Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 2721-2740 of 4530 listings.
Pirita
Pirita is a section of Tallinn located just a few miles west of Old Town and city center. Dating back to at least the 15th century when a convent was founded here, the area hugs the coastline, where many people enjoy spending time on the beaches. Pirita Beach is the largest and most popular stretch of sand, running for 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) and including a good view of Old Town and the ships in the Gulf of Finland. There are ball courts, playgrounds, lockers, chaise lounges and water sport equipment rentals here, and during summer, up to 30,000 people visit the beach each day.
There are forested parks a little farther in from the coast, the Tallinn Botanical Gardens on both sides of the Pirita River and the entire Pirita River Valley. Also nearby is the Forest Cemetery and the Tallinn TV Tower. The Pirita Promenade paves the way for pedestrians, cyclists and skaters while connecting Kadriorg to Pirita. Visitors can also enjoy Pirita Adventure Park, complete with six different tracks involving rope bridges, nets and more. Throughout the area, you'll find trails for cycling, jogging or walking and even cross-country skiing in the winter.
To get to Pirita, take bus number 1, 1A, 8, 34A, or 38 from the underground stop at the Viru Centre. For the beach, convent or river area, get off at the Pirita stop, which is the first one after crossing the river.
Address: Tallinn, Estonia
From $ 35
Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s most important museums, is a highlight of Milan’s fashionable Brera neighborhood. This impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings includes masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Piero della Francesca, and Andrea Mantegna.
The Basics
Housed in the baroque 17th-century Palazzo di Brera, the Pinacoteca di Brera has grand interiors and a lovely neoclassical cloister, and a visit to its stellar collection is a must for any art enthusiast. The museum's headliner is The Lamentation of Christ by Andrea Mantegna, a Mannerist gem. The surrounding Brera district, a charming maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafés near the Duomo in the city center, is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Milan. Join a walking tour of Brera that includes skip-the-line tickets to the Pinacoteca di Brera to explore both the neighborhood and its most famous attraction. Brera is also a great place to experience Milan’s excellent food and wine scene, so consider joining a small-group food walking tour that has a gastronomic bent.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the Brera Pinacoteca, but the surround neighborhood is one of the most photogenic in the city, so bring your camera anyway.
- A visit of the museum and tour of Brera requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- The Pinacoteca is accessible to people with limited mobility via an entrance with an elevator, which is located at Via Fiori Oscuri, 2.
How to Get There
The Pinacoteca di Brera is right in the center of Milan, an easy walk north from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Otherwise, the nearest metro stops are Lanza (M2 line), Montenapoleone (M3 line), and Cairoli (M1 line).
When to Get There
Try to avoid visiting the first Sunday of the month, when the Pinacoteca is free to enter—and therefore very crowded. Better to visit on a weekday morning (Tuesday through Sunday; the gallery is closed on Mondays) and take the afternoon to explore the surrounding neighborhood.
Milan’s Food and Wine Scene
You may be surprised to discover that the cosmopolitan city of Milan is known for more than just fashion. This northern Italian capital also has a thriving food and wine scene that features both traditional dishes rooted in the area’s history and up-and-coming contemporary cuisine, especially in Brera. Take a food or wine walking tour through the neighborhood, and experience the city’s gourmet side for yourself.
Address: Via Brera 28, Milan 20121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Pienza
UNESCO-listed Pienza was little more than a sleepy hamlet until the reign of Pope Pius II in the first half of the fifteenth century. Pienza, then called Corsignano, was the pope’s home town, and he enlisted the help of architect Bernardo Rossellino to transform the village into an ideal Renaissance town. The reconstruction began in 1459 and only lasted four years, but the result has put Pienza on the radar of many a traveler to Tuscany.
The town’s historic center offers excellent examples of Renaissance architecture, particularly the cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomimi and Palazzo Borgia, all flanking charming Piazza Pio II. While it’s easy to breeze through the tiny town — it only takes five minutes to walk from one side to the other — it’s also an inviting place to savor a local specialty, sheep’s milk pecorino cheese with a bit of honey drizzled over the top.
Practical Info
Pienza can get extremely crowded on summer weekends, so if possible, plan your visit for a weekday or shoulder season.
