Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Murcia Cathedral (Catedral de Murcia)
To see and experience Murcia’s cathedral is a true feast for the eyes and senses. Its exterior is a vision of Baroque and Renaissance styles, with a bell tower that literally towers 95 meters over the city. The soaring structure houses 25 bells, each with their own name, and which have, in times past, together served to warn of various events from floods to wars and celebrations.
Built starting in 1394 on the site of a former mosque, the church is a mish-mash of styles given that its growth continued until the 18th century. Its Gothic interior is no less impressive than the exterior, featuring 23 different chapels — the most notable of them is Los Velez with its magnificent, star-shaped vaulted ceiling. The cathedral is also home to a museum, where you can discover a range of religious artifacts, as well as spy the excavated remains of the former mosque.
Practical Info
The cathedral is centrally located in Murcia’s old town. Take advantage of your visit here by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the square’s outdoor restaurant terraces as you enjoy views of the church’s flamboyant façade. Note that Murcia is a short trip away from the neighboring coastal city of Cartagena, making both easy and rewarding stops while in the region.
Address: Plaza Cardenal Belluga s/n, Murcia 30001, Spain
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
From $ 191
Mtatsminda Park
This family-friendly amusement park was once the third most-visited entertainment center in the USSR, and while the soviet era may be over, Mtatsminda Park remains a popular destination for travelers and locals looking for a day of fun and leisure.
Situated atop Mtatsminda Plateau, this park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying wild rides and water park fun. Outdoor cafes offer up local cuisine at a fair price and the 80-meter Ferris wheel showcases some of the most incredible views of Tbilisi around. Travelers with small children will find plenty to keep them entertained and even those without may still want to enjoy Mtatsminda Park after taking a trip on the iconic funicular railway from the city down below.
Practical Info
Entry to the park is free, although rides cost anywhere from 50 tetri to 6 lari each. It’s possible to reach the park by taxi, yellow bus numbers 124 and 90 and the Metro Rustaveli. The funicular railway also travels to the park from Chonkadze Street.
Address: Didgori, Tbilisi, Georgia
Hours: Reach the park by taxi, yellow bus numbers 124 and 90 and the Metro Rustaveli. The funicular railway also travels to the park from Chonkadze Street.
From $ 23
Murano
Of Venice’s 100-plus outlying islands, the group that forms Murano is the most famous. This tight cluster of small islands has been the center of the Floating City’s historic glassmaking industry since 1291, when the city center’s glass factories were forcibly moved across the lagoon—just north of Venice proper—after a number of devastating fires. Today, travelers visit Murano to see how expertly trained artisans blow glass into exquisite stemware, chandeliers, vases, and sculptures. Those particularly interested in the history of glassmaking should stop by the Museo del Vetro, which traces the art back to ancient Egypt.
The Basics
The best way to visit Murano is on a boat tour of the Venice islands. These tours make stops on Murano to see traditional glassblowing the island of Burano, famous for its lace-making; and Torcello, believed to be the first populated island in the Venetian lagoon. Private tours let you enjoy a boat ride across the waters of the lagoon, visits to artisan workshops and factories accompanied by an expert tour guide, and a bit of free time for shopping and exploring without having to navigate Venice’s complex vaporetto (ferry) system between the islands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring your camera, as Murano glassblowing and Burano lace-making demonstrations make for great photos.
- Murano glass and Burano lace are both famous for their impeccable craftsmanship and quality—and prices reflect that. Be wary of “bargain” prices, which often mean counterfeit goods.
- Murano’s glass shops are known for their hard-sell techniques, which can be uncomfortable. To avoid being strong-armed, always book your Venice islands tour through a reputable company.
How to Get There
From St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), take vaporetto (ferry) 4.1 from the San Zaccaria stop, or a private water taxi from the Grand Canal boat launch, just steps from St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
When to Get There
The Venice islands are most crowded in summer. From November through February, Venice is relatively quiet, though the temperatures can make for a chilly boat trip across the lagoon.
There Be Dragons
Murano’s seventh-century Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato, one of the oldest in Venice, is famous for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. It’s also known for what’s on display behind the altar: four massive rib bones said to be from a dragon slain by St. Donatus in Greece.
