Things to Do in Europe

Restoration work is underway, but travelers can see the castle gate, Roman cisterns, watch tower and some castle walls upon visiting. The views from the castle ramparts are not to be missed.

In 2004 this famed fjord was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site., since it’s home to one of the fastest and most active glaciers on earth. Researchers studied this inlet for some 250 years and its constant monitoring offered insight and understanding into climate change and ever-shifting geology.

Travelers who venture to this off-the-beaten path destination will find what can only be described as a truly natural wonder. That’s because massive ice sheets, rapid waters and the big booms of calving chunks of glacier are sure to meet them as they step into the chilling scenery and epic frozen landscapes of Kangia Fjord. 

In 1718, Peter the Great, the Russian tsar at the time, ordered a palace to be built in the then-newly designed Kadriorg Park. The palace, designed by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti, was originally built to be the summer home for Peter I, Catherine I and their family. The baroque palace is surrounded by manicured gardens, houses a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia called the Kadriorg Art Museum and today serves as the presidential palace. The museum has hundreds of 16th- to 20th-century paintings by Western and Russian artists on display.

Several interesting side buildings surround the palace, including a restored kitchen building that is now the Mikkel Museum. Peter the Great's cottage is also on the property and is now a museum where visitors can see some of his belongings and what the rooms might have looked like at the time. The palace governor’s house is now home to the Kastellaanimaja Gallery and the Eduard Vilde House Museum.

The Juno Beach Center is a museum dedicated to the heroism of Canadian troops in the D-Day landings and the entirety of the Second World War. Located in Normandy, the center draws visitors from Canada and across the world wanting to remember their fallen patriots and learn more about France’s role in the Allied victory.

The Juno Beach Center opened in 2003 as a way to create a permanent memorial to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives in World War II and to preserve information surrounding their role in the war for future generations. Designed to appeal to both adults and children, the museum hosts both temporary and permanent collections made up of personal photographs, first-hand accounts, and artifacts presented alongside multimedia panels.

Many guided day tours of the Normandy landing beaches out of Bayeux, Caen, and Paris stop at the center in addition to other important WWII sites. If visiting independently, you can choose to buy a ticket to the museum or a combined pass for the museum and adjacent Juno Park.

The center is located on Juno Beach in Courseulles-sur-Mer near Bayeux, 170 miles (270 kilometers) from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport; there is free on-site parking. If not driving, you can take the train from Paris via Caen station, followed by a taxi or bus connection, or opt for a guided tour with transportation provided.

The Juno Beach Center is open from 9:30am to 7pm April to September; 10am to 6pm in March and October; and 10am to 5pm in November, December, and February. It’s closed throughout the month of January. The museum is busiest in the afternoon.

Woven almost 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry is a fascinating piece of history that attracts visitors from all over the world. It depicts the Norman Conquest of England by invading French Norman forces in the year 1066 and is housed in a purpose-built museum in the Normandy town of Bayeux.

The Grand Bazaar isn't the only market you'll want to visit in Istanbul. Kadikoy Market, also referred to as Kallavi Kadikoy, is a large street market that is located on the Asia side of Istanbul. Though many visitors to Istanbul stick to the famous site-heavy European side of Istanbul (where the Grand Bazaar is), foodies and shoppers should definitely also make the short trek across the Bosphorus Strait to check out Kadikoy Market.

Kadikoy Market has everything from fruits to pizza and ceramics to linens. It only operates on Tuesday and Fridays and on those days you'll find thousands of stalls selling a variety of wares and cuisine. Great deals are for the taking and haggling over price is perfectly acceptable.

Visitors often enjoy having a meal at Kadikoy Market as there are many cafes and stands selling to-go food and hot meals mixed in among the produce and fish you can purchase, but will have to cook on your own. Keep an eye out for Lahmacun, or Turkish pizza as it's sometimes called, to try in between your haggling bouts.

Stretching for around 3 miles (5 kilometers), dark-sand Kamari Beach is sandwiched between the blue Aegean waters and the mountain peak of Mesa Vouno. With a bar- and restaurant-lined promenade behind it and lots of facilities nearby, it’s one of the best places to park yourself for a day of relaxation.

