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Irish Rock 'n Roll Museum

Housed inside Temple Lane Studios, the Irish Rock N Roll Museum chronicles the evolution of the Dublin music scene from the 1970s to the present day. The museum features memorabilia from the likes of Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, and U2, and offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a live music venue and working studio.

The Basics

Explore the Irish Rock N Roll Museum on a guided tour. See rehearsal spaces used by Van Morrison, Def Leppard, and more; go backstage at a popular concert venue; and peer inside Temple Lane Studios, where Rihanna and other big-name artists have laid down tracks. During the tour, guides reveal stories about well-known Irish musicians like The Cranberries and Sinead O’Connor, and give visitors a look at rare music memorabilia, from instruments to gold records.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Irish Rock N Roll Museum is a must for music fans and rock enthusiasts.
Book tours in advance to ensure a spot at your preferred time.
Tours can be tailored to suit younger visitors and families.
The Irish Rock N Roll Museum is not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Irish Rock N Roll Museum is situated in Temple Bar in the city center. To get there, ride the Green Line Luas tram to the Westmoreland stop and make the 5-minute walk from there. The museum is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the south end of O’Connell Street or the north end of Grafton Street. Multiple Dublin Bus routes stop nearby, either on Dame Street or at College Green.

When to Get There

Tours of the Irish Rock N Roll Museum take place throughout the year, and are mostly indoors, making this a good rainy-day activity. The museum is busiest during the peak tourist months of July and August; book in advance to ensure a spot.

On the Rock Trail in Dublin

Fans of Irish rock music can visit several other music-related attractions and landmarks around the city. For example, on Harry Street, just off the main shopping thoroughfare of Grafton Street, you’ll find a statue of Dubliner and Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. The bronze figure stands outside a pub with guitar in hand. Nearby, the Little Museum of Dublin near St. Stephen’s Green hosts an exhibition that celebrates the success of Dublin band U2.

Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Varies

From $ 18

Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran sits off the western coast of Scotland. Since the line the divides the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands runs through the island, its landscape reflects this, and the island is often referred to as Scotland in miniature. The northern part of the island is more rugged and mountainous and sparsely populated. The southern part of the island has more rolling hills, and the majority of the island's population reside here.

The island boasts many attractions for visitors. Castles, such as Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle, are located on the Isle of Arran. There is also a heritage museum where you can learn some of the island's history. Some people come to climb Arran's highest peak, Goatfell, which stands at 2,866 feet, while others choose to hike the more leisurely Coastal Way. Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful scenery on the island, including waterfalls, rocky coastlines, and wildlife. It's also a popular place for water activities such as sea kayaking.

Practical Info

The Isle of Arran can be reached by a short ferry from the Scottish mainland.

Isle of Arran, Scotland

From $ 362

Imre Nagy Monument

One of the most notable monuments in Budapest, the Imre Nagy Monument stands in Martyrs’ Square (Vertanuk tere) on the Pest side of the city. The statue of the former Hungarian prime minister depicts him standing halfway across a sculpted bronze bridge over a small pool of water, which is said to symbolize his role in bringing the nation halfway to freedom. Nagy was tried for treason and executed after the Hungarian Revolution, and became a symbol of freedom during communist times, when his name could not be mentioned. In 1989, a crowd of more than 100,000 gathered in Heroes’ Square in Budapest to celebrate his reburial.

The life size sculpture of Nagy has its back to the nearby Soviet War Memorial and faces toward the Hungarian Parliament Building. In 2011, a statue of Ronald Reagan was added between the War Memorial and the Nagy Monument, creating a straight line of monuments between the American Embassy and the Parliament Building. Discover Budapest's history on a walking tour of the city's communist past.

Practical Info

The Imre Nagy Monument is within walking distance of many hotels on the Pest side of Budapest. From further afield, you can take subway M2 or streetcar 2 to Kossuth Lajos Square and walk a very short distance to Vertanuk tere.

Vertanuk tere, Budapest, Hungary

N/A

From $ 12

Iona Abbey

Just off the west coast of Scotland on the Isle of Iona, the Iona Abbey has long been a symbol of Scottish history and religion. It served as a mausoleum for many early Scottish kings, with more than fifty accounted for by the 16th century. It is one of the oldest religious centers in Western Europe. The Irish monk Columba arrived to the island in 563, establishing a monastery that survived for centuries to come. In around the year 1200 the historic Abbey and Nunnery were constructed.