Address: Pienza, Tuscany, Italy, Italy
From $ 81
Pierre Berg e-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation
While Yves Saint Laurent is an icon of the fashion world, the name Pierre Bergé perhaps doesn't roll off the tongue quite as easily. But it was Bergé, Saint-Laurent's partner in life and business, who helped the YSL brand become synonymous with haute couture–and who, through the establishment of the Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, ensures that the legacy lives on.
In addition to a well-curated roster of temporary exhibitions, visitors can also see and walk through Yves Saint Laurent's studio, which is filled with the items and ideas that inspired him, as well as personal art pieces and several of his award-winning fashion pieces. There is also the meticulously maintained couture salon, where clients would come to see private fashion shows of his latest collections. Some of his famous sketches are on display as well!
Practical Info
A full-price ticket to the Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation is 7€, with discounts for students and those under 25. It is located at 3 rue Léonce Reynaud in the 16th arrondissement and is only open when there is a temporary exhibition, so it is necessary to find out in advance the opening times. It is also closed on every major national holiday.
Address: 3 rue Léonce Reynaud, Paris 75116, France
Hours: Generally Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Adults €7
From $ 27
Pico do Arieiro
For being so small, Madeira is mountainous, which means that for many a lot of the island is off limits, whether because of vertigo or poor health. But visitors who simply must get that bird's eye view, Pico do Arieiro is the place to go. It's the third-highest peak in Madeira and best of all, it's completely accessible by car.
The view Pico do Arieiro affords depends on the weather. On a clear day it's possible to see as far as 30 miles, and the views are tremendous. But even on a cloudy day – at least, when it's cloudy down below – visitors will be above the clouds and feel as though they're flying without wings. Add in a lunch at the nearby restaurant, and it's a fantastic day trip from Funchal that will provide lifelong memories.
Practical Info
From Funchal, Pico do Arieiro is about a 35-minute drive along route ER103. Please note that this is not a road for inexperienced or timid drivers, and that weather conditions must be checked beforehand. It is strongly recommended that visitors go with a guide who is versed in traveling in the changing weather conditions of the high altitudes of Madeira.
Address: 9030, Portugal
From $ 29
Pinkas Synagogue and Cemetery
There are dozens of places to honor fallen Jews in the city of Prague, but few are as iconic—or as striking—as the Pinkas Synagogue and nearby cemetery. Travelers who enter into the dark doors of Pinkas will find walls inscribed with the more than 77,000 Jews who were killed during the Holocaust, a stunning representation of the atrocity on a visual scale. At the front of the structure a list of concentration camps where men and women perished is listed and the Synagogue’s second floor showcases a small exhibit of moving children’s art.
The nearby burial site serves as the final resting place for some 20,000 Jews. Travelers can wander the well-worn path through 12 layers of graves that belong to famous rabbis, poets and scholars. Off-kilter stones worn by decades of weather serves as a reminder of all that was lost and provide a space of quiet contemplation for visitors.
Practical Info
Pinkas Synagogue hours vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check ahead before making a visit. It is closed to visitors on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Address: Široká 23/3, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Closed to visitors on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Check hours before visiting.
From $ 40
Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint
The city of Funchal on the Island of Madeira rises gently from the coast back into the hills. As such, just a short way back from the shore there are fantastic views not only of Funchal, but the surrounding mountains and the sea. As any local can readily tell a visitor, the best point from which to survey this vast domain is the Miraduro Pico dos Barcelos.
Despite Madeira being a hiker's dream, the Pico dos Barcelos is accessible to all and not a “trek” in the traditional sense. From the car park to the observation point is about a 15-minute walk, and the promontory is well-paved and includes safety fences. Recently the city has also built a cafe, restrooms, and other facilities there for visitors, making it more than just a ride up the hill and back. It's a wonderful place to have a lunch with a view; shutterbugs will want to head there at sunrise or sunset for some calendar-worthy shots.
Practical Info
The Pico dos Barcelos is located on the Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas. It is open even in inclement weather, so check the forecast for the best views; however, it closes around 8pm every night. It is reachable by bus and taxi as well as private transport. Funchal hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses go up to Pico dos Barcelos as well.
Address: Funchal, Portugal
From $ 17
Pio Monte della Misericordia
This small octagonal church is best known as the home to Caravaggio’s The Seven Works of Mercy. Many visitors come to see the famous Caravaggio prominently hung high above the altar not realizing the extensive collection of other artists on display. Some hang in the church itself, other in the Quadreria, or Picture Gallery.