Kamari Beach makes an ideal day-out destination for travelers looking to relax, swim, and catch some rays. For those who want a more active beach experience, water-sports operators and dive centers can be found just steps from the sand. 

Kamari Beach is a common stop-off on island tours, which may also visit other Santorini beaches, such as striking Red Beach on the south coast. Helicopter flights over the island often hover over the eastern coast where Kamari Beach is situated, as well as the caldera and the lava island of Nea Kameni.

Find Kamari Beach on the east coast of Santorini, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of Fira. A taxi from Fira will take around 20 minutes. KTEL buses run from Fira regularly. 

Kamari Beach is busiest during the peak summer tourist season, from June through September. If you want to beat the crowds and see the beach at its tranquil best, wake early and come to watch the sun rise. Sunset, though busier, is equally spectacular.

For swimming and sunbathing, try Perissa Beach, about 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of Fira. This black-sand beach is well developed and boasts ample facilities. A walking path leads from the village of Perissa up to Ancient Thera. With its high cliffs and narrow stretch of dusty red sands, Red Beach on the southern coast is among Santorini’s most dramatic beaches. Though falling rocks pose danger to those on the sands, it’s worth coming here if only to admire the beach from afar.

Kampa Park is on the west bank of the Vltava River in Prague. The park is famous for three giant baby sculptures designed by controversial artist David Cerny. Cerny purposely made his art with the intention to provoke people, and you can find his art throughout the city. He also made 10 other baby sculptures which can be seen crawling up the Zizkov TV Tower. The ones on the TV tower are made of fiberglass, but the ones in the park are bronze. The babies don't have normal faces. Instead they have alien-looking heads with long rectangular slots where the face should be. 

The sculptures in the park were supposed to be part of a temporary exhibit, but they were so popular that they are now a permanent part of the scenery. They are located near the entrance to the Kampa Museum, which is the Museum of Modern Art from Central Europe.

Sitting in the foothills of the rugged Carpathian Mountains southwest of Krakow, the town of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska grew up to accommodate pilgrims who flocked to the red-roofed and copper-domed complex of religious buildings that still dominates life there to this day. Built in the 17th century, the ornate Baroque Sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska provided Catholics with a substitute Chapel of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, which at that time was under Turkish rule and firmly off limits to Christians; it incorporates the Franciscan Bernardini Monastery alongside 42 chapels and churches all beautifully sited on pathways among woodland and symbolizing the Stations of the Cross at Calvary. 

In Polish religious life, only the Shrine to the Black Madonna at Częstochowa is more important than Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, which is UNESCO World Heritage listed for its sheer, breathtaking Baroque beauty, all created by Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bernardoni and his Flemish counterpart Paolo Baudarth. The fanciful, twin-spired main basilica is dedicated to Our Lady and its Chapel of Holy Mary of Calvary holds a highly revered icon of Mary and Jesus; the faithful gather there in thousands to see passion plays on Good Friday and celebrate on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption. Pope John-Paul II was born 15 km (9.25 miles) away in Wadowice and made several visits to the shrine when he returned to his homeland; his statue stands near the entrance to the basilica.

The town around the sanctuary has been known for the skill of its woodworkers since the mid 18th century; today more than 1,500 artisan cabinetmakers work among a population of 4,500 in total.

Few destinations offer access to views as stunning as Jvari Monastery. Travelers who make their way to this 6th century Georgian Orthodox monastery will find emerald hills surrounded by turquoise blue waters. This breathtaking natural landscape is the single point where the Argavi and Mitkvari Rivers, as well as the Caspian Sea, meet. But locals say that the location’s ecological significance pales in comparison to its religious significance. According to local folklore, Jvari Monastery is the place where the female evangelist Saint Nino, converted the nation to Christianity. 

Today, travelers can take in the epic scenery and lush landscapes as they climb to the massive cross statue on Mtskheta’s tallest peak. But the interior of this ancient structure is almost as impressive as the landscapes that surround it. Visitors will find what remains of the church and worship area, including the domed altar with tiny, un-paned windows where natural light streams through.