Responsible for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland, it remains a symbol of Scottish Christianity that many still pilgrimage today. There are four impressive high crosses remaining, all of which can be seen in the abbey museum. The oldest, St. Martin’s Cross, dates back to the 8th century. The isle has a spiritual atmosphere and is today maintained by the Iona Community.

Practical Info

To get to the Isle of Iona, you’ll need first to catch a ferry to the Isle of Mull. The abbey is all year-round, though summer and winter hours vary. Generally it is open to the public daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Entrance is £7.10.

Isle of Iona PA76 6SQ, United Kingdom, Scotland

Daily 10am-4pm

£7.10

From $ 357

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

As Ireland’s premier museum for contemporary and modern art, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is a leader in exhibiting innovative visual arts. Founded by the Irish government in 1990, it’s housed in a 17th century former royal hospital, with classic architecture, long halls, and an extravagant courtyard. A wide meadow, formal garden, and medieval cemetery can also be found on the grounds. The former stables have been turned into artists’ studios, with the museum accepting artist residencies on an annual basis.

Its collection of more than 15 exhibits each year has cemented its place in both the Irish and international art scene. Most of the works were created from they year 1940 to the present. The core of the museum showcases the best in contemporary works from Irish artists, acquiring new pieces annually. The museum also hosts various educational programs, studio tours, workshops, and lectures open to the public.

Practical Info

The Irish Museum of Modern Art can be found in the Islandbridge area of Dublin, beside the River Liffey and not far from the Dublin Castle. You can get there via tram on the Red line to Heuston Station, or it is about a 30 minute walk from the city center. Open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday,) hours vary by day but generally range from 12-5 pm. Most all exhibitions are open to the public free of charge.

Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland

Tues-Fri from 11:30am-5pm, Sat from 10am-5:30pm, Sun from 12-5:30pm

From $ 41

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

The Red Cross is one of the numerous international bodies associated with Geneva. This museum pursues its progress from the mid-19th century, when local businessman Henry Dunant first conceived of a transnational group which would help the afflicted in times of need. The chronologically arranged exhibits follow this great humanitarian organization through the unparalleled destruction of the 20th century to the present day, where the Red Cross (or Red Crescent in Muslim countries) represents a banner of hope in trouble spots and scenes of natural disaster the world over.

Exhibits tell the story through text, video, sound, interactive displays, as well as an archive of some seven million index cards documenting prisoners of war, a testament to the ideals of the Geneva Convention. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, also known as the Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge, is a monument to humanity’s best impulses in the face of its worst.

Practical Info

From the main Gare de Cornavin train station, take bus number 8, destination OMS or Appia, and alight at Appia bus stop.

17 Avenue de la Paix, Geneva 1202, Switzerland

Closed Tuesdays

From $ 27

Ischia

Ischia is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor, Capri, but this island in Italy's Bay of Naples offers many delights, including natural hot springs, beautiful scenery, excellent cuisine, and the resort towns of Casamicciola Terme and Lacco Ameno.

The Basics

Travelers visit the island of Ischia, the largest in the Gulf of Naples, to relax in the thermal spas, explore the 21 miles (34 kilometers) of coastline, hike the peak of Mt. Epomeo, and dine at its waterfront restaurants. You can tour Ischia island by sea on a boat tour that also stops at the tiny island of Procida nearby or by land on a food and wine tasting tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

A day trip to Ischia is perfect for a beach break or a relaxing soak in the thermal baths.
If you join a walking tour of the island, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunblock.
The scenery on Ischia is particularly beautiful, so it's worth packing your camera.

How to Get There

Ischia is located off the coast of Campania, and you can take a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the island's main town of Ischia Porto in about an hour, making it an easy day trip.

When to Get There

Ischia can be very crowded in summer between June and September, so spring and fall—when the weather is warm but the crowds have yet to arrive—are the best times to visit.

Beach Views on Ischia

There are a number of lovely beaches along the coast—the most famous include Sant'Angelo below Serrara Fontana, Maronti Beach near Barano d'Ischia, and Citara near Panza. The imposing 15th-century Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) at Ischia Ponte and the English-style La Mortella Gardens in Forio are also popular attractions. Ischia is also close enough to the coast of southern Italy to offer lovely views along the coastline and over Mt. Vesuvius.

Ischia Porto, Italy

From $ 226

International Museum of Perfume

Set in Grasse, the International Perfume Museum extensively covers the famous French perfume industry, highlighting its significance through the ages. Exhibitions retrace the history of perfumes, soap and cosmetics over the course of thousands of years. Split into various sections, the museum covers the history of the industry, manufacturing and marketing.

