Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Menin Gate Memorial
The Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium is one of four Commonwealth memorials honoring missing soldiers of World War I. The remains of over 90,000 soldiers who fought in the Ypres Salient area have never been found or identified. The memorial holds the names of more than 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in the Ypres Salient battlefields in Flanders and and who have no known grave. Throughout the war, nearly every British and Commonwealth regiment passed through the area where the memorial now sits, many of them never to return.
Every night at 8pm a ceremony is held under the gate. Most days, people start gathering around 7pm, traffic is stopped at 7:30pm for one hour, and buglers from the local volunteer fire department arrive a few minutes before 8pm. The buglers sound the “Last Post” bugle call which is followed by one minute of silence. On days when there is no extended ceremony, the buglers then play “Réveille” to end the ceremony. The tradition started on July 1, 1928, lasted for four months, and was reinstated in the spring of 1929 as a permanent ritual. The only exception was during the four years of German occupation during World War II. The daily tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives defending Ypres has become a part of life for those who live there.
Practical Info
The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is located on the east side of Ypres.
Address: Kavwekijnstraat 1, Ypres, Belgium
From ¥ 594
Mersey Ferries
Running right through the heart of the city, the Mersey River is the lifeblood of Liverpool, and the city’s iconic ferries have sailed its shores for more than 800 years. One of Liverpool’s most renowned tourist activities, a ferry ride across the river offers spectacular views along the waterfront.
The Basics
Mersey Ferry services include cross-river commuter transport and trips along the Manchester Ship Canal to Salford Quays in Manchester, but the most popular choice for visitors is a 50-minute Mersey River explorer cruise. If you’re sightseeing in Liverpool, you can also combine a boat cruise with a hop-on hop-off, open-top bus tour, tickets to attractions like the Spaceport or U-Boat Story, or a visit to the Liverpool Cathedral Tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Audio commentary is available on-board.
- On-board services include a café, restroom, and open-air viewing deck.
- All Mersey ferries and ferry terminals are fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Mersey Ferries depart regularly from the Pier Head Ferry Terminal, next to the famous Liver Building on the Mersey River waterfront. The ferries sail across the water to Birkenhead Woodside Ferry Terminal and Seacombe Ferry Terminal on the Wirral Peninsula. River cruises can be boarded from any of the three ports.
When to Get There
Mersey Ferries run all year round, although times vary throughout the year. During the peak summer months, opt for an early morning departure if you want to avoid the crowds.
The Mersey River in Pop Culture
Taking a ferry cruise across the River Mersey is such a strong Liverpool tradition that it was immortalized in the 1964 Gerry and the Pacemakers song “Ferry Cross the Mersey.” A smash hit on both sides of the Atlantic, it remains one of Liverpool’s most popular anthems, covered by numerous artists over the years including Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Burton Cummings, Pat Metheny, and even Sir Paul McCartney, as part of a fundraising effort for the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
Address: Pier Head, Liverpool L3, England
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Adults: from £2.70
From ¥ 88
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial)
A somber yet striking memorial stretching over a 4.7-acre (1.9-hectare) plot in the center of Berlin, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Denkmal für die Ermordeten Juden Europas) was opened in 2005 to remember and honor the some 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
The Basics
Taking the time to walk through the memorial is essential, and visiting on a private or small-group Berlin walking tour means your guide will be able to offer insight into its significance. You should explore the underground Information Centre, where the moving exhibitions include the Room of Names, the Room of Dimensions, and the Room of Families. For a deeper understanding of Berlin’s World War II and Cold War history, combine a visit with a stop at the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, or the Jewish Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the memorial and information center is free.
- Be mindful that the memorial is a place of remembrance, so avoid loud or disrespectful behavior and don’t allow children to play around the pillars.
- The memorial is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Holocaust Memorial is located on Cora-Berliner-Strasse 1 in central Berlin, just south of the Brandenburg Gate and on the eastern edge of the Tiergarten Park. You can walk there from the Reichstag building and Potsdamer Platz, or take the U-Bahn to the Franzosische Strasse or Mohrenstrasse stations.
When to Get There
The memorial is open 24/7, although you’ll need to visit during the day to see the information center. To avoid the crowds and experience the memorial at its quietest, opt for an early morning or nighttime visit.