Address: Venice, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Mt. Pilatus
A multi-peaked massif, Mt. Pilatus towers over Lucerne and Central Switzerland. Though Queen Victoria enlisted a mule to help her ascend the mountain in 1868, visitors now venture up by cable car or cogwheel train, which—with a gradient of up to 48 percent—is said to be one of the world’s steepest. Crisscrossed by hiking trails and sled runs, Mt. Pilatus features a kid-friendly adventure park and a suspension rope park. From the top, you can see as far as Italy on a clear day.
The Basics
Visitors to Lucerne cannot miss Mt. Pilatus looming over the city. If you want to ascend the majestic mountain and soak up the stunning panorama of the Swiss Alps, several options are available. The Golden Round Trip package involves traveling by boat, cogwheel railway, panoramic gondola, and aerial cableway. There are self-guided, partly guided, and fully guided tours from both Lucerne and Zurich, all of which include round-trip transportation. Some organized day trips incorporate guided city tours of Lucerne and, in summer, cruises on Lake Lucerne. You can also take a 2-day tour that includes a night’s stay in a hotel high on the slopes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Pitalus is a must-visit for train buffs, scenery seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Drink lots of water to stave off the effects of altitude sickness.
- Book tickets or tours in advance to save yourself lining up for the cable car or cogwheel train.
- The cogwheel railway, panoramic gondola, and aerial cableway are all wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
To access the Mt. Pilatus cable car, ride the trolleybus route 1 from Lucerne’s railway station to Kriens, where you can travel to the summit station at 5,560 feet (1,695 meters) via panoramic gondola and aerial cableway. Alternatively, travel by train or ferry from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, where you can board the cogwheel railway. The Golden Round Trip can be done only during summer.
When to Get There
If you want to ride the cogwheel railway or do the boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, plan your trip for the summer. Both boats and the railway generally operate between May and October (depending on weather conditions). The earlier you set off, the fewer crowds you are likely to encounter. Note that the gondola and aerial cableway close for maintenance for a couple of weeks in late October and November.
The Legends of Mt. Pilatus
Mt. Pilatus is associated with many myths. In medieval times, rumors abounded that dragons lived in its crevices. According to local legend, the mountain is named after Pontius Pilate, the Roman emperor who ordered the death of Jesus Christ, and whose lifeless body the devil supposedly dumped in a lake on Mt. Pilatus. It’s more likely, however, that the mountain’s name is connected to the Latin word pileatus (“capped”), which may refer to the clouds that often shroud its peaks.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: Cog-railway open May - Oct 10am - 5pm
From $ 88
Mt Pantokrator
Mt Pantokrator sits on the northeastern side of the Greek island of Corfu. Almost 3,000 feet tall, it is the tallest mountain on the island. From the top, you can see all of Corfu, Albania and even all the way to Italy on a clear day. A Greek Orthodox monastery has sat on top of the mountain since the middle of the 14th century. The original monastery was destroyed two centuries later and the current one dates to the late 17th century, with a façade from the 19th century.
The peak of Mt Pantokrator can be reached by car or by foot. The walking trail to the peak is part of the Corfu Trail, which covers more than 200 kilometers around the island. On the way to the top, you will pass Old Perithia, the oldest mountain village on Corfu. Nestled high up on the mountain, it once served as a hideaway from pirate attacks. Today, visitors can wander along cobblestone streets, enjoy a drink in one of four tavernas and sample local cuisine.
Practical Info
There is limited parking in Old Perithia. Walking guides and maps are available for those who wish to take a self-guided tour of the village or continue on by foot to the top of Mt Pantokrator. A café for tourists is available at the top of the mountain.
Address: Mount Pantokrator, Corfu, Greece
From $ 69
Muckross House & Gardens & Traditional Farms
One of Ireland’s finest stately mansions, the 65-room Muckross House was built for the Herbert family in 1843. It sits on the shores of Muckross Lake amid beautiful gardens, and is replete with period furnishings and decorative objectives. Three re-created farms on the estate showcase the life of rural dwellers in the 1930s and ’40s.
The Basics
Private and group vehicle tours of the Ring of Kerry—departing from Cahersiveen, Sneem, Killorglin, Kenmare, and Killarney—often combine a stop at Muckross House with a visit to nearby attractions such as Coomakista Pass, the Torc Waterfall, and other picturesque viewpoints and villages along the Iveragh Peninsula. Muckross House also features on guided tours of Killarney National Park and the Lakes of Killarney, which typically include Ross Castle, Ladies View, and the Gap of Dunloe on the itinerary too.