The museum is situated in the former Hugues-Aîné perfumery of the 19th century. The building was reopened in 2008 after refurbishment and now invites visitors to explore the prosperous history of french parfumeries in the historic town of Grasse. The site is often visited on day trips out of Monaco.

Practical Info

Grasse is said to be the center for luxury fragrance in France, and subsequently has many attractions that are perfume-related.

2 Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon, Grasse 06130, France

From $ 145

Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)

As the cultural and political focus of life in Ukraine, Independence Square stands on the northern flank of Khreschatyk, Kiev’s major thoroughfare, and its appearance has changed with the fortunes of the country. Today it is lined with an impressive array of grandiose villas dating mostly from the 19th century, which were built when the city was one of the most important in Russia and now house – among others – the Central Post Office and the Trade Union Association. It is the venue for all the city’s major parades and public celebrations but was scene of civil unrest in 2004 as the focus of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution, and again in 2014.

Among the fountains, the 61-m (200-ft) white-marble Independence Monument looms over the middle of the square and celebrates Ukraine’s breaking away from the Soviet Union in 1991; it was designed by Ukrainian architect Anatoliy Kushch and placed in the piazza on the 10th anniversary of independence. The slender column is topped with a bronze sculpture of Archangel Michael, who is the patron of the city; it looks spectacular when floodlit at night. Below ground is the subterranean Globus Shopping Mall – lit by the glass domes that dot the square – and a metro station; the area is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, pavement cafés and late-night bars, making it one of the most popular meeting places in the city.

Practical Info

Independence Square, Kiev. Open to all at no charge. Take the metro to Maidan Nezalezhnosti.

Khreschatyk, Kiev, Kiev Oblast 01001, Ukraine

From $ 17

Imperial War Museum

London's Imperial War Museum (IWM London) offers an all-encompassing introduction to Britain's war history, complete with military aircraft hanging overhead, army tanks flanking the central exhibition hall, and a recreated World War I bunker to crawl through. Exhibits spotlight not only military equipment and strategy but also the wartime experiences of soldiers and civilians.

The Basics

The IWM London is a popular sight for military buffs. With so much to take in throughout the museum's exhibitions, most visitors explore independently, often arriving via hop-on hop-off bus. The Thameside HMS Belfast warship, which lies on the Thames River roughly two miles from the museum, is also part of the IWM, as are the Churchill War Rooms in central London (housed in the former prime minister’s secret WWII bunker).

Things to Know Before You Go

Entrance to the museum is free, but small donations are appreciated.
The museum is wheelchair accessible—lifts and ramps are available on all floors.
Visitor facilities include restrooms, baggage lockers, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
Note that some exhibits, notably the Holocaust exhibition, may not be suitable for young kids.

How to Get There

The Imperial War Museum is located on Lambeth Road in London’s Southwark borough. Take the Tube to Lambeth North station (Bakerloo line), Waterloo station (Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines), or Elephant & Castle station (Bakerloo and Northern lines). Bus routes (3, 12, 53, 59, 148, 159, 344, 360, 453, and C10) also serve the museum. Driving is not advised; not only will you find it difficult to secure parking, but if you visit during the week, you’ll have to pay the London congestion charge.

When to Get There

The museum is open year-round from 10am to 5pm but can get crowded during the peak summer months, when it's best to arrive early and opt for a weekday visit if possible.

Exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum

Thanks to a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2014, the museum features a revamped WWI section, with exhibits on the Eastern Front and the famous Christmas Truce of 1914, plus a completely redesigned World War II section. Among the many highlights are the popular display on the 1916 Battle of the Somme; the moving Holocaust Exhibition; the Lord Ashcroft Gallery of Extraordinary Heroes, which honors some of Britain's greatest war heroes; and the Secret War exhibit, which focuses on espionage and the covert operations of MI5 and MI6, as well as cyberterrorism.

Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, England

Daily 10am–6pm

From $ 42

Irish Whiskey Museum

The Irish Whiskey Museum is dedicated to one of Ireland’s most beloved tipples: whiskey. With multimedia exhibits and Irish whiskey memorabilia, the museum looks at the distilling process, the origins and history of Irish whiskey production, and the rise, fall, and current revival of the Irish whiskey industry.

The Basics

Access to the Irish Whiskey Museum is by guided tour only. Join a 1-hour guided tour to find out more about Irish whiskey production, the social importance of the spirit, and its rise, fall, and resurgence in Ireland and beyond. Tours conclude with an Irish whiskey tasting session. Upgrade to a premium tour to enjoy an additional sample of a premium aged whiskey as well as a take-home souvenir.