The Meaning Behind the Memorial
The memorial features 2,711 concrete pillars of varying heights forming a grid-like structure that can be approached and viewed from all angles. The unsettling combination of the undulating ground and ever-changing horizon line create an intentionally uneasy and confusing atmosphere. Architect Peter Eisenman designed it to be a place of contemplation, remembrance, and warning.
Address: Cora-Berliner-Strasses 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Memorial site open 24 hours, Info Center Apr-Sep: Tue-Sun 10am-8pm; Oct-Mar: Tue-Sun 10am-7pm
Admission: Free entry, Audio tours €3
From ¥ 109
Menton
Many visitors to Nice note its Italian influences; but Menton, even further east and directly on the French/Italian border, is about as Italian as a place can get without actually being in Italy. From its dialect (which has Italian roots) to its name (which came from the Romans), Menton may be French by nationality, but its heart is all Italian.
This is especially true when considering its many gardens; after all, the Italian Liguria coast, which comes next after the French Riviera, is known as the “Riviera of Flowers,” and Menton fits right in. The Jardin Serre de la Madone, the Jardin botanique exotique de Menton and the gardens at Les Colombières villa are well worth a visitor's time – it's like a series of oases after city schlepping.
Speaking of gardens, the symbol of the lemon can be found everywhere – and for good reason. It's the official symbol of the town, which grows the fruit as well as oranges. In fact, it's the Lemon Festival Capital of the World, with the party happening in February – a great off-season reason to visit this corner of the French Riviera.
Practical Info
Menton is a half-hour local train ride from Nice and one stop away from Ventimiglia, the Italian border town.
Address: Menton, France
From ¥ 752
Mercado de San Miguel
While in the heart of Madrid’s tourist center, get closer to the culinary side of the Spanish capital and its history by visiting Mercado de San Miguel. Located just steps away from the city’s Plaza Mayor, or main square, it’s the perfect spot to take in some culture while you refuel on good eats at this restored, old-fashioned covered market.
The mercado, or market, has roots dating back to the early 1800s, when it was first created as an open-air market on the site of a former church of the same name. Later converted to a covered market, it was finally renovated and restored in 2003. What you’ll find there today is a wide selection of tasty items, ranging from fresh market goods to ready-to-eat delicacies such as paella, olives, cheese, and the city’s favorite drink, fresh-from-the-tap vermouth.
Practical Info
The market can get extremely busy during meal hours, so to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during less-busy times of the day, such as the morning.
Address: Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid 28005, Spain
Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
From ¥ 81
Memento Park
Following WWII, Budapest was firmly brought under Soviet occupation and only escaped the harsh embrace of Communism in 1989, when the Iron Curtain came down across Europe and democracy was (largely) restored.
Under Communism, scores of statues celebrating Marx, Lenin and Engels were erected as propaganda tools around Budapest. They were all uniformly monumental in scale, made out of concrete and downright ugly, and were soon joined by equally vast statues of Hungarian Communist leaders Béla Kun and Arpád Szakasits as well as gigantic allegorical monuments to Soviet heroism.
When the Soviet Union finally collapsed in 1989 and Hungary began to enjoy its first vestiges of independence, these monolithic reminders of years of suppression were torn down and carted off to Memento Park on the city’s south-west outskirts. Here they are displayed as a grim reminder of Communism and the Cold War along with an old Trabant and a half-destroyed statue of Lenin, which was desecrated in the 1956 rebellion.
The park is dominated by the 20-foot (six-m) statue of a wild-eyed liberation soldier, arms flung wide, hammer and sickle in his hand and gun slung around his neck; this once stood on the top of Gellért Hill and was seen as a symbol of Budapest’s repression.
Under Communism, scores of statues celebrating Marx, Lenin and Engels were erected as propaganda tools around Budapest. They were all uniformly monumental in scale, made out of concrete and downright ugly, and were soon joined by equally vast statues of Hungarian Communist leaders Béla Kun and Arpád Szakasits as well as gigantic allegorical monuments to Soviet heroism.
