Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Washington Dc
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Vjetrenica Cave
Almost on the border with Croatia, the UNESCO-listed Vjetrenica cave system is the deepest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, disappearing 3.7 miles (six km) below the Dinaric Alps into a magical world of subterranean rivers, limestone galleries and glittering lakes. Spectacular tumbling stalagmites and stalactites loom in the semi-darkness of the meandering tunnels and its ever-running waters flow into the Trebisnjica River on the southern edge of the Popovo Polje valley.
Skeletons of bears and leopards have been found in the Vjetrenica caves along with primitive drawings dating back 10,000 years, which can clearly be seen etched into the walls. Many hundreds of rare animal species have been discovered here, including the olm, a salamander-cum-fish with legs, lungs and gills that is peculiar to the region. Visited by thousands before the tragic civil war of the 1990s tore former Yugoslavia apart, infrastructure for tourism at Vjetrenica has recently been upgraded and the caves are once more open to explore. Temperatures underground are at a constant and cool 11°C, so dress warmly as guided tours last around 60 minutes. As the underground pathways are slippery, take sturdy footwear; jackets and hard hats are provided.
Practical Info
Zavala. Opening hours: Apr–May Mon–Sat 10am–2pm; Sun 12pm–2pm. June–Oct Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 12pm–6pm. Outside these months, visits can be arranged on request. Admission: adults 10 KM; seniors & students 8 KM; children 4–15 5 KM. If coming to Vjetrenica from the Croatian side of the border, a passport is required.
Address: Zavala 88370, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Admission: Adults: 10 KM; Children: 5 KM
From $ 131
Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain is the fourth highest mountain in Bulgaria. It is just outside of the capital city of Sofia. The mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula, which was established in 1934 and today covers an area of almost 67,000 acres. In the winter, Vitosha Mountain is a popular place for downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and other snow sports. Ski season here lasts about 120 days.
In the summer months, Vitosha Mountain offers good hiking and trekking. There are several trails that are good for single day hikes and hikers of all levels. The mountain is home to a diverse number of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Throughout the year, 200 bird species can be seen here, with 120 of them nesting within the park. The longest cave in Bulgaria, at about 11 miles long, is also located at Vitosha Mountain. Other sites located here include a medieval orthodox church called Boyana Church and the Boyana Waterfall.
Practical Info
Vitosha Mountain is located 6 miles outside of Sofia.
Address: Bulgaria
From $ 46
Vrana Palace
Once the favorite palace of the Bulgarian Royal Family, Vrana is found in the suburbs of Sofia, surrounded by 100 hectares of parkland that were acquired by Tsar Ferdinand in 1889 for 56,000 lev. He created a farm and transformed the remaining land into gardens scattered with lakes and meandering pathways, planted with more than 400 exotic trees and shrubs garnered from his travels overseas. By 1906 a two-story wooden hunting lodge had been built by architect Georgi Filov, and this was followed by the Vrana Palace itself; designed by Nikola Lazarov and completed in 1914, it is a gigantic confection of Baroque and Art Nouveau styling.
With the advent of Communism in 1946, the Royal Family was exiled from Bulgaria and their land repossessed by the state. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the palace and grounds were returned to Simeon, the grandson of Ferdinand (and Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 2002 to 2005), who promptly donated the park back to the city on the understanding that it was opened to the public. It may only be open at the weekend but free, guided tours depart every hour, explaining the history of the palace and detailing the landscaping of the gardens. Today there are many shady walks past wooded copses, flower beds and rock gardens to enjoy but the palace remains closed to the public as it is once again the official home of the former Royal Family.
Practical Info
Boulevard Tsarigradsko Shosse 387, Sofia. Open Sat–Sun 10am–4pm; admission adults 5 leva; children aged between seven–18 2 leva; family ticket 8 leva. Take the metro to Interexpo Centre or No 505 bus from Orlov Most.
Address: Boulevard Tsarigradsko Shosse 387, Sofia 1784, Bulgaria
Hours: Open Sat–Sun 10am–4pm
Admission: Adults: 5 leva; Children: 2 leva; Family: 8 leva
From $ 41
Vistula River
Running an incredible 654.5 miles (1,053 kilometers) and traversing the entire length of the country, the Vistula River (Wisla) is Poland’s longest river, passing through both Warsaw and Krakow.