Pio Monte della Misericordia (Pious Mount of Mercy) is a charitable institution, founded in the early 1600s by seven Neapolitan nobles who strived to help those in need. The organization continues their work today.
Practical Info
Pio Monte della Misericordia is located in the historical center of Naples, opposite the Riario Sforza square. Free audio guides in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish are included with admission. Pio Monte della Misericordia is closed on Wednesdays.
Address: Via dei Tribunali, 253, Naples 80139, Italy
From $ 458
Pieskowa Skala Castle
One of only three castles in Poland that remain completely intact, the Renaissance Pieskowa Skała is on the Eagles’ Nest Trail, a scenic route that wends past medieval castles and watchtowers built as defense strongholds between Częstochowa and Krakow in Malopolska.
Located in Ojców National Park and surrounded by beautiful formal knot gardens, the castle is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Poland. Although it was a defensive fortification of Casimir the Great in the 14th century, the castle acquired its present beautiful façade two hundred years later, when the two-story, balconied loggia, the onion-topped clock tower, a chapel and an arcaded courtyard were added. Nevertheless, from the rear, the castle still resembles the medieval fortress of its beginnings, standing proudly on its rocky outcrop with austere walls overlooking the Prądnik River Valley.
The castle now houses three small museums, one of Polish history and two of art, all of which allow visitors to gain a glimpse of the lavishly decorated interiors, including artwork on loan from Wawel Castle in Krakow. The Maczuga Herkulesa (Hercules’s Club) limestone pinnacle stands nearby in Ojców National Park.
Practical Info
The Pieskowa Skala Castle is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and on the weekends from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission to all three museums costs18PLN, while concessions cost 11PLN and parking at the castle costs 6.50PLN.
Address: Ojcow National Park, Krakow 32-045, Poland
Admission: 18PLN
From $ 60
Pile Gate
Constructed in 1537, this sturdy gate on the west wall of Dubrovnik’s Old Town was once locked nightly—and the wooden drawbridge leading to it was raised—to prevent intruders from gaining access to the city. More recently, the gate served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, as the site where King Joffrey was unceremoniously pelted with cow dung.
The Basics
As the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Pile Gate is a natural starting point for any traveler exploring the city on foot. A stone bridge links the outer and inner gates, both of which feature statues of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint. Most walking tours of Dubrovnik Old Town pass through the gate.
Some Game of Thrones tours also stop at the gate, as well as other filming locations on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, including Fort Lovrijenac, which doubles as the Red Keep, and Trsteno Arboretum, which serves as the gardens of King's Landing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pile Gate is a must-see for first-time Dubrovnik visitors and history buffs.
- A tourist information center is located on the Stradun, just past the gate.
- Pile Gate is one of several access points for Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls.
- The gate has a ramp and is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Pile Gate is situated in the western wall of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and most city buses stop here. The gate is a 3-minute walk from Dubrovnik West Harbor and a 5-minute stroll along the scenic Stradun, the Old Town’s main thoroughfare, from the Old Port. Gruž Port, where many larger cruise ships dock, is about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) away.
When to Get There
Dubrovnik is busiest in July and August, with Thursdays through Sundays drawing most crowds. During these times, bottlenecks do form at Pile Gate, especially when crowds of cruise ship passengers arrive en masse. To avoid getting stuck in one of these, come before 10am or after 4pm.
The Gates of Dubrovnik
Pile Gate is one of three entrances to Dubrovnik Old Town. On the eastern wall stands Ploče Gate, which is approached via a drawbridge that—as with Pile Gate—was once raised at night to defend against potential invasions. The walled city’s northern entrance, Buža Gate is not as dramatic as Pile or Ploče, but still worth a visit. Be aware that from Buža Gate you’ll have to navigate down a lot of steps to reach the Stradun.
Address: Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
From $ 19
Piraeus Cruise Port
The Piraeus cruise terminal is an important historical port in Greece and one of the largest cruise ship docks in Europe. While known by cruisers as a gateway to the ancient city of Athens, the Aegean Islands, and other destinations in the Mediterranean, the city of Piraeus also merits a visit with its traditional town center, lovely parks and churches, and numerous cafes set along the tree-lined streets of the harbor.