When the Soviet Union finally collapsed in 1989 and Hungary began to enjoy its first vestiges of independence, these monolithic reminders of years of suppression were torn down and carted off to Memento Park on the city’s south-west outskirts. Here they are displayed as a grim reminder of Communism and the Cold War along with an old Trabant and a half-destroyed statue of Lenin, which was desecrated in the 1956 rebellion.
The park is dominated by the 20-foot (six-m) statue of a wild-eyed liberation soldier, arms flung wide, hammer and sickle in his hand and gun slung around his neck; this once stood on the top of Gellért Hill and was seen as a symbol of Budapest’s repression.
Practical Info
Memento Park is on the corner of Balatoni and Szabadkai streets in Budapest XXII. Opening times are 10am-sunset daily. Admission is discounted with Budapest Card. Bus no 150 from Fehérvári út to Memento Park; journey takes about 30 minutes. A direct shuttle runs daily at 11am from Deák tér metro station.
Address: Memento Park, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 10am - Sunset
Admission: Adult: 1500HUF; Student: 1000HUF
From ¥ 172
Merchant City
Glasgow’s Merchant City buzzes with cool bars, hip restaurants, boutique hotels and designer stores. Stretching from Merchant Square to Royal Exchange Square, the whole area is perfect for a stroll and popular for its high-end shopping centered on Ingram Street and the Italian Centre, the home of the UK’s first Versace. With its piazzas, arches and pavement cafes, the city center district has a decidedly continental feel - a surprise in the heart of Scotland’s biggest city.
Remember to look up at all of the Victorian facades and lovingly restored 18th-century warehouses. From Glasgow Cathedral in all its Gothic glory to the looming necropolis known as the Victorian City of the Dead, there is plenty to interest architecture aficionados. Make sure to look out for Provand’s Lordship, too; it’s the only medieval house in the city.
Every year, tens of thousands descend on Merchant City for the multi-arts Merchant City Festival. The Public Arts Trail also runs right through the district, and the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) sits in Royal Exchange Square.
Merchant City is compact, with all of its attractions within walking distance of one another. Queen Street Station and Argyle Street Station are the closest train stops, while Buchanan Street is the closest subway and bus station. Entrance is free, and Buchanan Street is open all year-round.
Address: Merchant City, Glasgow, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From ¥ 132
Medjugorje
This city with stunning hillside scenery has a name that literally means “between the mountains”. Its epic landscapes and brilliant green views attract Catholic pilgrims from across the globe, thanks to reports that the Virgin Mary was sighted here. According to locals, apparitions started in 1981. Sice then, some 40 million people have made their way to the town of Medjugorje in hopes of bearing witness or being healed.
Travelers can attend daily mass in English or Croatian at St James Church or one of the other cathedrals that dot the countryside and journey up the well-marked path on Apparition Hill, where one of the first sightings of the Virgin Mary is said to have occurred. It’s possible to stop for prayer and contemplation at the famed Blue Cross statue, which sits at the foot of the hill or climb nearby Mt Krizvec, where a 29-foot high crucifix was built. Visitors will find deep religious roots in this stunning hillside community.
Practical Info
The town is located about 16 miles (25 km) southwest of Mostar, near the border of Croatia.
Address: Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
From ¥ 141
Melk Abbey
With its ornate golden-colored façade and grand baroque church towers set against an idyllic backdrop of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River, Melk Abbey looks more like a palace than a monastery. Founded in 1089, the Benedictine abbey underwent a dramatic makeover in the 18th century and is now regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful baroque churches.
The Basics
The town of Melk lies at the western end of Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and full-day tours from Vienna often combine an abbey visit with wine tastings in the valley, a boat cruise along the Danube River, or even a trip to Salzburg or across the Czech border to Cesky Krumlov. The castle is open to visitors with or without a guided tour from April to October.
How to Get There
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the Melk Monastery can be reached on foot from the Melk train station (a 10-minute walk) or by a short taxi ride. Most visitors opt to visit on a day trip from Vienna, 50 miles (90 km) east, but it’s equally accessible from Salzburg, 70 miles (115 km) west, or Spitz, 12 miles (20 km) north.
When to Get There
The Melk Abbey is open all year round, but from November through March, visits are only possible by guided tour and must be booked in advance. The abbey can get busy in July and August, so plan an early morning or late afternoon start to avoid the crowds.
