Things to Do in Europe

Madrid’s Casa de Campo is the city’s 1,722-hectare verdant heart, an urban park that originated as hunting grounds for the Spanish Royal Family, whose decorative Palacio Real lies just to the south on Plaza de la Armeria. Since 1931, the park has been open for all comers to enjoy, and a favorite weekend picnic destination for Madrileño families.

Centered on a vast boating lake, this sprawling green oasis is a haven for walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters; for kids there’s a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel, water slides and rollercoasters, plus a zoo and aquarium. Free classical and rock concerts are held in the park in summer.

Casa de Campo is linked by the Teleférico de Madrid cable car to the Paseo del Pintor Rosales; the cabins travel at a height of 40 meters (130 ft) above Madrid and the single 2.5-km (1.5k mile) journey takes 10 minutes, looking down on Plaza España and the Palacio Real en route, with far-reaching panoramas over the Manzanares River. The terrace of the restaurant at the Casa de Campo cable-car station also has panoramic views over Madrid, and is just the spot for a reviving glass of sangria.

On your journey from Segovia’s Roman aqueduct to its Plaza Mayor, you’ll no doubt pass by one of the city’s most intriguing buildings, the Casa de los Picos. One look at the façade and you’ll easily see how it earned its name, the (loosely translated) House of Sharp Points, as its front is covered top to bottom with over 600 granite, diamond-shaped reliefs. 

It is believed that the 15th century noble home’s curious façade was created as a possible form of defense given the building’s rather exposed location. Legend has it, though, that the house was well known (famously or infamously) for its previous owners, so when new ones moved in, they chose to cover the façade. These days, the thick-walled structure is home to the Segovia Art School and serves as an exhibition hall, which is open to the public free of charge.

Though Passeig de Gràcia is most famously known for Gaudi-designed masterpieces La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, there’s another curious building to discover here: Casa Amatller. Constructed in the late 19th century, the former home was constructed for its namesake, chocolatier Antoni Amatller, and is just the place to go to see spectacular Modernisme architecture, and minus all the crowds.

Like its neighboring buildings along Passeig de Gràcia’s famous Block of Discord, or Illa de la Discordia, Casa Amatller also mixes things up architecturally, featuring both Flemish and Catalan styles. A visit to its interior is equally impressive, promising exquisitely tiled walls and floors, colorful stained-glass detailing, and rooms decorated with the original furniture. Appreciate the building from the busy Barcelona street, while inside at the chocolate-filled café, or on a pre-scheduled guided tour, during which you’ll learn about Casa Amatller’s history, and even enjoy a chocolate sample at the end.

This swanky casino has a strict dress code, but those with laidback vacation attire can hang outside at Casino Square, which is just as (if not more) entertaining than the goings-on inside. In short, it's where the real action is. Originally built as the entry to the Monte-Carlo in the late 1800s, the square (also known as Place du Casino) was a spot to see and be seen. It brought the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris together with the casino to create a large square to welcome patrons.

Men and women in their best outfits throw their keys to the valets, who get to drive some of the world's most astounding vehicles to their showcase parking spots around the fountain in the center of the square. And despite the posh and expensive atmosphere, an outdoor seat to watch the world go by can be had for the price of a coffee or beverage at the Café de Paris.

Interestingly enough, the Place du Casino is as close as the citizens of Monaco will ever get to the Casino of Monte-Carlo itself; they are forbidden to enter!

Originally belonging to the Governor of the Canaries, Casa de Colon was one of a small number of houses that became Las Palmas' first settlement, marking the beginning of the city in 1478.

As you might expect, displays at Casa de Colon have a strong nautical theme and include a replica of a ship's cabin that belonged to Columbus’ fleet, navigation instruments, nautical maps, charts and paintings related to voyages made by the famous navigator. The site's ornate doorways, latticed balconies and chocolate-box-like exterior make it one of Las Palmas’ most eye-catching buildings. If its pretty facade doesn't make you want to discover more about the building's history and Columbus's visit here, the interesting and well-run museum inside will.

Here you’ll find multilingual exhibits that explain the connection between the Canary Islands, Columbus and his great voyages that led him to discover and establish trading links with the new world.

If truly intimate, soul-grabbing flamenco is what you’re keen to experience while in Seville, then look no further than the Casa de la Guitarra. The cozy venue may be small in size and number of performers, but when it comes to spirit, talent, authenticity and value, it pretty much wins the prize every time.