The Basics
In Krakow, it’s possible to explore the riverfront on a bike tour or Segway tour, while Vistula River cruises leave from the wharf beneath Wawel Castle and afford magnificent views of the royal castle, the Wawel Dragon Statue, the Church of St. Stanislaus, and the old Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz.
Boat tours also run along the River Vistula in Warsaw, or you can hop off to explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or stroll around the atmospheric Vistula Boulevards.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially in the evening hours.
- Some boat cruises are wheelchair accessible.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the many attractions and beautiful scenery you’ll see.
How to Get There
Originating on the slopes of the Beskidy Mountains in Southern Poland, the Vistula winds its way north through Krakow and Warsaw until it tips itself into the Baltic Sea in the Gdansk delta. In both Warsaw and Krakow, the river runs right through the heart of the city, and it’s easy to reach the riverfront on foot from many of the central attractions.
When to Get There
In Warsaw and Krakow, sightseeing cruises typically run between March and October.
Towns Along the Vistula River
In addition to Krakow and Warsaw, towns along the Vistula River include the UNESCO-listed medieval town of Toruń, where Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born; Kazimierz Dolny, known for its striking Renaissance architecture; and the hilltop town of Plock. The vast UNESCO-listed Gothic castle of Malbork lies on the Nogat river, the easternmost tributary of the Vistula, and in Gdansk there’s even a museum dedicated entirely to the river.
Address: Poland
From $ 21
W.E.B. Dubois Center
The W.E.B. Dubois Center is the former home and final resting place of American-born socialist, author, and civil rights activist, William Edward Burghardt DuBois, who became a citizen of Ghana in his later years. Dubois campaigned for African-American rights and was often referred to as the ‘Father of Pan-Africanism’.
The center, on the outskirts of Accra, was where DuBois and his wife lived for the last few years of his life, and is where they are now both buried. Along with the couple’s mausoleum, the site features his personal library, as well as a museum with a number of DuBois’ personal belongings on display. Surrounding the mausoleum is a restaurant, an amphitheater and a research institute dedicated to Pan-African history.
Practical Info
The W.E.B. Dubois Center is located off 2nd Circular Road in the Cantonments area of Accra. The center is open from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Address: 2nd Circular Road, Accra, Ghana
From $ 62
Vondelpark
As vital to Amsterdam as Rembrandt, canals, and coffee shops, on a sunny day there’s not place better than Vondelpark. As people from all walks of life descend on this sprawling English-style park - beautifully appointed with ponds, lawns, thickets, and winding footpaths - a party atmosphere ensues.
Some kick back by reading a book, others hook up with friends to cradle a beer at one of the cafes, while others trade songs on beat-up guitars. Still others jog, cruise on inline skates, ride bikes, and fly kites. Let us not forget families with prams, couples in love, teenagers playing soccer, and children chasing ducks - Vondelpark encourages visitors to enjoy and explore its bucolic surroundings.
On a summer day, a great place to follow the action is the upper terrace of Café Vertigo. Also check out the open-air theater and the lovely ponds and rose gardens.
Practical Info
Vondelpark is easily accessible by tram and bus. You’ll find bicycle rentals near the park’s main entrance and the Amstelveenseweg entrance, at the southwestern end of the park. Restaurants and shops populate the blocks northeast of the park. A few blocks southeast of the park is the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.
Address: Vondelkerkstraat 12, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Votivkirche (Votive Church)
In Vienna’s Alsergrund district, the two imposing towers of the Votivkirche welcome travelers to the city. The Votive Church is one of the most important neo-Gothic buildings in the world and is the second highest building in the city, right after the St. Stephen’s Church. As pretty as the church looks, the reason for its construction was actually a failed assassination attempt on the Habsburg Emperor. On the 18th of February 1853, tailor Janos Libenyi attacked young Franz Joseph I with a dagger, but the assassination attempt failed and the emperor survived. In gratitude for the salvation of His Majesty, his brother, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, called for a fundraiser to build a new church in Vienna. Soon after, construction began on the votive offering, a monumental white cathedral with rose windows, gabled portals and delicate spires and buttresses.