The Basics
Most shore excursions departing Piraeus head inland to nearby Athens (8 miles or 13.5 km away). With half- and full-day Athens tours available, travelers can explore the Greek capital and its UNESCO-listed Acropolis—including Parthenon Temple, the Plaka District, and Temple of Zeus—or visit popular attractions such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. Other popular day trips head to Vouliagmeni Beach (15 miles or 24 km away); southern Cape Sounion and its Temple of Poseidon (52 miles or 83 km away); ancient Corinth (52 miles or 83 km away); or the Greek islands of Poros, Hydra, and Egina (58 miles or 93 km across the Saronic Gulf). Back at the dock in Piraeus, visitors can experience the city’s National Archaeological Museum and its collection of art from Greek antiquity, including bronze statues of Athena and Apollo.
The Basics
Most shore excursions departing Piraeus head inland to nearby Athens (8 miles or 13.5 km away). With half- and full-day Athens tours available, travelers can explore the Greek capital and its UNESCO-listed Acropolis—including Parthenon Temple, the Plaka District, and Temple of Zeus—or visit popular attractions such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. Other popular day trips head to Vouliagmeni Beach (15 miles or 24 km away); southern Cape Sounion and its Temple of Poseidon (52 miles or 83 km away); ancient Corinth (52 miles or 83 km away); or the Greek islands of Poros, Hydra, and Egina (58 miles or 93 km across the Saronic Gulf). Back at the dock in Piraeus, visitors can experience the city’s National Archaeological Museum and its collection of art from Greek antiquity, including bronze statues of Athena and Apollo.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Athens from the Piraeus Cruise Port
To reach Piraeus city center from the cruise terminal, head to the Piraeus metro station about a mile away—you can walk 20 minutes around the harbor to get there, or take bus No. 843 from the port to the station. From here, take the green metro line to central Athens in about 20 minutes, alighting at Omonia Station or Thissio for the Acropolis. Shore excursion tours typically include round-trip transportation, while shuttles buses and private transfers are also available from Piraeus to central Athens.
Port Information
In Piraeus, the language is Greek and the currency is the euro, although you will find both English speakers and ATMs in the tourist areas of the city. It’s possible to ferry to just about any of the major Greek Islands from Piraeus—the biggest problem you will encounter is choosing which one.
- Discover Athens on foot, or by Segway, cruise, or hop-on, hop-off bus on a shore excursion tour.
- Booking an excursion that includes transportation and an English-speaking tour guide is the best way to learn about the ancient sights.
- Most Piraeus shore excursion tours include pickup and dropoff at the Piraeus port.
- For a taste of local flavor, choose a food tour or an outdoor excursion with a traditional lunch.
How to Get to Athens from the Piraeus Cruise Port
To reach Piraeus city center from the cruise terminal, head to the Piraeus metro station about a mile away—you can walk 20 minutes around the harbor to get there, or take bus No. 843 from the port to the station. From here, take the green metro line to central Athens in about 20 minutes, alighting at Omonia Station or Thissio for the Acropolis. Shore excursion tours typically include round-trip transportation, while shuttles buses and private transfers are also available from Piraeus to central Athens.
Port Information
In Piraeus, the language is Greek and the currency is the euro, although you will find both English speakers and ATMs in the tourist areas of the city. It’s possible to ferry to just about any of the major Greek Islands from Piraeus—the biggest problem you will encounter is choosing which one.
Address: Piraeus Harbour, Piraeus 18538, Greece
From $ 20
Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik)
Pigeon Valley, just outside Göreme in Cappadocia, is one of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes.
The unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, or peri bacalar, which are made from wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, rise high from the valley floor like chimneys and are dotted in their tops with birdhouses. Some reach at tall as 130 ft (40m). Pigeons live in these dovecoats carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago the pigeons were used to carry messages from this remote region, and their droppings have long been used by local farmers for fertilizer. Today, however, there are fewer pigeons in the valley.
Pigeon Valley is a great place for hiking. The whole area around Göreme is made up of valleys with almost no fencing and there are well-marked trails. The mildly hilly trail through Pigeon Valley is free of charge and about 2.8 miles (4 km) long running between Göreme and Uçhisar.
The unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, or peri bacalar, which are made from wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, rise high from the valley floor like chimneys and are dotted in their tops with birdhouses. Some reach at tall as 130 ft (40m). Pigeons live in these dovecoats carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago the pigeons were used to carry messages from this remote region, and their droppings have long been used by local farmers for fertilizer. Today, however, there are fewer pigeons in the valley.