Casa de la Guitarra was founded by flamenco guitarist great José Luis Postigo. With a passion for guitars, he not only opened this space to feature truly authentic flamenco but also to host a museum dedicated to his beloved instrument. The exhibit is the first of its kind in Spain, and displays some 60 antique guitars from the last three centuries. Meanwhile, the show, which is an hour long, features three performers - a guitarist, a singer, and dancer - and is all about the soul rather than any sort of tourist-geared spectacle.

One of Barcelona’s most fanciful buildings, the elaborate Casa Batlló was built by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is nicknamed the “House of Bones” for its contorted window frames and skeletal pillars. Casa Batlló’s interior is equally mind-boggling, featuring rippled walls, exquisite tile work, and sculpted fireplaces.

A masterpiece of modernist design, Casa Batlló has become one of the city’s most memorable tourist attractions. The UNESCO-listed building stands on the famous Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s central avenue, and ranks among Gaudí’s most famous structures. Gaudí-themed tours of Barcelona almost always include a visit to the building, and visitors pressed for time can opt for skip-the-line access. Caso Batlló is often visited in combination with Gaudí’s other famous sites, including nearby Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera), La Sagrada Familia, and the mosaic-filled Park Güell.

Situated in the heart of Barcelona, Casa Batlló is easily accessible on foot from most areas of the old city. You can get there via the metro (the nearest stop is Passeig de Gracia station), or by bus. Most hop-on hop-off bus tours of Barcelona also stop at Casa Batlló.

Casa Batlló is open year-round. In the busy summer months, expect long lines at the ticket window and opt for an early morning visit to avoid crowds. 

Antoni Gaudí worked the legend of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, into the architecture of Casa Batlló. Keep your eyes open for the back of the dragon pierced with Saint George’s sword, the balcony of the princess, and the skeletal remains of the dragon’s victims.

Casa Fernando Pessoa is in Lisbon’s slightly raffish neighborhood of Campo de Ourique and was the home of the revered Portuguese poet and literary critic Fernando Pessoa (1888–1935) for the last 15 years of his life. Opened in 1993 as part museum and part cultural center, there are displays of many of Pessoa’s possessions—such as his writing desk, his typewriter and spectacles—in rooms laid out as if he had just departed, providing an intimate portrait of the life and times of the city’s favorite 20th-century poet. Ironically Pessoa’s best-known work, The Book of Disquietude, was only widely acclaimed after his death.

Regular workshops, lectures, poetry recitals and temporary art exhibitions are held at the center, and Pessoa’s vast private library can also be accessed for research. The glass extension at the rear of the museum houses a delightful, poolside restaurant called Flagrante Delitro, with an reputation for producing excellent local Portuguese dishes; it’s the perfect pit stop after a guided tour of the museum.

The life and times of Fernando Pessoa can be further explored on walking tours of the areas of Lisbon associated with him; they are lead by a Pessoa expert from the University of Lisbon.

One of the trio of striking buildings that make up the ‘Illa de la Discordia’ (Block of Discord) along Barcelona’s famous Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Lleo i Morera stands proudly beside Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló and Josep Puig i Cadafalch’s equally eye-catching Casa Amatller. Elaborately restored in 1902 by architect Lluis Domènech i Muntaner, whose other works include the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana and the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Casa Lleó i Morera was built in 1864 and takes its name from its original owners, the Morera family.

On a guided tour, visitors can explore the spectacular modernist interiors of Casa Lleó i Morera. Along with the distinctive ornamental façade, highlights of the building include exquisite stained-glass windows, a series of sculptures by Eusebi Arnau, colorful mosaics by artists like Mario Maragliano and Lluís Bru i Salelles and exquisite furnishings, handcrafted by cabinetmaker Gaspar Homar.

Crossing the nerve-racking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a feat for the sure-footed—the narrow 66-foot-long (20-meter) swinging span is suspended high above the choppy Atlantic waters, connecting the Northern Irish mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Originally built more than 300 years ago by salmon fishermen—and since rebuilt with sturdier materials—the National Trust-managed footbridge is now traversed by wobbly-kneed travelers who want to soak up the rugged coastal scenery.