The interior of the Church shines with numerous chapels and altars. Most impressive are the main altar with the elaborately painted baldacchino, the octagonal baptismal made of Egyptian marble and a masterful Flemish woodcarving showing different scenes from the Passion. A special feature is also the Walcker-Organ, a beautiful instrument built in 1878 that is largely preserved in its original state.
Practical Info
The Votive Church can be found on the Ring Road in the Alsergrund district of Vienna. Opening hours for the church are Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 6pm and on Sundays from 9am to 1pm. The adjoining museum can be visited Tuesday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. To get there, take subway number U2 or a variety of trams to the station Schottentor.
Address: Rooseveltplatz, Vienna, Austria
From $ 58
Vitosha Boulevard
Named after the mountains that bound Sofia to the south, Vitosha Boulevard is the Romanian capital city’s most prestigious shopping street, snaking through the center of the city. Here visitors will discover all the top-end international designer stores, a massive bookshop, quality restaurants and cool bars, plus a backdrop of imposing civic buildings dating from Sofia’s expansion between the two world wars. As well as the National Palace of Culture, which marks the northern end of Vitosha, the former Communist Party HQ and the Central Department Store (TSUM) stand just off the boulevard and form part of tours of Sofia’s Soviet heritage.
Fully pedestrianized from Boulevard Evtimiy in the south to Alabin Street in the north, Vitosha’s recent facelift has included pretty floral beds, benches to chill on, Art Nouveau kiosks, street cafés and wrought-iron lampstands. The corner of Vitosha and Evtimiy is Sofia’s most popular meeting spot and it’s also worth diving into the side streets off the main drag for more retail opportunities in independent boutiques. Come evening, there’s a whole world of cuisine on tap, with restaurants offering everything from traditional Bulgarian byurek (stuffed filos) to Irish pints.
Practical Info
Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia. Open 24/7, free admission. Metro to NDK.
Address: Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia 12052, Bulgaria
Hours: 24/7
From $ 49
Vittorio Emmanuele II Monument
One of the most famous (and, for many Romans, infamous) landmarks in Rome, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is home to the Complesso del Vittoriano museum complex, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Roma dal Cielo elevator that connects to the panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking The Eternal City.
The Basics
The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II) overlooking Piazza Venezia in central Rome—also known as the Altare della Patria, or simply the Vittoriano—was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, the enormous and, some might argue, ostentatious building is home to Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, and an important art exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini). The Roma dal Cielo elevator, which transports visitors up to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe scenic rooftop terrace, was added in 2007.
Located near the Palatine Hill, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is included in many hop-on-hop-off bus tours tours of Rome, as well as guided walking, bike, or Segway tours that also include skip-the-line-access to the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum. The monument’s white-marble staircase and facade are particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see the building at its most dramatic.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ala Brasini exhibition space, which hosts temporary art exhibitions, is an interesting stop for art enthusiasts.
- The monument is accessible to wheelchair users through the Via del Teatro di Marcello entrance on the right side of the building.
- Bring your camera—you’ll want to capture the views from the monument’s rooftop terrace.
How to Get There
The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument’s three entrances—Piazza Venezia, Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building, and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right—are all easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of Rome’s main squares and a transit hub for buses and trams.
When to Get There
The museum complex at the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is open daily into the evening hours, so visit at the end of a day after the midday crowds have thinned. For the best picture, catch the elevator to the rooftop terrace either first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon.
The Famous (or Infamous) Vittoriano
The Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments since it was completed at the beginning of the 20th century, both because a historic quarter of the city was destroyed to make room for its construction and because of its pompous architecture. Over the decades, Romans have given the monument a number of unflattering nicknames, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle”.
Address: Piazza Venezia, Roma, Province of Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 29
Volcanoes National Park
There’s no experience on Earth quite like catching your first glimpse of a majestic silverback mountain gorilla through the leaves of the mountain forests covering the slopes of Rwanda’s Virunga volcanoes. That’s just what visitors come to Volcanoes National Park to do.
Encompassing a 62 square-mile (160 square-kilometer) swathe of land — home to five volcanic peaks — the park is one of only four places left on the planet where travelers can see mountain gorillas in the wild. It’s also arguably the best; the park is believed to house about half of the remaining population — about 400 individuals.
Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can trek along the park’s many trails, summit Mount Bisoke for views of neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, observe playful golden monkeys as they swing through the trees or pay homage to famous gorilla advocate Dian Fossey, whose grave sits within the park.
Practical Info
The best time to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season, from June to September.
Address: Musanze, Rwanda
Admission: Permit required for gorilla trekking
From $ 1,995
Volendam
Volendam is a glimpse into the past. Here, colorful wooden houses surround a boat-filled harbor, and locals wear traditional Dutch clogs, aprons, and bonnets. Once a favorite inspiration spot for artists such as Picasso and Renoir, the village now draws visitors for its cheese, seafood, and historic atmosphere.
The Basics
Volendam is an ideal day trip destination from Amsterdam. Visit on a guided excursion and walk the maze-like streets with a local tour guide to peruse souvenir shops, seafood stalls, and quaint cafés, or delve into the town’s history at the Volendam Museum, which houses paintings, sculptures, and pottery. You can also learn about the evolution of Dutch cheese-making at the Cheese Factory and Museum, or visit a clog maker to try on traditional Dutch costumes. The surrounding countryside is also filled with charming fishing villages—get an overview of the area on a group coach or cycling tour from Amsterdam, and hit must-see spots such as the Zaanse Schans windmills, the village of Marken, and the famous cheese-making town of Edam. Or, give your experience a maritime touch by visiting Volendam on a boat tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t miss the local seafood; for a signature meal, order salmon with dill or a bouillabaisse-style seafood stew.
- Much of Volendam are wheelchair accessible.
- There is a tourist office on the corner of Juliana-Weg and Populierenlaan, and a tourist information stand near the waterfront.
How to Get There
Volendam is located on Gouwzee Bay, 13.5 miles (22 kilometers) northeast of Amsterdam, or 30 minutes by road. The village is easily accessible from the capital city by bus, car, or bicycle. Public car parking is available in town.
When to Get There
Though there is plenty to do year-round in Volendam, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, so late spring and summer are the best times to visit. Volendammer Weekend in June is especially festive, with traditional crafts and eel-smoking demonstrations, people in authentic Dutch dress, sailing competitions, and more. Winters in the Netherlands can be rainy and windy, so dress accordingly.
Things to Do Near Volendam
The historic cheese-making town of Edam is set just a few minutes inland of Volendam, and the working windmill village of Zaanse Schans is also nearby. Across the bay lies the fishing village of Marken, which can be reached by a 45-minute ferry ride. You can visit the Alkmaar cheese market from April through September. If visiting Volendam in spring, consider going to Keukenhof Gardens to see the millions of flowering seasonal bulbs.
Address: Volendam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 10
Volcan San Pedro
Looming above the shores of Lake Atitlan and the village of San Pedro La Laguna, Volcan San Pedro is one of the region’s most accessible for volcano trekking. The views from the top make it well worth the effort of getting there.
Two routes lead to the volcano’s summit 9,908 feet (3,020 meters) above sea level. Both are strenuous, mostly uphill climbs through corn fields and coffee plantations, oak and pine forests. The volcanic soil coating the dormant peak is rich in nutrients, so many Guatemalans grow their crops along the volcanic foothills.
Practical Info
For safety reasons, hikers should never try to climb Volcan San Pedro alone. Bring a few buddies, or better yet, hire a guide to lead you to the top and back.
Address: San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá, Guatemala
Admission: 100Q
From $ 65
Vitacura
The name of this street, and the neighborhood that surrounds it, is synonymous with fairly close-in luxury in Santiago. It’s just to the north of sprawling (but also pricey) Las Condes, and contains some of the highest-valued real estate in the city, including world class hotels, restaurants, shopping, and one of the nicest urban parks you’re likely to visit in South America.
Shopping takes place on Vitacura itself, and then on two main tree-lined boulevards called Nueva Costanera and Alonso de Córdoba, where there is loads of shopping for clothing and home design, including international boutiques, and a couple of local stores. For restaurants, choose from several reservations-only, dress up restaurants on Nueva Costanera, many of which have won awards, including recently, Boragó, which was named one of the top 50 restaurants in South America. The other two Chilean restaurants also named are close by, Osaka, in the W Hotel on Isidora Goyanachea, and Ambrosia, a bit further up from Parque Bicentenario, a lovely park with waterfowl to feed, chaises to sit in (under umbrellas), a few running paths, and a dog agility park.