Kadriorg Park is a 173-acre area that was built in 1718 under the orders of Russian tsar Peter I, with additional sections having been designed and created over the past few centuries. Within the park you will find Kadriorg Palace, which was originally built as a summer home for the tsar and his family and now serves as the presidential palace and a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia. While the palace was being built, Peter I, also known as Peter the Great, lived in a cottage on the property, which is now a museum. The rooms are furnished with items from that era, and some of his personal belongings are on display as well. 

The area near the flower beds surrounding Swan Pond, as well as the promenade leading from the pond to the palace, are popular routes for a stroll through the park. There is also a newly added Japanese garden designed with plants that were chosen to fit with Estonia's colder climate.

Within the park, there are also a number of museums, including KUMU (the Estonian Art Museum), Kadriorg Art Museum, the Mikkel Museum and the Eduard Vilde Museum. You will find several monuments as well, each dedicated to cultural figures such as sculptor Amandus Adamson, author F. R. Kreutzwald and artist Jaan Koort.

Deemed the best dinosaur museum in the world by many, Jurassic Land is not only a place to enjoy dinosaurs but also to learn about them in a whole new way. Dinosaur bones were uncovered during the construction of the shopping mall inside which Jurassic Land is located; the rest is history. These magnificent and extinct beasts come alive at Jurassic Land thanks to the life-size, moving models of over 70 dinosaurs linked to each other through a witty and clever scenario. Various exhibitions tell the story of dinosaurs, their features, their abilities and their daily life, as well as their sudden and tragic disappearance through interactive displays and 65-million-year-old skeletons. Jurassic Land also boasts a massive six-dimension cinema with special effects that takes guests on extreme air, underwater and land journeys, a special cave where kids can dig for bones and be rewarded with a “Explorer Paleontologist” certificate, a gift shop, and a relaxing garden. Dinosaur bones were uncovered during the construction of the shopping mall inside which Jurassic Land is located; the rest is history.

The Jungfrau, a sky-high saddle in the Swiss Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers jaw-dropping views of the Bernese Oberland’s massive glaciers and snowy peaks. Travel by narrow cog railway to Jungfraujoch and stand on “the Top of Europe” as you gaze out at the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe, and far, far beyond.

 

Visiting Switzerland’s Jungfrau region is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey up the steep Alpine slopes—via a narrow cog railway—is simply exhilarating. Buy a ticket in advance and board the train for a journey that leads you by the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall and through a mountain tunnel before arriving at the 11,330-foot (3,454-meter) Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station and the setting for the Sphinx Observatory, an international weather research facility. Guided day trips from Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Bern include tickets for the cog train and, in some cases, stops at other scenic spots in Bernese Oberland. Jungfrau Travel Pass holders can ride the cog railway for free.

 

The only way to get up to Jungfraujoch is via the cog mountain train. Board the train from Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wilderswil, Wengen, or Kleine Scheidegg. The journey from Interlaken to Jungfrau takes about two hours.

 

Jungfraujoch is open year-round. July and August are the busiest months. Clouds tend to come in later in the day, so arrive early for the best views.

 

For the best view from Jungfraujoch, head to the terrace in the Sphinx Observatory. From here you can see the Great Aletsch Glacier, which at 14 miles (23 kilometers) is the largest glacier in the Alps and the longest in all of Europe. Also on view are a crowd of majestic Alpine peaks and—on a clear day—the borderlands of Germany and France. You can also explore the Ice Palace, where intricately carved ice sculptures are on display, and visit the café and souvenir shop. 

Once the capital and heart of the Greek island of Corfu, Kanoni today is a quarter of Corfu Town, the island’s modern day capital. The name Kanoni is derived from the canons that protected the city near the entrance to the lagoon, which once featured the main port of Corfu. With a steep, rugged coastline covered in trees, Kanoni has just two beaches for visitors to enjoy, but there is plenty else worth seeing.

On a small island connected to Kanoni by a long causeway is the church of Panagia Vlaherna. Built in 17th century, the church with a red-tiled roof boasts an impressive wood-carved iconostasis and many beautiful frescoes. Fishing boats depart regularly from Vlaherna Island for Mouse Island, which is about a five minute boat ride away and home to the 13th century Byzantine church of Pantokrator.  According to legend, Mouse Island was formed when the boat carrying Odysseus home to Ithaca was turned into stone and then into an island. Kanoni provides a great view of both Vlaherna and Mouse Islands and is also a good spot from which to watch the plans land at Corfu’s main airport.