The Baroque Gems of Melk Abbey
The abbey is famous for its exquisite baroque architecture, the work of architect Jakob Prandtauer. Highlights include the Marble Hall, with its magnificent ceiling frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr; the opulent library, filled with priceless manuscripts; and the Abbey Church, with its dazzling gold altar.
The Basics
The town of Melk lies at the western end of Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and full-day tours from Vienna often combine an abbey visit with wine tastings in the valley, a boat cruise along the Danube River, or even a trip to Salzburg or across the Czech border to Cesky Krumlov. The castle is open to visitors with or without a guided tour from April to October.
- A visit to this monastery is a must for history buffs and architecture lovers.
- Guided tours of the abbey last about an hour.
- Melk Abbey tours from Vienna include roundtrip transportation (about a 1.5-hour drive each way).
- A restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms can be found on-site.
- The abbey is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the Melk Monastery can be reached on foot from the Melk train station (a 10-minute walk) or by a short taxi ride. Most visitors opt to visit on a day trip from Vienna, 50 miles (90 km) east, but it’s equally accessible from Salzburg, 70 miles (115 km) west, or Spitz, 12 miles (20 km) north.
When to Get There
The Melk Abbey is open all year round, but from November through March, visits are only possible by guided tour and must be booked in advance. The abbey can get busy in July and August, so plan an early morning or late afternoon start to avoid the crowds.
The Baroque Gems of Melk Abbey
The abbey is famous for its exquisite baroque architecture, the work of architect Jakob Prandtauer. Highlights include the Marble Hall, with its magnificent ceiling frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr; the opulent library, filled with priceless manuscripts; and the Abbey Church, with its dazzling gold altar.
Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Strasse 1, Melk 3390, Austria
Hours: May–Sep: 9am–5:30pm (last admission at 5pm); Apr & Oct: 9am–4:30pm (last admission at 4pm)
From ¥ 617
Messina Cruise Port
The Messina port, set in the busy port city on the narrow Strait of Messina, is many cruisers’ first taste of Sicily. The closest Sicilian city to mainland Italy and a popular port of call for Mediterranean and European cruises, Messina offers striking architecture, flavorful street food, and easy access to Taormina, Mount Etna, and other Sicilian sights.
The Basics
Messina is rich in history and culture, and bus or Segway tours of the city cover highlights like the 12th-century Duomo with its bell tower and astronomical clock, the Regional Museum of Messina, and the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, as well as the nearby Cape of Peloro along the coast. If you want to delve deeper into the island, join a shore excursion to the clifftop town of Taormina, famous for its ancient Greek theater, pretty center, and picturesque coastline. Many Taormina tours also include a stop at the scenic village of Castelmola and Mount Etna, Italy’s largest active volcano. Another popular option is a Cyclops Riviera tour along Sicily’s lush eastern coast, with stops at the fishing hamlets of Acireale and Catania.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Local bus and train services can be unreliable; opt for a shore excursion that includes roundtrip transportation to avoid worrying about making it back to the ship in time.
- City tours include visits to important chapels and churches, which require modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Shore excursions, especially those stopping at Mount Etna, include significant stretches of time outdoors and some walking. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and choose comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Sicily is famous for its unique cuisine and excellent street food, so be sure to sample some local delicacies while exploring the island.
How to Get to Messina from the Messina Cruise Port
The Messina cruise port sits directly in downtown Messina, so it’s easy to walk straight off the ship and into the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the historic center. There isn’t much need for taxis, as most of the city’s main sights are within walking distance of one another. If you do choose to go further afield, car rentals and taxis are readily available.
Port Information
The language in Messina is Italian, and despite the city’s port status, English is not commonly spoken. The main tourist hubs are a bit more English-friendly. The currency is the euro and ATMs can be found throughout the city. Stop by the Tourism Office at Piazza Stazione for additional information.
Address: Via V Emanuele 11, n 3, Messina, Sicily 98100, Italy
From ¥ 430
Menshikov Palace
The most luxurious house of its time in St Petersburg, the Menshikov Palace was also the first large stone building to be constructed in the city. Standing on Vasilievsky Island, it is the only surviving private structure from the early 18th century. Designed by Italian architects, the exterior combines a western Baroque style with traditional Russian architectures that has been dubbed “Petrine Baroque.” Inside, the rooms that hosted some of the first balls in the city have been restored to their original state, with parquet floors, Dutch tiles and marble accents. The exhibits likewise take visitors back to the 18th century, with collections of European and Russian applied art from the era, as well as sculptures, paintings, engravings and furniture.