 

Many visitors come to the bridge on guided tours from Dublin and Belfast. Because of the bridge’s proximity to Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a 20-minute drive away, full-day tours often combine the two attractions, as well as other prominent Northern Ireland sights, such as Game of Thrones filming locations and the state-of-the-art Titanic Belfast, set on the site of the former Harland and Wolff shipyard where the ill-fated cruise liner was built. Individual visitors must purchase a ticket for the bridge at the site on the day of and will receive a time slot for crossing.

 

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is situated in County Antrim, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of Belfast city. The easiest way to travel is by guided tour. Visitors can also take Ulsterbus 252 or Ulsterbus 376 (also known as the Causeway Rambler) during summer.

 

The bridge opens daily from 9:30am. Closing time varies by season but is as late as 7pm in peak summer and as early as 3pm in winter. Ticket sales stop 45 minutes before closing. Book a guided tour or arrive first thing in the morning to secure your shot at crossing the bridge. Only a certain number of people are allowed on the bridge at any time, and timed tickets help keep lines manageable and moving. Avoid windy days when the bridge may be closed for safety reasons.

With so much attention placed on the bridge itself, many travelers give little thought to the island to which it connects. Though tiny, the grassy islet is worth exploring. Look for the traditional fisherman’s cottage, open to visitors on select weekends of the year, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes patrol the coastline, while basking sharks, dolphins, and porpoises frolic in the surrounding waters.

Located in the dreamy, medieval and semi-ruined Provençal village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the Alpilles Natural Regional Park, the Carrières de Lumières is a multi-media attraction featuring the works of world-famous artists such as Klimt, Gauguin and Van Gogh. Making use of a former quarry with huge, bare galleries held up by massive columns, art-based images are projected onto the surrounding rock accompanied by stirring music in an amazing son et lumière show that lasts for 40 minutes. The current show (due to end in January 2016) features the spectacular works of Italian Renaissance artists Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael in a totally immersive experience backed by the use of numerous video projectors and 3D audio. In between shows, the quarry walls are illuminated with ever-changing colors to reveal glittering minerals in the walls.

The excellent art bookshop on site features all the artists whose works are used in the light shows; there is also a program of concerts at the entrance to the Carrières, set against the backdrop of roughly hewn, 20-meter (66-foot) marble columns. 

Casino Gran Via, situated on Madrid’s boulevard of the same name, occupies a grand three-story building, formerly the Commercial and Industrial Union building, outfitted with marble staircases, chandeliers and a wide atrium covered in stained glass. Visitors will find three floors dedicated to gaming — everything from table games like American Roulette, poker and black jack to slot machines and electronic roulette machines.

Casino Gran Via is also home to three bars, including the luxe Bulle Champagne Bar, and the Circulo Mercantil Restaurant, serving upscale seasonal cuisine. Live music sets the mood nightly.

Opened in 2014, the striking Casa Milan is the headquarters of Milan’s leading football team, A.C. Milan, located just 10 minutes from the famous San Siro Stadium. Housed in a futuristic glass-fronted façade, embossed with the team’s red and black logo, the Casa Milan is the ultimate destination for AC Milan fans, home to a museum, a well-stocked souvenir shop and the Cucino Milanello restaurant.

The highlight for football enthusiasts is the Mondo Milan Museum, where interactive exhibitions and multi-media presentations take visitors on a journey through the triumphs and trials of the popular football club. The huge collection of memorabilia on display includes some rare and much-coveted items, and there’s also a Hall of Fame, Trophies Room and Ballon d'Or Winners Room to marvel over. 

Germany’s oldest casino opened for business in 1855 after a visiting Parisian brought up the idea of opening gaming rooms in the Black Forest spa town to add some spice to the evening entertainment options. While gambling became popular in the town during the early decades of the nineteenth century, it wasn’t until 1855 that Casino Baden-Baden came to be, and it still showcases the same glitz and glamour of the Second Empire.

Parisian designers fashioned the casino with crystal chandeliers, ornate frescoes and rich tapestries reminiscent of Fontainebleau or Versailles in France. While gambling remains a popular diversion, visitors can also take guided tours of the historic casino and hear tales of its storied past and famous patrons.

Built in the 1920s under the orders of wealthy textile manufacturers, the striking white façade and towering blue domes of Casa Carbonell has become an iconic landmark in the Alicante skyline. 