Pigeon Valley is a great place for hiking. The whole area around Göreme is made up of valleys with almost no fencing and there are well-marked trails. The mildly hilly trail through Pigeon Valley is free of charge and about 2.8 miles (4 km) long running between Göreme and Uçhisar.
Address: Cappadocia, Turkey
From $ 35
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
The Czech Republic is famous for the volume of beer (pivo) the nation consumes. The favourite drink of locals and tourists alike is lager and none is more popular than the classically Czech brand Pilsner Urquell, which is produced at an historic brewery in Pilsen (Plzeň in Czech).
An hour’s drive from Prague, Pilsen is the capital of West Bohemia and was European City of Culture in 2016. Beer has been brewed in the city since 1295, but the story of Pilsner Urquell begins with the building of the Prazdroj Brewery in 1842. This was the year that Josef Groll developed his unique method of brewing, which is still used in making Pilsner lager today.
A guided tour of the brewery leads through the brewing process, from the vast copper storage vats in the factory through the 1930s brew house before traveling to the state-of-the-art bottling facility, which is capable of handling 120,000 bottles an hour. Every tour lasts one hour and 40 minutes and ends in the historic cellars with a tasting session of several unfiltered pilsners straight from the oak cask. To learn about another traditional Czech craft, combine a visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery with a tour of the Bohemia glassworks in Nizbor.
Practical Info
U Prazdroje 7, Pilsen. Opening hours daily 7am–11pm. Tour tickets adults 180 CZK; seniors & students 108 CZK; family 396 CZK. Pilsen is an hour and 15 minutes southwest of Prague and is best accessed by car along the E50.
Address: U Prazdroje 7, Pilsen, Western Bohemia 304 97, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily 7am–11pm
Admission: Adults: 180 CZK; Seniors & Students: 108 CZK; Families: 396 CZK
From $ 106
Pietro Canonica Museum (Museo Pietro Canonica)
One of Rome’s hidden gems, the Pietro Canonica Museum is home to a stellar collection of works by the 19th-century sculptor and musician, all displayed against the backdrop of his luxurious fortress-style villa in the Villa Borghese gardens. Visitors will gain a unique glimpse into the artist's life a century ago.
The Basics
Canonica was a sculptor and academic born near Turin in 1869. Much feted by the aristocracy in Italy and Europe for his fine sculptural portraits of royalty and nobility, he was given this small but sumptuous "fortezzuola" villa by the city of Rome, and lived there until his death in 1959. The artist's house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work; visit as part of a Villa Borghese bike or Segway tour that also includes the Galleria Borghese, the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre, the Bioparco zoo, and the Pincio Gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum’s collection consists primarily of sculptures, but there are other eclectic things to see as well, including Canonica’s smock and beret.
- Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the museum.
- The museum is partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Flash photography is not allowed inside the museum.
How to Get There
The museum is located on Viale Pietro Canonica in Villa Borghese park. The nearest metro station is Flaminio; the nearest bus stop is at Piazzale Brasile.
When to Get There
Because of its location in Villa Borghese park, the museum makes for a great stop on a nice day. It’s closed on Mondays.
The Pietro Canonica Museum Collection
Visitors can see original models for Canonica’s bronze and marble statues, as well as sketches and drawings, in the artist’s ground-floor studio. Upstairs, you can explore private apartments furnished with antiques, Flemish tapestries, and paintings by 19th- and 20th-century Italian artists such as Giovanni Battista Quadrone and Vittorio Cavalleri.
Address: Viale Pietro Canonica, 2, Rome, Lazio 00197, Italy
From $ 45
Pier Head
Pier Head serves as the ferry departure point on the River Mersey and as a Liverpool symbol, marked by buildings known as the Three Graces, the most famous of which is the Liver Building, with its Liver Birds. Pier Head, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also home to memorials, the Museum of Liverpool, and Mersey Ferries landing stage.
The Basics
There are multiple ways to experience Pier Head. Absorb riverside views of the landmark from a cruise, or get a close-up look at its memorials on a city bike tour. Be immersed in the historic pier’s atmosphere as you walk the streets, before catching a ferry across the Mersey. Take advantage of combination tickets to see it alongside other Liverpool attractions, or opt for a flexible hop-on hop-off tour to explore at your own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Three Graces and the Liver Birds are a must-see for any visitor to Liverpool.