Vitacura is also home to two worthwhile museums, the Museo de La Moda (fashion museum) and the free Ralli art museum, both easily accessed by taxi from anywhere in Vitacura.
Practical Info
Staying in Vitacura means either long walks to the metro or taking a taxi. It’s a great place for business travelers, and families will feel right at home in its near northern-Californian vibe, where that vibe includes the toniest mall in the city, with a newly-opened luxury boulevard, with the most exclusive shops and restaurants.
Address: Santiago, Chile
From $ 50
Vrsic Pass
At an elevation of more than 1600 meters, the Vrsic Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, crossing the eastern Julian Alps. Part of the Russian Road built for military use in the early 19th century, the pass connects Upper Carniola with the Trenta Valley. This includes a series of 50 numbered hairpin turns leading up to the pass. A Russian Orthodox chapel stands on the north side of the pass near hairpin 8 and a Russian cemetery can be found near hairpin 4. Both the chapel and cemetery honor the Russian prisoners of war who died in an avalanche while building the road. On the south side of the pass, a bronze monument honors Slovenian mountaineer and writer Julius Kugy.
Those wishing to stretch their legs along the way can park near the top of the pass and follow a footpath to a mountain hut. From there, the path leads up to a summit for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The route can be covered on foot in about 45 minutes.
Practical Info
The Russian Road leading up to the Vrsic Pass begins in Kranjska Gora and then descends into the Soca Valley. The road and pass are open about seven months out of the year, with the highest part of the pass impassable due to snow in the winter months.
Address: Soca, Slovenia
From $ 93
Wacky Rollers Adventure Park
The Wacky Rollers Adventure Park is for everyone who wishes they could star in Survivor. Aerial rope walks, Tarzan jumps, ziplining across a river – Wacky Rollers presents adventurers with an extreme challenge course in the Dominican jungle.
Eco-friendly fun and safety are uppermost at Wacky Rollers, including a briefing and demonstration, harness, helmet and gloves.
Expect a workout, jungle views across the treetops from the zipline, and a welcome drink and chill-out session after your adventure.
Eco-friendly fun and safety are uppermost at Wacky Rollers, including a briefing and demonstration, harness, helmet and gloves.
Expect a workout, jungle views across the treetops from the zipline, and a welcome drink and chill-out session after your adventure.
Practical Info
The Wacky Rollers Adventure Park is on the Layou River outside Roseau.
Address: Layou River, Roseau 00152, Dominica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: $81
From $ 63
Vouliagmeni Beach
Vouliagmeni Beach lies south of Athens on the route down to Cape Sounion, and forms part of a necklace of soft, sandy beaches on the sun-drenched Apollo Coast. One of four beaches in the town of the same name, it is privately owned and requires an admission fee, but for this visitors are rewarded with lifeguards, manicured sand, sun-loungers and parasols, extensive tennis and volleyball facilities, play areas for kids, canoes and pedalos for hire, water slides and private changing cabanas. It is one of the most popular beaches in the region and its beach bars are rammed with the great and good of Athens on summer weekends; despite the crowds, its shallow Aegean waters are consistently awarded Blue Flag status. Backed by plenty of shops and fish restaurants, the beach is also known for its buzzing nightlife.
Practical Info
There is an €8 charge to use the beach. Vouliagmeni is 23 km (14.25 miles) south of Athens and can be reached by public buses E2 or E22 from Akadamias in Athens, or by car in 40 minutes (longer on summer weekends).
Address: Vouliagmeni, Athens, Attica, Greece 16671, Greece
Admission: €8
From $ 52
Vouliagmeni Lake
Vouliagmeni Lake is located approximately 15 miles outside of Athens, Greece. It is an oval-shaped lake with brackish water that is fed by both the sea and underground springs. The lake is only 20 inches above sea level, so it often overflows and is replenished by the underground springs. At the bottom of the lake is a labyrinth of underwater caves with 14 tunnels. The composition of the lake's water consists of various elements and is used as a mineral spa famous for its healing properties. Many people come here to treat various physical ailments such as skin conditions, arthritis, headaches and more.