For an extra treat, opt for a whiskey and brunch experience, which combines a guided tour and tasting with a typical Irish brunch at the on-site Cafe Bar. Whiskey connoisseurs might want to opt for a whiskey blending experience, which includes a guided tour, a tasting of four Irish whiskies, and the opportunity to blend and take home their own 1-ounce (30-ml) bottle of whiskey.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Irish Whiskey Museum is a must for whiskey aficionados.
A café is situated within the museum.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the site.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Irish Whiskey Museum is situated in Dublin city center, at the north end of Grafton Street near Trinity College. Ride the Luas Green Line tram to the Trinity stop, which is just a 2-minute walk away.

When to Get There

Regular tours take place daily, with blending experiences offered during the afternoon only. Plan a morning visit if you want to do the whiskey and brunch experience, which is offered daily during summer (May–September) and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the rest of the year. The museum is busiest on summer weekends, so come midweek to avoid the crowds.

On the Whiskey Trail Dublin

Irish whiskey lovers won’t have to look hard for opportunities to indulge their passion in Dublin. Take tours of the Jameson Distillery Bow St., Teeling Distillery, or Pearse Lyons Distillery, or pop in to one of Dublin’s whiskey bars, such as the Palace Bar on Fleet Street or the Dingle Whiskey Bar on Nassau Street, where you can taste a wide variety of old and new whiskies from all over Ireland.

119 Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland

Varies

From $ 21

Independence Plaza

Independence Plaza (also known as the Plaza de la Independencia) is one of the most popular and busiest squares in Madrid and one of the most important symbols of the city. Opened in 1778 during the reign of King Carlos III, the plaza is found at the intersection of several major streets: Calle de Alcala, Calle de Alfonso XII, Calle de Serrano, Calle de Salustiano Olozaga and Paseo de Mexico. Standing at the center of the square is the Puerta de Alcala, a neo-Classical monument built in the 18th century. The huge monument consisting of several arches replaced a smaller city gate from the 16th century and functioned as the main entrance to the city.

Designed by architect Francesco Sabatini, the current shape of the square dated back to 1869 and it is surrounded by buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 2001, several gardens were added to the square and lights were added to the Puerta de Alcala, all in honor of Madrid being named the World Book Capital. In 2010, nearly 100,000 people packed the square for the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Practical Info

The closest Metro station to Independence Plaza is Retiro, while the Banco de Espana station is also within walking distance.

Madrid, Spain

From $ 49

Inveraray Jail

Paying admission to get locked in a barren cell? At Inveraray Jail, it is worth it. The former prison turned museum manages to bridge the gap between tourist attraction and meaningful infotainment and delves into the darker parts of Scottish history. Small as it was, Inveraray was the seat of the Duke of Argyll and thus, the town came to be of central importance. The prison and the courthouse were opened in 1820 and prisoners from all over the area were brought here, not only men, but also women and children. Due to overcrowding, an additional building had to be constructed but the whole jail eventually shut down in 1889, when larger prisons in the bigger cities took over.

A visit to Inveraray Jail includes a tour through the different wings of the prison and even a trial lock-up in the cells and courtyard cage. Visitors can read stories about the inmates who were locked up in those cells, sit in the restored courtroom and listen to trials and meet the warden and prison guards, all dressed up in authentic period costumes. Coincidentally, Inveraray Jail is believed to be one of the most haunted buildings in Scotland and has many ghost sightings to report.

Practical Info

Inverary Jail is located in the small town of Inverary on the banks of Loch Fyne, about 90 kilometers north of Glasgow. The prison is open year round except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Opening hours in the summer months are from 9:30am to 6pm and from November till March from 10am to 5pm.

Main Street, Inveraray, United Kingdom, Scotland

In the summer months, opening hours are from 9:30am to 6pm and from November till March from 10am to 5pm.

Adults £9.50, Children 5-16 £5.50, Children Under 5 are free

From $ 15

Inveraray Castle

Current seat of the Clan Campbell and the hereditary seat of the dukes of Argyll since the 15th century, Inveraray Castle is considered one of Scotland’s most visually stunning stately homes. Built from 1745 to 1790 on the shores of Loch Fyne, the castle was designed by Roger Morris and boasts turrets and battlements that look right from the pages of a fairytale. The exterior was used to represent the fictional Duneagle Castle in the hit TV series Downton Abbey.