- Be sure to dress for the weather as the area is mostly uncovered and outside.
- The wide, paved pathways are wheelchair accessible.
- Take advantage of river boat cruises for sweeping views of the iconic buildings.
How to Get There
Many tours offer transportation as part of city sightseeing itinerary. Pier Head is a 20-minute walk from central Liverpool. The nearest train station is James Street, with direct services from Lime Street. The 14A bus stops there directly from the city center. Free street parking is limited.
When to Get There
Pier Head is striking at any time of year, but sunset tours offer particularly charming views of the Three Graces against a dusk backdrop. Main attractions, such as the Museum of Liverpool, close around 5pm, and the last Mersey Ferry departs at 6:40pm.
Spot the Superlambanana
Look out for the Superlambanana sculptures outside the Museum of Liverpool. The design, a cross between a lamb and a banana, pays homage to the city’s port history, as both were historically common cargoes. Beginning at Tate Liverpool, the sculptures spread through the city during its time as the European Capital of Culture, and have since been found as far away as Wales.
Address: Pier Head, Liverpool L2, England
From $ 21
Pieniny National Park
Visitors come to the park for its mountains and massifs - the most famous peak being Tri koruny (Three Crowns), standing high at 982 meters above sea level. It is possible to climb to its summit and take in the view from an observation deck, but the most popular way to admire the scenery of the Pieniny National Park is to navigate through the picturesque limestone ravine known as the Dunajec River Gorge. This is one of the most scenic canyons in Europe, with cliffs often as high as 300 meters. The rafting trips, which have been organized in the park since the first half of the 19th century, last two to three hours. Hikers and cyclists will also find interesting trails, totaling 34 kilometers. The fauna and flora is to be seen - around 6500 animal species have been proven to live in the Pieniny, but it is believed that up to 15,000 species actually live in it, along with the hundreds of plant species who thrive in the park thanks to its waterways, including 640 kinds of mushrooms. Even though Pieniński Park Narodowy is small in size at 23.46 km2, making it the smallest in Poland, it is the most visited national park in the country.
Practical Info
Pieniny National Park is located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains in the southernmost part of Poland, on the border with Slovakia. It can be reached by car from Krakow in two hours via routes A4, E77, and DK47. Entry to the park is free, however, some areas and attractions do carry an entrance fee, notably: the Czorsztyn Castle is 5 złoty, observatory at the Three Crowns and Sokolica peaks are both 5 złoty, and the water trail is 4 złoty. Visitors should also factor in the price of the excursion, which varies depending on the destination.
Address: Jagiellońska 107B, Kroscienko n/Dunajcem 34-450, Poland
From $ 104
Pierre Loti Hill
Known for its views across Istanbul's natural harbor — the Golden Horn — Pierre Loti Hill is named after the famous French novelist and traveler. A popular spot for snapping a selfie (or three), atop the hill there are six historic mansions that have been turned into a boutique hotel. There’s also a restaurant, and the famous Pierre Loti Coffee Shop where you can enjoy the views with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee in hand. Loti used to sit here and write his novels when the cafe was known as Rabia Kadın Café. For the best views of all, test the telescope on the observation deck at Piyerloti funicular station.
The Golden Horn was once the center of the Byzantine and Ottoman navies, and it's fun to see the boats come in while enjoying the views of the parks and promenades that line the harbor’s shores.
In the Eyüp district, to get to Pierre Loti Hill there are two options: you can either take the 3-minute Eyüp-Piyerloti cable car ride, or alternatively, see that grand mosque at the bottom of the hill? It's the most important one in the district, and you can walk up to the top of this 53-meter-high hill from there by winding your way up through the graveyard.
Practical Info
To get to Pierre Loti Hill, take the Eyüp Gondola which will drop you off in front of the Pierre Loti Cafe, and which costs TL 4 per ride.
Address: Pierre Loti Street, Istanbul, Turkey
Hours: Daily
From $ 29
Pigalle
Cue up a chorus of 'Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?,' pull on your Moulin-Rouge-esque fishnet stockings and head down to the Parisian district of Pigalle, where the notoriously raunchy French cabaret has catapulted the city’s red light district to the top of many must-see lists.