Aside from therapy reasons, the lake is also popular for leisure and recreational activities. The water temperature is consistently between 71 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit which makes for pleasant swimming. There are beach chairs and umbrellas near the shores of the lake, and a nearby restaurant serves traditional Greek food. The lake also has a fish spa, yoga and Pilates classes, and walking trails.
Practical Info
Vouliagmeni Lake is on the western coast of Attica and can be reached by bus from Athens. The lake is open for swimming daily from 7am to 8pm. General admission is 9 euros on weekdays and 10 euros on weekends.
Address: Athens, Greece
Hours: Open for swimming daily 7am-8pm
Admission: 9 Euros on weekdays, 10 Euros on weekends
From $ 103
Vittoriano Museum Complex
The Vittoriano monument, among the most famous landmarks in Rome, is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vittoriano Museum Complex. This is where some of the city’s most important art exhibitions are held each year, so it’s a particularly interesting for art enthusiasts.
The Basics
The Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, in addition to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), and the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, the enormous building houses a large exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini), which is used as a venue for temporary exhibitions. For one of the best views in the city, take the panoramic Roma dal Cielo elevator, which was added to the building in 2007, up to the rooftop Terrazza delle Quadrighe.
The Vittoriano dominates the central Piazza Venezia square near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and is included in many small-group walking tours of Rome, or guided tours by bike or car. The monument is particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see its white-marble staircase and dramatically lit facade.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum complex inside the Vittoriano hosts important exhibitions and retrospectives of Italian and international artists, which change regularly.
- Be sure to bring your camera if you’re taking the Roma dal Cielo elevator up to the monument’s rooftop terrace.
- The monument is accessible to wheelchairs via the Via del Teatro di Marcello entrance on the right side of the building.
How to Get There
The Vittoriano has three entrances: Piazza Venezia; Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building; and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right. All are easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of the main squares in the center of Rome and a transit hub for buses and trams from the Termini train station.
When to Get There
The museum complex at the Vittoriano is open daily into the evening hours, so consider visiting after the midday crowds have dispersed. Catch the elevator to the panoramic terrace either first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting for the best photographs.
The Vittoriano Controversy
Since its completion at the beginning of the 20th century, the Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments, an object of derision for many Romans due to its massive size and elaborate architecture. Over the decades, it has earned a number of nicknames from locals, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle.”
Address: Piazza Venezia, Rome, Italy
From $ 22
Wachau Valley
With rolling vineyards of grapes and apricots, plus a collection of more than 5,000 historic monuments, it's no wonder that the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Austria's most popular tourist attractions. The Danube River carves a picturesque path through the valley's towns of Melk and Krems, uniting a harmonious blend of wineries, Gothic churches, and medieval castles.
The Basics
The Wachau Valley (Danube Valley) is most commonly visited on a day-trip from Vienna. Wine tasting is regularly at the top of Wachau Valley tours' itineraries, as is Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery adorned with bright frescoes. The valley is also a popular place for a bike tour thanks to its flat paths and stunning scenery.
Full-day tours typically combine visits to the castle ruins of Burgruine Durnstein, the village of Spitz, and the medieval town of Krems with a Danube River cruise. Energetic sightseers can also add Salzburg — the birthplace of Mozart and setting for 'The Sound of Music' to their schedule on an excursion that covers the Salzkammergut Valley and Salzburg's Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Lower Austria's close proximity to Bratislava and Budapest, the respective capitals of Slovakia and Hungary, make the region an ideal launchpad for exploring more of Europe.
How to Get to the Wachau Valley
From Wien Westbahnhof in central Vienna, catch the REX train to Melk Bahnof (a one-hour journey) or to Krems, which requires changing trains at St. Polten. If visiting from Salzburg, you should also change trains at St. Polten for the REX line destined for Melk. Although catching the train to Melk is a breeze (especially from Vienna), it's best to explore the valley with a tour guide as part of a sightseeing or biking tour. With more than 5,000 historic landmarks, it's tough to see the best independently.