The palace has functioned as a branch of the State Hermitage Museum since 1967.
Practical Info
The Menshikov Palace is a branch of the State Hermitage Museum and can be visited as part of a combined ticket. It is also included in many comprehensive tours of St. Petersburg. To visit independently, take the Metro to Vasileostrovskaya or trolley number 1, 10 or 11 to Universitet. The last visitors are admitted 30 minutes before closing time. Guided tours are also available for 100 rubles.
Address: 15, Universitetskaya Naberezhnaya, St Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission: 300 rubles to the palace only; 600 rubles for the State Hermitage Museum
From ¥ 122
Mergellina
The historic center of Naples tumbles so effortlessly downhill toward the sea that you might not know the seafront area actually has a different name all its own—Mergellina.
Mergellina actually used to be a separate town, but when Naples grew it was eventually subsumed by the expanding metropolis in the early 20th century. Today, this neighborhood sits between the foot of the Posillipo Hill and the Bay of Naples. There are many restaurants and hotels in the area, and it's ideal for an evening stroll in the summer.
If you're taking a ferry from Naples out to Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast or any of the islands, it's likely that your departure dock will be in Mergellina. It's not the main port for the big cruise ships, but it's where many of the small hydrofoils and other smaller boats depart.
Practical Info
The area known as Mergellina extends along the waterfront between two streets—Via Caracciolo and Via Partenope. If you're looking for a place to enjoy fresh seafood, the restaurants in Mergellina don't have to go far for the day's catch.
Address: Naples, Italy
From ¥ 180
Memorial House of Mother Teresa
The Memorial House of Mother Teresa stands in the center of Skopje, the city the missionary was born in and called home until she was 18. Built to the east of Macedonia Square on the land where the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church once stood, and where Mother Teresa was baptized, the house opened to the public in 2009.
Travelers can visit to explore the museum and its displays of life-like sculptures depicting Mother Teresa and her family, including the one of the humanitarian as a 10 year old sitting on a stone and holding a pigeon. Exhibits also include memorabilia such as letters, awards, relics and photographs, while an upper-level glass-walled chapel holds mass twice a week. Visitors can head to the gift shop on the main floor to browse books and Macedonian souvenirs. The memorial house also occasionally hosts cultural exhibits.
Practical Info
The Memorial House of Mother Teresa is on one of the main streets leading out of Macedonia Square in the center of the city and is easily accessible on foot from most central Skopje hotels.
Address: Macedonia Street (Ulitsa Makedonja), Skopje, Macedonia
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From ¥ 86
Mercato di Capo
One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food and markets. Mercato di Capo, located near the old city walls, is one of the best markets in Palermo, Italy on the island of Sicily. The stalls in this market sell a wide variety of food including local specialties, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish. The vendors selling local delicacies can be found along Via Volturno. Non-food items can also be found here, such as clothing and souvenirs. When you walk through the market, you will hear vendors yelling or chanting in their Palermo dialect as they try to sell their goods.
It is said that the sounds, smells, and sights of this market are some of the best preserved of Sicily's Arab traditions. The market dates back to the times when there was a lot of Muslim influence in this port city, and it has become an important part of the culture. Exploring and shopping at this market is the perfect way to experience Palermo with all your senses.
Practical Info
The Mercato di Capo is located behind the Teatro Massimo and extends from Via Porta Carini toward Piazza Beati. The market is open Monday through Saturday, and it's best to get there early.
Address: Via Cappuccinelle, Palermo, Italy
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday
From ¥ 157
Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics in Moscow was built to commemorate the achievements of the Soviet Union in space exploration. Sitting at the base of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space that was erected in 1964, the museum opened in 1981, on the 20th anniversary of the first manned space flight. Among the 85,000 objects in the museum’s collection are the first Soviet rocket engine, the moon rover Lunokhod, the first Soviet satellite, the personal belongings of the first Soviet astronaut, specimens from the moon and propaganda posters reflecting the “space race.”
