
Most of the exhibit information is in Hungarian, but English-language printouts are available in each room. Audio guides are also available in English and a few other languages for an additional fee.
Address: Andrassy ut 60, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: 2000 HUF
From $ 30