The castle interior has a well-maintained collection of eighteenth century French furnishings, art and a sizable armory hall displaying more than 1,300 weapons — dirks, muskets, pole-arms and axes. Tours through the castle recount the rise of the Clan Campbell. Visitors will also find a tearoom serving scones and other light snacks, as well as a gift shop selling Scottish souvenirs.

Practical Info

The gardens grounds of Inveraray Castle are quite large and offer several beautiful walks, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

Inveraray, Argyll PA32 8XF, Scotland

10am to 5:45pm

£9

From $ 52

Inverness Castle

Perched atop a hill by the River Ness, this Victorian-era red sandstone castle—built to replace the medieval fortress blown up by the Jacobites in 1746—is one of Inverness’ most prominent historic structures. Access to the castle, now occupied by government offices and law courts, is restricted but the grounds are open to the public.

The Basics

Inverness Castle has long played an important role in Scotland’s story, and is a must-visit for history buffs. Thanks to its elevated setting at the summit of Castle Hill, it also affords views over the river and Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Most visitors explore independently, strolling around the grounds to see a Flora MacDonald statue and informational plaques detailing the site’s history. It’s a good place to get a primer on local historical information before venturing to nearby sites with Jacobite connections, such as the Culloden Battlefield or Urquhart Castle. Guided sightseeing tours of the city typically include a glimpse of the castle exterior, while hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at the castle site.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to explore the castle grounds.
Bring a camera, as the castle’s viewpoint overlooks the city and makes an excellent backdrop for vacation photos.
The castle grounds are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Inverness Castle is located on the east side of the River Ness in Inverness city center. The castle is a 15-minute walk from Inverness rail station. Local buses stop at nearby Castle Street and on Castle Road.

When to Get There

The views from Inverness Castle are best on clear, sunny days. The grounds are busiest during warm summer weather, but even then, crowds are rare. The setting is romantic at sunset, when the sun’s soft rays hit the surface of the River Ness.

The History of Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle has long played a prominent role in the lore of Scotland, with a history that stretches all the way back to the 11th century. It features in both fiction and history books, having been the setting for part of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and the Jacobites razed the castle to the ground just weeks before their final defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

41 Castle St, Inverness IV2 3EG, Scotland

From $ 13

Isa Bey Mosque

Isa Bey Mosque was built in 1375 near the ancient city of Ephesus in what is today Selcuk, Turkey. Parts of the mosque were built using stones and columns from the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. It was designed asymmetrically instead of a more traditional symmetric layout and includes a large courtyard. The mosque uses a Selcuk style of architecture rather than the Ottoman style that was used more often in later years.

Visitors can admire the facade on the western side which is covered in marble and carved with geometric designs and calligraphy inscriptions. You can all see the brick minaret that has survived over the centuries on the north side of the mosque and two domes in the center. The mosque sits below the citadel near the Basilica of St. John. From the mosque, you can look up at the impressive ruins of the citadel and the basilica. The view from the hill where the basilica sits gives an impressive perspective of the mosque as well.

Practical Info

Isa Bey Mosque is located on Atatürk Mh and is a 10-minute walk from the Selcuk main train station. Entrance is free. Certain areas are used for prayer, but there is also an area for visitors.

Efes Harabeleri, Selcuk, Izmir Province, Turkey 35920, Turkey

From $ 12

In Flanders Field Museum

The In Flanders Field Museum is a World War I museum is located in a famous cloth hall in the center of Ypres, Belgium. The major theme of the museum is the consequences of war. Mirrors are used to inspire visitors to examine how we look at the past, how and why we remember, and how we view the nations involved in World War I. The museum encourages visitors to reflect on the major historical events as well as the personal stories of individuals. Visitors will learn about how the war affected the lives of thousands of people of different nationalities who were involved in the war. The museum also has a heavy focus on how the war affected West Flanders and the city of Ypres.

Visitors receive a poppy bracelet for a one euro deposit when they enter the museum. The bracelet has a microchip in it which tells the stories of four individuals, in the language you choose, as you walk through the exhibits in the museum. You can also climb 231 steps to the top of the bell tower for views of the city and the Ypres Salient battlefields.

Practical Info

The In Flanders Field Museum is located at Grote Markt 34. Opening hours are daily from 10am to 6pm April 1st to November 15th and Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm November 16 to March 31. Admission is 9 euros for adults. The bell tower costs 2 euros.