When to Get There
The spring months of March to May are undoubtedly the best time to visit the Wachau Valley, when wine and food festivals such as the Wachau Gourmet Festival and Wachau Weinfr¸hling take place. In late March and early April, the area's landscapes are awash with the pastel-pink blossoms of apricot trees.
The Basics
The Wachau Valley (Danube Valley) is most commonly visited on a day-trip from Vienna. Wine tasting is regularly at the top of Wachau Valley tours' itineraries, as is Melk Abbey, an 11th-century Benedictine monastery adorned with bright frescoes. The valley is also a popular place for a bike tour thanks to its flat paths and stunning scenery.
Full-day tours typically combine visits to the castle ruins of Burgruine Durnstein, the village of Spitz, and the medieval town of Krems with a Danube River cruise. Energetic sightseers can also add Salzburg — the birthplace of Mozart and setting for 'The Sound of Music' to their schedule on an excursion that covers the Salzkammergut Valley and Salzburg's Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Lower Austria's close proximity to Bratislava and Budapest, the respective capitals of Slovakia and Hungary, make the region an ideal launchpad for exploring more of Europe.
- History buffs and wine lovers are spoiled for choice of things to do in Wachau Valley.
- The region can be explored by car, coach bus, or bike.
- Most tours include hotel pickup and dropoff in Vienna.
How to Get to the Wachau Valley
From Wien Westbahnhof in central Vienna, catch the REX train to Melk Bahnof (a one-hour journey) or to Krems, which requires changing trains at St. Polten. If visiting from Salzburg, you should also change trains at St. Polten for the REX line destined for Melk. Although catching the train to Melk is a breeze (especially from Vienna), it's best to explore the valley with a tour guide as part of a sightseeing or biking tour. With more than 5,000 historic landmarks, it's tough to see the best independently.
When to Get There
The spring months of March to May are undoubtedly the best time to visit the Wachau Valley, when wine and food festivals such as the Wachau Gourmet Festival and Wachau Weinfr¸hling take place. In late March and early April, the area's landscapes are awash with the pastel-pink blossoms of apricot trees.
Address: Between Melk and Krems 3390, Austria
From $ 87
Vltava River
The Czech Republic’s longest river, the Vltava begins in southern Bohemia before meandering 270 miles (430 kilometers) northward toward Prague. The river has shaped the Czech capital over millennia, splitting Malá Strana (Lower Town) in the west from Staré Mĕsto (Old Town) and the modern city to the east.
The Basics
As it runs through Prague, the Vltava River’s most famous sight is the 14th-century Charles Bridge, lined with looming statues, buskers, and souvenir sellers. Many city tours include river cruises, which afford the perfect vantage point for views of hilltop Prague Castle, the church spires in Malá Strana, and the towers of the Staré Mĕsto. Most cruises start from beneath the Charles Bridge.
Turning north through the heart of the city, cruisers pass the Rudolfinum and National Theater, the Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter), and the giant metronome in Letná Park (Letenské sady). Small open-topped wooden barges also venture into the Devil’s Canal (Čertovka), once a millrace around Kampa Island and now a sleepy backwater lined with baroque townhouses. Even if you don’t take a cruise on the Vltava, a stroll along the riverbank affords some excellent city views.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many Vltava River cruises include lunch or dinner, sometimes with live musical accompaniment.
- A cruise along the Vltava offers excellent views of Prague’s skyline.
- River cruises are sometimes included as an add-on to a city tour.
- A total of 107 bridges span the river, and 17 of these are within Prague.
How to Get There
Cruises typically start close to the Charles Bridge, a 10-minute walk from the heart of Old Town. Staromĕtská metro station is a five-minute walk away. Some tours pick guests up from the center of Prague or directly from their hotels.
When to Get There
Evening cruises typically include dinner and offer views of Prague at its most atmospheric, as the castle is lit up by floodlights. Summer is the city’s busiest tourist season. If you want to skip the crowds but avoid the cold of winter, visit in spring or fall.
The Musical River
Vltava (The Moldau), the symphonic poem by Bedřich Smetana, is a musical interpretation of the river’s course through Bohemia and one of the best-known classical works by a Czech composer. It is part of a set of six symphonic poems called Má vlast (My Country).
Address: Vltava, Czech Republic
From $ 12