Choose between a ticket that grants access to Muckross House and Gardens or one for Muckross Traditional Farms. Or opt for a combo ticket, which provides access to both venues.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Muckross House is a must-see for history and Victorian architecture buffs.
- A Killarney National Park information center is located at Muckross House.
- The estate has an on-site restaurant overlooking pretty flower beds.
- The house is accessible to wheelchair users as are the gardens, with the exception of the rookery. An accessible shuttle bus transports visitors to the farms, though the farm sites themselves are only partially accessible.
How to Get There
Muckross House is just over 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of Killarney. Take the N71 and follow signposts for the estate. If you are car-free, join an organized tour or catch a shuttle from the Discover Ireland tourist office on Beech Road; shuttle buses usually run from April through October.
When to Get There
Muckross House, Gardens, and Traditional Farms are open from late March through October. The landscaped gardens are at their most colorful in summer, though this is also when the estate is busiest. Try visiting first thing in the morning or late afternoon to experience the site at its quietest.
What Else to See in Killarney National Park
Muckross makes a great base from which to explore the rest of Killarney National Park. From the house, it’s a 20-minute walk or even shorter jaunting car (pony and trap) ride to the ruins of 15th-century Muckross Abbey, and a 45-minute hike to the scenic Torc Waterfall. Other park highlights, such as the Gap of Dunloe and Ross Castle, are fewer than 30 minutes from Muckross House by car.
Address: Killarney National Park, Killarney, Ireland
From $ 12
Mt Parnassus
Mt. Parnassus is one of the many places in Greece that occupies very real space on the landscape, and is also central to such a number of Greek myths that you might be surprised to learn that the mountain is not a myth of its own. The mountain is in central Greece, just north of Delphi. It is associated with several prominent figures in Greek mythology. Mt. Parnassus was said to be the home of the Muses, sacred to the god Dionysus, sacred also to the god Apollo, home to the winged horse Pegasus, and closely tied with poetry, learning, and music.
Today, Mt. Parnassus is a draw for visitors year-round. In the winter, there are two ski resorts on its slopes. In warmer weather, the mountain is an excellent location for hiking - views from the summit are spectacular.
Practical Info
The drive from Athens to Mt. Parnassus is about three hours. From Delphi, it’s just over an hour. You can easily combine the two in a day trip from Athens, but it’s really only feasible if you rent a car or book a guided tour - relying on public transportation means a one-way trip of roughly five hours.
Address: Delphi, Greece
From $ 69
Muncaster Castle
A holiday in England wouldn’t be complete without visiting a haunted and historic castle. Cue Muncaster Castle and Gardens, a lavish 800-year-old property that is still lived in by members of the Pennington family, owners of the estate since the Middle Ages. Located in the idyllic Western Lake District and overlooking the Esk River, the castle was constructed in 1208 — it could, however, be much older than that; it is suspected that the castle was built over foundations dating back to the Roman era.
Because of its key location along the Scottish–English border, Muncaster Castle features a fine example of a 14th-century peel tower, which was endemic to the area and intended as a watch tower where signal fires could be lit by the garrison to warn of approaching danger. Once described as “a gateway to paradise” by John Ruskin, the castle’s Terrace Walk features verdant flora and a meadow maze.
One of the main particularities of the castle, outside its exceptional architectural heritage, is the presence of a ghost who goes by the name of Tom Fool, court jester. Rarely seen but frequently sensed, his playful spirit has been playing tricks on Tapestry Room visitors for well over four centuries.
Practical Info
Muncaster Castle is open from March 30 to September 3 from noon to 4:30pm six days a week (closed on Saturdays for private functions). Tickets to the castle, gardens, owl center and maze cost £13 per adult, £7.50 per child and are free for children under 5. On-site parking is free for those who come by car from Liverpool or Manchester. The journey takes 2.5 hours via the M6 and the A5092. On-site accommodation is also possible at the Coachman’s Quarters B&B, with rates starting at £60 per night.
Address: Ravensglass, England
Hours: Open from March 30 to September 3 from noon to 4:30pm, Sunday-Friday. Closed Saturdays.
Admission: Adults: £13,Children: £7.50, Children under 5 are free.
From $ 19
Municipal House (Obecní dum)
One of the most outstanding examples of art nouveau architecture in the world, Prague’s Municipal House is a popular destination for visitors interested in art and architecture. From the grand concert hall to the restrooms, every light fitting, chair, and tile was specially designed for the building by the leading artists of the day.
