Things to Do in Europe

Northwest of Mâcon is the little town of Cluny. Dating to an abbey established in the year 910 (called Cluniacum), the town became the epicenter of a Benedictine reform movement that sought to revive monastic traditions. From this tiny hamlet grew over 2,000 Cluniac abbeys across western Europe, and along with them, Cluny’s distinctive architecture. Three subsequent churches were erected on the site over the next century, but the third one was closed during the French Revolution so its stone could be sold for building projects, leaving behind few remnants.

The two main tourist attractions in Cluny are the abbey’s remaining fortifications, mentioned above, as well as Blanot Cave. The former consists of three towers and the Porte des Jardins (Garden Gate). As for the abbey church itself, the south transept (the “cross-piece” of Gothic cathedrals) and the lower clock tower are all that remain of the abbey church. The Musée Lapidaire, housed in the old monastic granary, contains abbey artifacts such as third church’s figural capitals. Blanot Cave is a labyrinth of connected limestone galleries and huge rooms, 80 m (262 ft) below ground.

Towering 702 feet (214 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point and stretching for five miles (eight km) along the water, the world-famous Cliffs of Moher define the rugged west coast of Ireland. They are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, with tours available from cities such as Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Killarney, and Doolin, set only 5.6 miles (nine km) away.

What to See at the Cliffs of Moher

Once at the cliffs, visitors can wander a number of winding coastal trails and pathways, capture photos of the dramatic scenery, and walk out to peer over cliff edges at the waves below. The onsite underground Visitor Centre features educational exhibits and a number of arts and crafts gift shops, while the viewing platform atop the historical O’Brien’s Tower provides stellar views stretching west to the Aran Islands, north to Galway, and out along the Atlantic Coast.

Found in the Burren National Park region of County Clare, this natural wonder makes up only a short stretch of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Along with your stop at the iconic cliffs, see more of the Atlantic edge with a coastal drive that includes visits to Bunratty Castle, Corcomroe Abbey, Dunguaire Castle, and the quaint fishing village of Kinvara. Other notable sights include Galway Bay and Connemara.

Insider Tip

The cliffs can become especially crowded between 11am and 4pm, and even more so throughout July and August. To dodge the masses, stop for lunch at Fitzpatrick’s Pub in Doolin village before heading to the cliffs. The local seafood is particularly good here, and what’s an Irish lunch without a Guinness?

Things to Know Before You Go

• It’s recommended that you allocate at least two hours to explore the area.
• Weather can greatly affect visibility at the Cliffs of Moher; in the case of foggy conditions, admission tickets can be reused in the next 24 hours.
  
• The Cliffs of Moher site is both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and baby changing facilities are available.
  
• You’ll find free WiFi at the Visitor Centre.

The last vestige of York Castle, Clifford's Tower is now one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, perched on a grassy mound overlooking the River Ouse. Although the castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1069, the present-day tower was erected between 1245 and 1265 by Henry III when the fortress was rebuilt in stone and has served numerous purposes throughout its long history. Used over the years as a royal mint, a prison and an execution ground, the tower takes its name from Roger de Clifford, who was executed for treason by Edward II and hanged in chains from the tower walls.

Today, climbing the 55 steps to the top of the mound is a popular pastime among visitors to the city and walking along the tower ramparts affords expansive panoramic views over York.

The historic heart of Barcelona is the Cuitat Vella, or Old City, home to the majority of the city’s tourist attractions and encompassing the districts of El Raval, Barri Gotic, La Ribera and Barceloneta. With its abundance of iconic architecture, world-class museums and historic sights, most visitors to the city find themselves spending the majority of their time in the Cuitat Vella.

Las Rablas is the Old City’s main thoroughfare, separating the residential neighborhood and red light district of El Raval from the largely pedestrianized Barri Gotic, or Gothic Quarter. The Barri Gotic makes a popular starting point for a walking tour of the city, with sights including the historic Placa del Rei; the 14th century Palau Reial Major; the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral; the glitzy shopping street of Portal del Angel; the lively La Boqueria food market; and several Gaudi masterpieces, including the Palau Güell.

East of the Barri Gotic is the fashionable district of La Ribera and the small sub-neighborhood of El Born, also encompassing a number popular attractions. Key sights include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palau de la Musica Catalana, designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner; the Gothic Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral; the Picasso Museum; and the vast Parc de la Ciutadella, the city’s largest park, lying south of the landmark Arc de Triomf and including the Catalan Parliament building and Barcelona Zoo. Finally, the Barceloneta area runs along the coastline and is most famous for its eponymous beach – the city’s busiest beach, with 4.2 km of sandy coastline and a lively nightlife.