Grote Markt 34, Ypres, Belgium

Vary

Adults: 9 euros

From $ 88

Inquisition Museum (Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge)

In Seville’s Triana neighborhood, near the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the Castillo San Jorge was the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition from 1481 to 1785. The 12th century castle was demolished in the 19th century to make room for a market and today the underground ruins of the castle are home to the Inquisition Museum.

Founded in 2009, the museum chronicles the religious purges that took place during one of the darkest periods of Spanish history. Visitors will learn about how the Inquisition occurred, from accusations and inquiries to detentions and torture, as well as about daily life in the castle for both prisoners and jailers. However, no devices of torture are displayed. Drawings show suspects wearing pointed caps and tunics marked with an X, and maps show the other major Inquisition-related sites in Seville.

Practical Info

The Inquisition Museum is located on the Plaza del Altozano, next to the Triana Bridge and the municipal market. The entrance near the north tower of the bridge can be easy to miss. A free audio guide is available.

The museum can be reached by taking bus 43 to San Jorge (Altozano) or bus C3 to Pages del Corro (San Jacinto).

Plaza del Altozano, Seville, Spain

Open Mon-Fri 11am-6:30pm; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10am-3pm

From $ 46

Ingolstadt Village

Shopping enthusiasts visiting Bavaria will want to put a visit to Ingolstadt Village at the top of their list. A designer outlet shopping mall not far from Munich and Nuremberg, the Village features popular German and international brands, including Armani, Birkenstock, Asics, Calvin Klein, Escada, Jimmy Choo, La Perla, Michael Kors, New Balance, Nike, Roberto Cavalli, Tommy Hilfiger, Tumi, Samsonite and Versace. Shops typically offer discounts up to 30 to 60 percent off regular retail prices. With more than 100 stores in a complex that was designed to reflect its late 19th century industrial heritage, visitors can easily spend an entire day at Ingolstadt Village.

For those wanting a break from the shopping, the town of Ingolstadt itself is worth a visit. Possibly best known as the birthplace of the monster from Dr. Frankenstein, it features gorgeous Gothic architecture and an Audi car museum.

Practical Info

Visitors can reach Ingolstadt Village by taking the train from Munich, Nuremberg or several other nearby cities. Arriving at the central train station in Ingolstadt, take bus 10 to the Harderstrasse bus station and change to bus 20. Arriving at the Zob or north train station, take bus 20.

There is also a Shopping Express bus that runs daily from Munich and on Saturdays from Nuremberg. Advance booking is required and while the bus is free for Eurail Pass holders, for everyone else it is 20 Euro round-trip.

Ingolstadt Village has free storage for luggage and packages and offers a personal shopping service, a children’s play area and shopping packages that include luxury transportation and refreshments.

Otto-Hahn-Straße 1, Ingolstadt, Germany

Daily 10am-8pm; restaurants and cafes open at 9:30am

From $ 23

International Museum of the Reformation

Come learn everything there is to know about Switzerland’s famous 16th century reformation, where theologians like Martin Luther and John Calvin (a Geneva resident) broke off from the Roman Catholic church, effectively eroding the people’s faith in the Papacy and in many of the Catholic doctrines. The International Museum of the Reformation presents the history of Protestantism from its very humble beginnings right here in Geneva, explaining its conception of mankind and the world it lives in through diverse iconography and detailed chronicles, and addresses issues like polemics and various interpretations of the Bible; in fact, the museum is home to over 500 artefacts pertaining to the history of reformation in Geneva, including original scripts penned by Calvin and Luther themselves. An underground passageway even connects the IMR to the archaeological site under Saint-Pierre Cathedral next door, where the vote was taken for the Reformation in Geneva in 1536.

As the Reformation museum is located in the heart of Geneva’s most historic quarter, many city tours will at the very least whizz past it, like this Geneva City Tour or this exhilarating Segway tour of the Old Town.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the Calvin and Geneva room on the main floor, which explains how 16th-century Geneva became a refuge for thousands of exiled Protestants hailing from all parts of Europe, from the Netherlands to Italy and everywhere between.

Practical Info

The International Museum of the Reformation is located in Old Geneva and is very well connected: it is possible to get there by car (as the museum is on a pedestrian street it is not possible to park directly on-site; parking Saint-Antoine is close by on Boulevard Emile-Jaques-Dalcroze and costs 1.- CHF for every 20 minutes), by public transit (trams 12, 14, and 18 at Place de Neuve stop) as well as on foot from most of Geneva’s main attractions. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays between 10am and 5pm.

4 rue du Cloître, Geneva, Geneva Canton 1204, Switzerland

Tuesdays to Sundays between 10am and 5pm

From $ 27