The Basics
Designed in the early 20th century as a multifunctional building where Prague’s citizens could come to watch a musical performance, attend an exhibition, or meet friends for a cup of coffee, Municipal House is Prague’s finest example of art nouveau architecture, designed by Antonin Balsanek and Osvald Polivka. The concert venue, Smetana Hall, is the crown jewel of the building, with a large glass dome over the auditorium.
The interiors of the building feature decorations by Czech artists, including Alphonse Mucha and Max Svabinsky. The twisting metalwork in the building was inspired by natural motifs. Outside, the half-moon mosaic of Apotheosis of Prague, by Karel Spilar, is the centerpiece. The building lived up to its goal as the epicenter of public life—the independent Czechoslovak state was declared here in 1918. Walking and biking sightseeing tours of Prague frequently make a point of stopping of at this magnificent building.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It is free to enter the lobby, downstairs rooms, cafe, and restaurant.
- Access to the rest of the building, including the auditorium, is by guided tour only, or by purchasing a ticket to a concert or exhibition.
- There is an elevator for wheelchair access.
- There are four restaurants and cafes in the building.
- The building was extensively restored in the 1990s.
How to Get There
Municipal Hall is located at 5 Republiky Square on the edge of Old Town (Stare Mesto). It is accessible on foot from most places in central Prague, or as part of a guided walking or Segway tour of the city. The Namesti Republiky Metro stop (Line B) is close by. Trams #3, #5, #6, #9, #14, and #24 stop close by on Jindrisska Street.
When to Get There
Municipal House is open daily. The public spaces are open from 7:30am to 11pm, and the box office is open from 10am- to 8pm. The restaurants and cafes have different opening hours throughout the morning, but all are open daily and close at 11pm.
Explore the Streets of Old Town
Municipal House stands on the edge of Prague’s Old Town and is a great starting point for exploring the neighborhood. Walking through the archway of the 14th-century Powder Tower—one of the 13 original city gates—and find your way to Old Town Square, the heart of Old Town, home to the astronomical clock and Church of Our Lady Before Tyn.
Address: namesti Republiky 5, Prague 111 21, Czech Republic
From $ 8
Mucha Museum
Dedicated to the delicate Art Nouveau talents of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), the Mucha Museum is located in the Kaunický Palace, itself built in Baroque style in the early 18th century. A must for all fans of Art Nouveau, the museum hosts the world’s best exhibition of Mucha’s intricate posters, decorative panels, lithographs and sketches, typically of blue-eyed, flowing-haired Slavic beauties.
Many of the posters on display were completed while Mucha lived in Paris between 1895 and 1904, and several advertised productions starring the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt. Photos taken during these years at his notorious Paris studio reveal gatherings of the great and good of the Belle Epoque, including one of Expressionist artist Paul Gauguin minus his trousers. Visits to the museum round off with a fascinating and in-depth 30-minute documentary on Mucha’s life.
Guided tours of the Mucha Museum are available in several languages and should be booked seven days in advance. Fans of Mucha can also see his work in the stained-glass windows of St Vitus Cathedral and at Prague’s landmark Art Nouveau Municipal House.
Practical Info
Open daily 10am–6pm. Admission for adults is 240 CZK; seniors, students and children is 160 CZK; family tickets are 600 CZK. Guided tours are 500 CZK per guide. For transportation, take Metro Lines A and C to Muzeum or trams 3, 9, 14 or 24 to Jindřišská.
Address: Kaunický Palác, Panská 7, Prague 1, Central Bohemian Region 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
Admission: adults 240 CZK; seniors, students & children 160 CZK
From $ 35
Municipal Museum (Museo del Patrimonio Municipal)
A modern exterior with a historic art collection tucked inside, the Municipal Museum of Malaga houses works of art spanning the 15th to the 20th century. Its exhibits present centuries of the city’s history, from the Reconquista to the present day. Over 4,000 pieces in every medium from painting and sculpture to books and graphic art tell the region’s heritage and the city’s story. Famous artists on display include Picasso and Carlos Haes, among others.
Visiting the museum allows for a greater context as to how the city developed as well as insight into present day. Of particular interest is the collection from the 15th to the 18th centuries, during which Malaga transformed from a Moorish to a Spanish city. Local and contemporary art is also well represented, if it’s preferable to see works that are a bit more current. The building’s exterior architecture is also renowned and worth a look. The museum is included in many city walking and art-focused tours.