The museum exhibitions provide an overview of how the Soviet space program evolved, from the first man-made satellites to the first space walks and moon exploration programs. Closed for renovations for three years, the museum re-opened in 2009 with three times the original space and new exhibitions on international space programs, including the USA, Europe, China and the International Space Station. Outside, Cosmonauts Alley that connects the museum with the Metro feature large stone sculptures of the most important figures in the Soviet space program.
Practical Info
To reach the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, take the Metro to the VDNKh station and then follow Cosmonauts Alley to the museum. The price of admission includes a ticket to Sergey Korolev’s Memorial House nearby. Audio guides are available for and additional cost, as is admission to the interactive Buran-2 space flight.
Address: 111 Prospekt Mira, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission: 250 rubles; photo pass, 230 rubles
From ¥ 338
Merville Battery
Merville Battery was a coastal fortification built by the Nazis in Merville-Franceville as part of the Atlantic Wall during World War II. Because this particular battery was much more better fortified than other similar installations, it was one of the first to be attacked by the Allies on D-Day.
Indeed, it was successfully captured by British paratroopers on June 6, 1944, because they mistakenly believed the battery contained heavy-caliber weapons that could threaten the nearby beach landings. They discovered, however, that what it contained, essentially, was inoffensive World War I vintage guns. The battery also comprised four six-foot-thick, steel-reinforced concrete gun casemates, designed to protect mountain guns, as well as a command bunker, dorms and ammunition magazines. After the British left the battery to liberate a nearby village, Merville was once again taken over by the Germans until they withdrew France in the following month of August.
Practical Info
There is a Merville Battery Museum in Merville-Franceville, which contains a reconstituted gun chamber, an educational trail as well as a sounds & lights show. Merville Battery is located at Place du 9ème Bataillon in Merville-Franceville, just 25 kilometers northwest of Caen via route N814, D515 and D514. The visit takes about half an hour. The Battery is open between 9:30am to 6:30pm between March 14 and September 30, and from 10am to 5pm between October 1 and November 14. Entry costs €6 per adult and €3.50 per child aged 6 to 16 years old.
Address: Place du 9ème Bataillon, Merville-Franceville-Plage 14810, France
Hours: March 14-Sep 30: 9:30am-6:30pm, Oct 1-Nov 14: 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult €6, Child (6-16) €3.50
From ¥ 548
Mercado del Puerto
Often considered to be the finest example of iron architecture in Gran Canada, the Mercado del Puerto is one of the main food markets in the city of Las Palmas. Its modernist, strikingly stern appearance is due to its contrasting structure, which clashes against the typically earth-colored Canarian properties. This bold architectural choice has been attributed to the socioeconomic evolution of Las Palmas over the past two centuries, as modernism and mercantilism were slowly implanted in the notoriously slow-paced Canarian lifestyle. Built in 1891, the market features exceptional wrought iron works as well as Art Nouveau touches with the thoughtful inclusion of glass among other ornamental elements. Nestled between the harbor and the beach, Mercado del Puerto is cosmopolitan and relaxed compared to other markets in the city and quite hospitable because of its rather small size, with just 40 stalls. Far from being just a produce market, the building houses several tapas bars, flower shops, hairdressers, wine shops, coffee shops and many others. It is most busy in late afternoons, especially on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Practical Info
Mercado del Puerto is located in Las Palmas’ peninsula, on Calle Albareda just north of Puerto de la Luz. The market can be reached by car via Calle Gral Balmes from downtown Las Palmas, as well as by bus via half a dozen routes. Admission is free. The market has undependable working hours, however it is always open late in the evenings.
Address: Mercado del Puerto de la Luz, Calle Albareda, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Vary
From ¥ 399
Megalo Kavouri
Megalo Kavouri, which means big crab, is one of the two main beaches in the coastal town of Vouliagmeni about 12 miles from Athens, Greece. The second beach is called Mikro Kavouri. Some parts of the beach are sandy while others are pebbles, and there are several coves. Megalo Kavouri has a large sandy cove with shallow water. The roads near the beach are lined with palm trees, providing welcome shade in the hot summer months. The beach is a popular choice for sunbathing, swimming, and other water activities due to the safe waters and the amount of space on the beach. The beaches in Vouliagmeni are consistently awarded the EU blue flags for environmental excellence.