With its long stretch of golden sand and steady coastal winds, Kalafatis Beach is not only one of Mykonos’ most beautiful beaches – it’s also earned a reputation as the island’s water sports hub. The beach is most renowned for its windsurfing, but other popular activities include jet skiing, water skiing, banana boating and wakeboarding.

For less adventurous beach-goers, Kalafatis also offers ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, as well as boat cruises around the sea caves of Dragonisi island. The beach itself is well equipped for families, with sunbeds and parasols for hire, beach volleyball nets, and a selection of cafés and restaurants nearby.

Jungfernstieg is Hamburg's most popular shopping street, located along the Inner Alster Lake. Its name originates from an old tradition of families who would take their unmarried daughters or maidens (Jungfern) to walk around on this promenade. Jungfernstieg was also the first street in Germany to be paved with asphalt.

The stores on Jungfernstieg are mostly upscale shops where you can find high-end clothing, shoes, and jewelry. You can also find accessories, bath products, perfumes, cosmetics, and purses. There is also a spa where you can get a massage and other wellness services. Along with department stores and boutiques, there is also a wide selection of restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a meal while you're shopping.

The most traditional building in the area is the Alster Pavilion, dating back to 1799. Today there is a restaurant there called Cafe Alex where you can have a meal or a coffee while enjoying views of the Inner Alster Lake and the big fountain in the middle of the lake. Nearby is the Alster Pier where you can join a boat tour of the lake.

One of the busiest shopping streets in Amsterdam, Kalverstraat is known for its many boutiques and shops — over 160 to be exact. The pedestrian street is lined with various retailers today, but retains its name from the cattle market that had been held here since the 14th century. There’s a mix of local small stores and larger international brands, and at a variety of price points. Though with high-end options, this has become the most expensive street in the Netherlands. It’s at the heart of Amsterdam life, with many restaurants, clubs, museums, and of course, shops.

Fashion and clothing are the main shopping draws on Kalverstraat, but you’ll also find specialty stores with food, art, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to simply stroll and take in the surroundings. Local cafes and restaurants can be found throughout when you need a place to relax. A walk on the famous street is a must for any walking tour of the city.

Kalekoy Harbour is located in the small town of Kalekoy along the southwestern coast of Turkey. It is quiet traditional village that was once a Lycian settlement. While visitors can get there on land, taking a boat trip from nearby Kas is a much more enjoyable experience. The journey takes you past the rocky, dramatic coastline and passes the submerged remains of an ancient Lycian settlement near Kekova Island. Kalekoy is a popular yachting town, and you'll usually find several boats in the harbor.

At the top of the village is the Kalekoy Castle built by the Knights of St. John, and next to castle is the remains of the Lycian Simena graveyard. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of the village and the Mediterranean Sea. Down by the harbor, you'll find several restaurants and cafes selling local Turkish cuisine and freshly caught fish, as well as a few small pensions for those who decide to stay overnight.

Named for the rocky crag it perches upon, the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory was built in 1937 and stands 384 ft (117 m) above the Jungfraujoch–Top of Europe railway station. Starring on the silver screen, the Sphinx is a futuristic hub made of steel and glass, containing a weather observation station, laboratories and a vast telescope. Thanks to the clarity of the air up at 11,716 ft (3,571 m), top names in science and meteorology are attracted to work there and their living quarters are also in the building. Although the observatory is closed to visitors, its panoramic terraces were opened to the public in 1996 and are reached by foot tunnel and high-speed elevator from Top of Europe.

The 360° views from the Sphinx open out onto a year-round winter wonderland of snow-clad Swiss Alps spanning the Eiger and peaks in France, Germany and Italy. The summit of the Jungfrau stretches up behind the observatory and the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Aletsch Glacier, which is the longest in the Alps at 13.75 miles (22 km), lies at its foot, icy blue and glittering in the sun.

There are few visitor facilities at the Sphinx, but a choice of restaurants and the Eispalast (Ice Palace) at Top of Europe. Also it gets cold up there, so take gloves, hat, warm clothes and sturdy footwear.