Practical Info
The museum can be found in Plaza Trujillos, at the east end of the Paseo del Parque. Several city bus lines will take you there, and the nearest parking is at Plaza de la Marina. It is open daily except for Mondays, the exhibits have no admission cost but are better understood with the explanation of an accompanying guide.
Address: Paseo Reding, 1, 29016, Spain
Hours: 10AM–2PM, 5–8PM (closed Mondays)
From $ 46
Mt Vesuvius
Looming above the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 and covered Pompeii in ash, preserving parts of the ancient city that can still be seen today. The volcano itself is still active—the only active one in continental Europe—and, though dormant, is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. Despite this, many visitors hike the mountain to see its infamous crater and are rewarded with stunning views of Pompeii, the Bay of Naples, and the surrounding Italian countryside.
The Basics
Mt. Vesuvius is easily seen from below, but a trip to the volcano itself provides the best understanding of the area and its impact on the region’s history. A hike up the mountain begins in Mount Vesuvius National Park, which has nine nature trails and allows for summit access. The crater’s lunar landscape is otherworldly, and the views are tough to beat. Many visitors combine a visit to the area with a stop in the scenic seaside town of Sorrento.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Vesuvius is ideal for both outdoor lovers and history buffs.
- Hiking is best suited for clear days when you can enjoy the views.
- If you plan to hike, wear comfortable walking shoes. The paths are often dusty and rocky, so closed-toe shoes are best.
- You can walk to the edge of the crater only with a certified guide.
How to Get There
Mount Vesuvius National Park is easily accessible from Naples via the Circumvesuviana train. The nearest stop is Ercolano, and from there the Busvia del Vesuvio takes you up the mountain. There’s also a local bus that runs from Pompeii. Alternatively, you can book a private or guided tour, which provides transportation, crater access, and insight into the history and details of ancient life in the area.
When to Get There
Though Mt. Vesuvius is visitable open year-round, the best time to go is in the off-season, October to April. Crowds and temperatures both rise during summer. Spring and early fall provide the best times to avoid the area’s potential fog.
The Eruption That Changed History
It’s impossible to understand the impact that Mt. Vesuvius had on Italy—and the world—without a visit to the nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Though many people tragically died in the volcanic eruption, their homes and ways of life remain largely intact in one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites.
Address: Italy
From $ 31
Mulberry Harbour
Often regarded as one of the greatest engineering feats of World War Two, the Mulberry Harbour was a portable and temporary structure developed by the British to facilitate speedy discharging of cargo onto the beaches on D-Day. It was, in fact, two different artificial harbors, which were towed across the English Channel and assembled just off the coast of Normandy on that infamous morning. Once fully operational, Mulberry Harbour was capable of moving 7,000 tons of vehicles and goods each day. The harbors provided the Allies with landing ramps, necessary for the invasion of an otherwise unprotected coast. Violent storms shook the English Channel between June 19 and 22, 1944, effectively wrecking the better part of both harbors. Remains are, however, still visible a few hundred yards from Arromanches’ shoreline, continuing to remind visitors of the sheer engineering genius that emanated from the D-Day landings. The remains are best visible during low tide. The D-Day Museum nearby provides invaluable knowledge on the historical background and technical challenges that the harbors presented.
Practical Info
Arromanches is located 35 minutes northeast of Caen (39 kilometers) via routes D126, D22 and D65. The D-Day Museum is located at Place du 6 Juin. Entry costs €7.90 per adult and €5.80 per child. It is closed in January.
Address: Arromanches-les-bains, France
Admission: Adult €7.90, Child €5.80
From $ 751
Mt. Titlis
Reaching 10,626 feet (3,239 meters) above sea level, Mt. Titlis is Central Switzerland’s highest peak and probably its finest vantage point. The mountain has a cutting-edge transportation system—including, most famously a revolving cable car that turns 360 degrees during the ride to the top station at 9,908 feet (3,020 meters). Those lucky enough to be inside the car are graced with stunning panoramic views of Alpine peaks, sheer rock faces, and an icy crevasse-cracked glacier.