Megalo Kavouri has plenty of beach facilities, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. Several restaurants, cafes, and fish taverns that serve local Greek cuisine are located near the beach. There are lots of hotels and resorts in the area as well. Often people will play beach volleyball and other beach games at Megalo Kavouri. In Vouliagmeni, visitors can see the ruins of the temple of Apollo Zoster as well as other ruins dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
Practical Info
Megalo Kavouri can be reached by public bus from Athens. There is no entrance fee to use the beach.
Address: Vouliagmeni, Greece
Hours: Daily
From ¥ 697
Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
The Battle of Passchendaele in summer and fall 1917 was one of the bloodiest and most futile of World War I; in just over 100 days more than half a million soldiers were killed and in that time Allied troops advanced on the Germans by a mere five miles (eight km) amid the trenches of the Ypres Salient in Flanders.
The museum dedicated to the fallen victims of the battle is found in a small chateau in the village of Zonnebeke, the scene of heavy fighting south of Bruges. It was opened in 2004 and the main exhibition follows the sorry story of the battle; a new display entitled ‘Remembrance’ focuses on the aftermath of the war for the soldiers, local civilians and the beleaguered Flanders landscape. Along with black-and-white images, weaponry, uniforms and heart-rending personal letters, the museum has a reconstructed dug out and a replica line of trenches constructed in the chateau grounds in 2013, where a series of lakeside memorial gardens are dedicated to all the nations who fought at Passchendaele.
Many people combine a visit to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 with visiting Tyn Cot, the biggest Commonwealth cemetery in the world with 12,000 graves, and attending the ‘Last Post’ ceremony in nearby Ypres, which was left in ruins after the Battle of Passchendaele. The ceremony takes place daily at 8pm at the Menin Gate memorial.
Practical Info
Berten Pilstraat 5A, Zonnebeke. Open daily 9am–6pm (last entrance at 4.30pm). Admission adults €8.5; students and younger than 18 €5. Bus number 94 from Ypres or drive along the N37 from Ypres to Zonnebeke.
Address: Berten Pilstraat 5A, Zonnebeke, Flanders, Belgium B-8980, Belgium
Hours: Open daily 9am–6pm (last entrance at 4.30pm)
Admission: Adults: €8.5; Students and Children: €5
From ¥ 1,551
Medvedgrad Castle
Sitting on the southern flanks of Mount Medvednica and looking over the suburbs of Zagreb, Medvedgrad Castle is one of Croatia’s most important medieval fortresses. It was constructed in the mid-13th century to protect the growing city from invasion by the Tatars, who were warlike tribes under the rule of Mongolia in the Far East. The castle changed hands many times over the centuries, and by the mid-15th century was in the hands of the Counts of Celje, who terrorized the local area, plundering neighboring villages and towns. Following their downfall and a disastrous earthquake in 1590, the castle was abandoned and fell in to decay before being rediscovered in 1979 and slowly nursed back to life. Today the defense walls stand once more, encircling the carefully restored stone chapel of St Philip and St Jacob, the Great Palace, fortified towers and the Oltar Domovine (Homeland Altar) memorial to all the war dead of Croatia, made of stone from regions across the country and bearing an eternal flame. There are magical summer concerts at the castle in July and the last weekend in September sees an annual medieval pageant; a new visitor center is in the planning.
Practical Info
Nature Park Medvednica, Zagreb. Open Apr–May Sat–Sun 11am–7pm; May–Sept Tue–Sun 11am–7pm; Sept–Oct Tue–Sun 10am–6pm; Oct–Nov 8.30am–4pm. Admission 15 KN. By road there is a one-way circular route up to the castle; by public transport take bus no 128 to Lukšići and walk through forest to the castle.
Address: prilaz Kraljičinom zdencu, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Hours: Apr–May Sat–Sun 11am–7pm; May–Sept Tue–Sun 11am–7pm; Sept–Oct Tue–Sun 10am–6pm; Oct–Nov 8.30am–4pm.
Admission: 15 KN
From ¥ 509