According to an old legend, Enrique Carbonell, a well-to-do businessman, arrived at a swanky local hotel after WWI and was turned away because of his shoddy dress. In an act of revenge he vowed to build an even better structure—what is now Casa Carbonell—right next door. While most locals deny the validity of this tale today, the impressive iron, glass and marble work of this classic building is irrefutable. Travelers will love to wander the grounds and capture images of Casa Carbonell against the striking backdrop of modern Alicante.

The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Built in the 12th century by Norman lord John de Courcy, it was used to ward off attacks from the Scots, Irish, English, and French, and also served as a garrison during World War I and an air raid shelter during World War II.

 

Carrickfergus Castle is now a historical attraction, with exhibits showcasing life inside the Norman castle. It’s often visited as part of organized guided tours from nearby Belfast. Day tours typically stop at other attractions in County Antrim, such as the Old Bushmills Distillery, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Giant’s Causeway. Some tours also stop at Game of Thrones filming locations, including the Cushendun Caves, Larrybane, the Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle.

 

 

Carrickfergus Castle is situated about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Belfast, overlooking the shore of Belfast Lough. Follow the A2 Shore Road; the journey takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the train from Belfast Central or Great Victoria Street stations and get off at Carrickfergus train station. The castle is just a 5-minute walk from the station.

 

The castle is open year-round. Last admission is relatively early (4pm from April to September, 3:30pm from October to March), so be sure to arrive before then. Go midweek to avoid the weekend crowds.

 

Carrickfergus Castle is just one of many castles and fortifications that dot the green landscapes of Northern Ireland. Other fairy-tale fortresses and manor houses include the Scottish baronial-style Belfast Castle, the ruined cliffside castle of Dunluce, and Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century stronghold for the Maguires of Fermanagh.

Picasso’s life in Spain spanned nearly all of the country’s corners, from the northwestern region of Galicia to big-city Barcelona, and, of course, Andalucia, where he was born in 1881. Indeed, it is in Malaga at the now-titled Casa Natal Picasso — Picasso’s former family home, located in the heart of Malaga’s old town — where he spent his first, and perhaps most formative years. 

Today, you can visit the artist’s childhood house, which is now the headquarters for the Fundación Picasso, a foundation that studies and promotes the artist’s work. The museum features more than 4,000 pieces by some 200 artists, including Picasso, as well as other contemporary artists. It also houses a variety of objects related to Picasso’s childhood, family, and his connection to Spain and the south.

It's awe-inspiring to walk through the ruins of ancient Roman temples and amphitheaters, but to bring history to a human level you've got see where those ancient people lived. You can do that at the Case Romane del Celio.

Underneath the Basilica of Santi Givanni e Paolo, the Case Romane del Celio is a network of ancient Roman houses. There are homes from different periods – one from the 2nd century, another from the 3rd century – and for different levels of society. There are beautiful frescoed walls and a small museum displaying some of the artifacts unearthed during the excavation of the site.

Opened to the public for the first time in 2017, Casa Vicens is Antoni Gaudí’s original modernist masterpiece and the first house he ever designed. Built in Barcelona in the 1880s for Manel Vicens i Montaner, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sets the tone for the rest of Gaudi’s architecture, created during Europe’s late 19th century and early 20th century Art Nouveau period.

 

Turned into a museum after restoration work and visitor-friendly updates, Casa Vicens features two floors of the Vicens family’s sitting rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms; a top floor space with a permanent collection depicting the house’s history and cultural context; a rooftop; a basement housing the La Capell specialty store and bookshop; and a garden. An admission ticket allows you to explore the house at your own pace, while guided tours limited to 10 people are available if you wish to explore with a tour guide for a more in-depth visit. Get the full Gaudí experience with a combo tour of Casa Vicens and other notable Gaudí attractions, such as Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

 

 

Casa Vicens is located in the Gràcia District of Barcelona, adjacent to the Eixample District, which is home to Gaudí’s Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. The closest metro station is Fontana. From there, it’s a 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walk north to Park Güell, another major Gaudí attraction, making it easy to visit both.

 

The house is open daily, with the exception of certain holidays. Tickets are timed, so you’ll choose your desired entrance time when booking.

 

If you’d like to get to know the Gràcia neighborhood where Casa Vicens is located, book a walking or scooter tour with a guide to show you around this artsy, bohemian barrio (neighborhood). Its narrow streets are home to cafés and a number of foreign restaurants, plazas such as Plaça de Sol, and a mix of both hip young professionals and elderly residents.