The Basics
There are several options when it comes to ascending Mt. Titlis. You can purchase a cable car ticket and make your own way to Engelberg, then set off on a journey to the summit independently. Alternatively, organized tours depart from Zurich and Lucerne, and include transportation to and from Engelberg. During winter, many guided tours incorporate visits to nearby well-known sights such as the Lion Monument and offer the option to add on a supervised snow sports experience, like tubing or skiing on beginner-friendly slopes. In the warmer months, guided hiking tours are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Air can be thin atop Mt. Titlis. Anyone with respiratory problems should check with a doctor before ascending.
- Wear hiking boots and dress warmly. Snow and ice are present at the summit station year-round.
- Most organized tours include free time at the summit station.
How to Get There
The journey to the top of Mt. Titlis begins at Engelberg, which is connected to Lucerne by train. From Engelberg train station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Titlis Valley station, where the Titlis Xpress cable car connects first to Trubsee and then on to Stand. From Stand, the revolving Rotair cable car carries passengers to the top. Many visitors opt for hassle-free tours from Lucerne or Zurich, which include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Mt. Titlis is breathtaking year-round. Go between December and March if you plan on skiing. Early mornings are quietest, and the best views are during clear weather—though when that will be is anyone’s guess. Note that the Titlis Rotair cableway closes for maintenance work for a couple of weeks around November.
What to Expect at the Summit Station
There is no shortage of fun to be had at the Mt. Titlis summit station. You’ll find several restaurants to choose from, a glacier cave with carved ice structures inside, and the nerve-testing Cliff Walk, one of Europe’s highest suspension bridges. Next to the Cliff Walk is the Ice Flyer chairlift, which carries passengers over the frozen crevasses of the glacier to Glacier Park, where you can go tubing—racing down the slopes on a rubber tire.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: Generally lifts operate from 9am - 5pm, depending on the season and snow level
From $ 136
Munttoren (Mint Tower)
The Munttoren, which means “Mint” or “Coin” tower in Dutch, is located on busy Muntplein Square in Amsterdam, precisely where the Amstel River and the Singel Canal meet and formed Regulierspoort. Built in 1487 as part as one of the main gates in Amsterdam's medieval city wall, Munttoren was mainly used to mint coins until it burned down in 1618.
It was later on rebuilt in the Amsterdam Renaissance style, with an octagonal-shaped top half and an open spire designed by celebrated Dutch architect Hendrick de Keyser. But visitors looking for a tower fitting this description will be disappointed; indeed the original guardhouse, which had survived the fire, was entirely replaced with a new building in the late 19th century except for the original carillon. It was made in 1668 and consists of 38 bells that chime every 15 minutes, even to this day – a carillonneur employed by the city of Amsterdam gives a live concert every Saturday between 2 and 3 p.m. Fun fact: scale models of the tower are exhibited at Madurodam in The Hague and at Mini-Europe in Brussels.
Practical Info
Due to its central location on Muntplein, Munttoren is easily accessible on foot or by public transit, including trams (1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 14, 16, 24) and buses (363). The tower is not open to the public for visits but can be enjoyed from many different viewpoints along the surrounding canals.
Address: Muntplein 12/14, Amsterdam, North Holland 1012, Netherlands
From $ 18
Mundaka
Along the rocky coastline of Basque Country, long waves sweep onto the shores of this fishing village that make it an internationally famous surf spot. Sand banks created by the nearby river result in some of the longest barrel waves that are known to surfers worldwide. The small town was once a site of the World Championship of Surfing, but with its medieval houses and fisherman’s dwellings facing the sea it’s worth a visit even if you aren’t planning on getting in the water.
Mundaka is located within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, with a charming old town, fresh seafood, and a scenic harbor to explore. Take lunch in one of the many cafes, perhaps with an ocean view, and note that local sea bass is a favorite. Even if you’re not there just for the famous surf conditions, you can always watch the surfers as they take on the unique sets of waves.
Practical Info
Mundaka is located on the northern coast, and can be reached from Bilbao by EuskoTren on the Bermeo line or with about an hour’s drive. Surfing conditions are best September to April.
Address: Mundaka, Bizkaia, Spain, Spain
From $ 75
Munich Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)
Right next door to the current City Hall in the heart of Munich’s Aldstadt is the Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall); it is adjacent to a rotund and red-topped 15th-century Gothic tower that today hosts the city’s Toy Museum. With displays on four floors connected by spiral staircase, the collection is far removed from the computer led toys of today. Its story began with the historic toy collection of Ivan Steiger, who was a Czech film-maker with a fascination for teddy bears, mechanical dolls and automata. Today the exhibits have grown to include old toys from across the world, including Russian dolls, antique train sets, Barbie dolls in all guises, mechanical Ferris wheels, hordes of model Cowboys and Indians, and gaily painted wooden rocking horses. Educational toys from an era long gone include tiny sewing sets, cookers and miniscule tea services from the 1960s but most heart-rending of all are the primitive models made of bread by concentration-camp internees during World War II.