The Pigalle quarter is located in Montmartre and has long nurtured its reputation for the risqué, even taking its name from the 18th-century artist Jean-Baptise Pigalle - famed for his nude sculptures. Pigalle is Paris' red light district, a lively area crammed with neon-lit sex shops, peep shows, expensive strip clubs, and of course, the city's now-legendary cabarets. Leave the kids at home and head out for an evening of adult entertainment, or at least, the opportunity to gasp and giggle at the outrageous displays of tongue-in-cheek erotica.
Don’t be put off by the area's seedy reputation -- a number of hip music clubs and less provocative venues are slowly revolutionizing the area. Many tourists simply want to peek at the infamous shop fronts or pay a visit to the fascinating Musee d'Erotisme (erotic museum), so there's no reason to stay away. Better yet, go back to where it all began by watching a show at one of the famous cabarets. Glittering costumes, bawdy humor, tasteful part-nudity and up-tempo dancing (including the famous cancan) are all part of the show at the world famous Moulin Rouge, still running after over a century.
The Pigalle quarter is located in Montmartre and has long nurtured its reputation for the risqué, even taking its name from the 18th-century artist Jean-Baptise Pigalle - famed for his nude sculptures. Pigalle is Paris' red light district, a lively area crammed with neon-lit sex shops, peep shows, expensive strip clubs, and of course, the city's now-legendary cabarets. Leave the kids at home and head out for an evening of adult entertainment, or at least, the opportunity to gasp and giggle at the outrageous displays of tongue-in-cheek erotica.
Don’t be put off by the area's seedy reputation -- a number of hip music clubs and less provocative venues are slowly revolutionizing the area. Many tourists simply want to peek at the infamous shop fronts or pay a visit to the fascinating Musee d'Erotisme (erotic museum), so there's no reason to stay away. Better yet, go back to where it all began by watching a show at one of the famous cabarets. Glittering costumes, bawdy humor, tasteful part-nudity and up-tempo dancing (including the famous cancan) are all part of the show at the world famous Moulin Rouge, still running after over a century.
Address: France
From $ 80
Pincio Gardens (Monte Pincio)
Overlooking Rome’s Piazza del Popolo, the gardens on Pincio Hill have been present since the time of the ancient Romans. It is named for the Pincis, a noble Roman family whose estate was built on these grounds in the 4th century. The gardens were separated from the neighboring Villa Borghese by an ancient wall.
Filled with greenery, flowers, and bust statues of famous Italians, the present gardens were laid out in the 19th century. Tree-lined avenues were once (and still are) a grand place to go for a stroll. There’s also an obelisk and historic water clock located in the gardens. They are accessed via a steep, winding path up from the city. Once at the top, you’ll have one of the best views of Rome, looking out to rooftops, piazzas, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The panoramic outlook is arguably best at sunset.
Practical Info
The Pincio Gardens are located on the western edge of Villa Borghese. The nearest metro stop is Flaminio. It is also accessible on foot from the top of the Spanish Steps.
Address: Piazzale Napoleone I and Viale dell'Obelisco, Rome, Italy
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 45
Pietro Micca Museum
Pietro Micca was a soldier in the Savoy army in the early 18th century, and during the Siege on Turin he became a national hero. There is now a museum dedicated to him in Turin.
In 1706, the French and Spanish armies marched on Turin (then part of the Duchy of Savoy) during the War of Spanish Succession. Pietro Micca's job in the Savoy army involved tunneling in the mines underneath Turin's citadel. In late August of 1706, Micca heard French soldiers making their way up into the mines. He barred his door and exploded two barrels of gunpowder just as the soldiers broke through his barricade, killing most of them. Micca himself was severely injured and died later of his wounds, but by preventing the French from getting into the citadel he helped the Savoy army eventually defeat the French.
The Pietro Micca Museum was opened in 1961 to commemorate Micca's heroic act and the Savoy defeat of the French and Spanish armies, and the building stands over the tunnels in which Micca once worked. Visitors to the museum can descend into the tunnel network.
Practical Info
The Pietro Micca Museum (Museo Civico Pietro Micca a dell'Assedio di Torino del 1706) is located near the Porta Susa train station – it's a short walk from there or the Porta Susa metro stop. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm, and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is €3. A museum visit including a 90-minute guided tour of the tunnels is available Tuesday-Saturday at 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm, and on Sundays at 10:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30pm.
Address: Via Francesco Giuseppe Guicciardini, Torino 10121, Italy
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: €3
From $ 32