Practical Info
Altstadt-Lehel, Marienplatz 15, Munich. Open daily 10am 5:30pm. Admission adults €3; students & children younger than 18 €1; family ticket €6. Take the S-Bahn, U-Bahn or bus 52 to Marienplatz.
Address: Altstadt-Lehel, Marienplatz 15, Munich 80331, Germany
Hours: Open daily 10am–5:30pm
Admission: Adults: €3; Students & Children: €1; Family ticket: €6
From $ 34
Mundo Aborigen
Mundo Aborigen is a reconstruction of an ancient Canarian village inhabited by the Guanches (the orginal population of the Canaries).
Located in a scenic area overlooking the Barranco de Fataga, the island’s biggest gorge, Mundo Aborigen recreates the lives of the Guanches through life-size figures depicted in various scenes of domestic life.
Following a trail through the park, visitors learn about the guanches culture and religion as well as their everyday activities such as growing crops, tending to animals and taking part in rituals.
Mundo Aborigen is between San Fernando (Maspalomas) and Fataga and is best reached by car or taxi from Maspalomas on highway GC-60.
It's located just before the lookout (mirador), which has stunning views over the beautiful valley of Fataga.
Address: Macizo de Amurga, Spain
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
Muckross Abbey
Founded in 1440 as a Franciscan Friary, Muckross Abbey has an exciting and violent history typical of Ireland. In 1589 the monks were expelled by Elizabeth I, and in 1653 Oliver Cromwell's troops burnt it down when he reclaimed Ireland for the English bringing to an end the Irish Confederate Wars. Despite this setback, the friars continued to live here until 1698 when the new Penal Laws against Roman Catholics introduced by the English occupiers forced most in exile in France or Spain. These days it is a ruin but one of the most complete examples of Irish medieval church building you'll see.
Today, the Abbey still has its bell tower and church, and massive gothic arcades and arches. Four of Ireland's leading poets of the period were buried there, three in the church, one in the nearby cemetery. In the centre of the inner court is an old Yew tree. This grew from a sapling taken from the abbey on Innisfallen Island and planted in the new abbey at Muckross. In turn, a slip from this tree was planted at the abbey in Killarney Town.
Within the Killarney National Park, the abbey is a five minute walk from the carpark of Muckross House. It is 3 miles (4.8km) from Killarney Town.
Address: Muckross Estate, Killarney, Ireland
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 12
MuCEM
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM; Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) is a national museum in Marseille, France. It was inaugurated in 2013, the same year Marseille was designated as the ‘European Capital of Culture,’ and is dedicated to showcasing the multifaceted history of the Mediterranean and its different landscapes, cities, and shores.
The museum is built on reclaimed land at the entrance to Marseille’s harbour. Its exhibits are devoted to European and Mediterranean civilizations in the Mediterranean basin, taking an interdisciplinary approach to presenting the different societies who have called this area home throughout the ages and in modern times. It is the first museum in the world to focus entirely on the cultures of the Mediterranean, and it includes all the social sciences: anthropology, political science, sociology, history, archaeology, and art history. In addition to MuCEM’s permanent collections, there are also rotating temporary exhibitions and seminars, feature films and documentaries, and performances focusing on the Mediterranean’s current affairs.
Practical Info
MuCEM is easily accessible by public transit or by car. By metro (and a 10-minute walk), you can take Line 1 (station Vieux-Port) or Line 2 (Station Joliette). By tramway (and a 10- to 15-minute walk), take tram T2 (stop: République/Dames or Joliette). Bus lines to the MuCEM: Lines 82/82s, 60, and 49. There is a 24-hour paid parking lot at Vieux-Port/Fort Saint-Jean, and Mobi Métropole offers a door-to-door transport service for people with disabilities.
Address: 7, Promenade Robert Laffont (Esplanade du J4), Marseille 13213, France
Hours: Every day except Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in summer and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in winter. Open Fridays in the summer until 10 p.m.
Admission: 8 €; Family ticket 12 € (valid for 2 adults and up to 5 children)
From $ 11