Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Square 1813 (Plein 1813)
It may sound funny, but Square 1813 (Plein 1813) is actually a circle or what some might call a roundabout. In the center is a large monument to independence – the largest 19th-century statue in the Netherlands. It was erected to commemorate the victory over Napoleon and the end of French occupation in The Netherlands, which took place, of course, in 1813.
Practical Info
Plein 1813 is located at the intersection of Alexander Street and Sophialaan in Willemspark.
Address: Alexander Street and Sophialaan, Willemspark, Netherlands
Hours: Daily
From ¥ 1,872
Spili
A cluster of traditional houses and cobblestone lanes nestled in the foothills of the Psiloritis mountains, there’s no denying Spili’s photogenic appeal and the tranquil mountain village has long made a popular addition to tour itineraries. Small enough to explore on foot, Spili’s top landmark is its main square, where a grand Venetian fountain takes center stage, featuring 25 lionheads spouting fresh water sourced from the nearby Mt Ida, Crete’s highest mountain.
Once you’ve explored Spili’s three historic churches and shopped for souvenirs at its many small handicraft and artisan shops, be sure to explore the surrounding countryside, renowned for its tranquil olive gloves, lush greenery and colorful fields of wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.
Practical Info
Spili is located in central Crete, 30 km south of Rethymnon.
Address: Spili 740 53, Greece
From ¥ 564
Southwark Cathedral
Southwark (pronounced ‘suth-ark’) Cathedral, officially called the ‘Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie,’ is located close to London Bridge on the south bank of the Thames River. Today, railway lines and office buildings, including the historic Borough Market, surround the old cathedral. The calm churchyard on the south side of the cathedral is a popular place for local office workers to enjoy their lunch hour – weather permitting. Although the interior of the cathedral is relatively modern (it was begun in 1890), traces of the past are still present there. Remains of the 13th-century arcading can be found in the south aisle, and in the north aisle a wooden effigy of a knight dates from 1275.
Also of note is a monument to the playwright William Shakespeare (the cathedral holds an annual birthday service for ‘The Bard’), which can be found beneath a stained glass window depicting characters from his famous plays. The cathedral was once a riverside priory, and the cloister-style courtyard is on the site of the original cloister that was used during those times. To the north, a more modern development includes the refectory and a gift shop with specially commissioned Southwark Cathedral products. An ancient alleyway, now a pedestrian walkway called Lancelot’s Link, separates the cathedral’s old and new buildings.
Practical Info
Visiting restrictions may apply when services or other activities are taking place. Visitors are always welcome to attend acts of worship. Groups are strongly encouraged to pre-book their visits. Hourly prayers lasting approximately two minutes are practiced throughout the day, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the prayers visitors are requested to remain still, and are invited to join in saying The Lord's Prayer in their native language.
Address: London Bridge, London SE1 9DA, England
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Sat-Sun 8:30am-6pm
From ¥ 202
Spaggia Grande Beach
There is no better stretch of beach in Positano to take a dip or work on your tan than Spiaggia Grande, next to the Marina Grande port. At this well-provisioned beach you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella, stroll the beach walk, grab a meal at a beachfront restaurant, or hop on a ferry to other coastal destinations or the islands.
The Basics
Take a beach break at Spiaggia Grande before or after your small-group or private tour of the top attractions along the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Day trips depart from Sorrento or Naples, often include a stop for lunch, and can also be combined with a tour of Pompeii.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a small area of free public beach along Spiaggia Grande, but most of the area is covered in beach clubs that rent loungers and umbrellas.
- The Mediterranean sun is quite strong, so sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
- The beachfront is lined with snack bars, restaurants, and cafés.
- A stop at this sandy beach is a must for families with kids.
How to Get There
Spiaggia Grande is the beach located adjacent to Marina Grande, Positano’s port. If arriving by ferry, the beach clubs are just steps away. If arriving by bus, walk downhill to the port and beach.
When to Get There
Temperatures soar in southern Italy at midday during the summer months, so be cautious about sun exposure or hit the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. The beaches along the Amalfi Coast get very crowded on the weekends from June through September, so visit in spring or fall if possible.
Positano’s Other Beaches
If you fancy a slightly quieter but equally beautiful beach, take the pretty footpath overlooking the water from Spiaggia Grande to Fornillo beach. Though this stretch of sand is less crowded, there are still snack bars, restaurants, and a number of beach clubs renting chairs and umbrellas.
Address: Positano, Campania 84017, Italy
From ¥ 703
Spanish Steps
Climbing from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church, the Spanish Steps is one of Rome’s most recognized landmarks, immortalized in countless postcards and films. Built between 1723 and 1725, the 138-step staircase recently underwent a meticulous cleaning, restoring the marble landmark to its former glory.
The Basics
The monumental Spanish Steps, the widest staircase in Europe, was designed by architect Francesco de Sanctis and counts among the Eternal City's most iconic tourist sites, along with such highlights as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum. The steps are also a lively meeting places for locals, who gather at the bars and cafés around Bernini's famous Fontana della Barcaccia in the square below.
Rome tours by Segway, Vespa, or hop-on hop-off bus are a great way to see the Spanish Steps along with other famous attractions like the Colosseum (often with skip-the-line access) and Pantheon in a single day, or opt for a specialized private tour with an expert tour guide to combine a food and wine or pizza tour with your visit. For a unique look at the steps, consider joining a small-group city tour by night when the monument is dramatically lit and the crowds are thinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sitting, eating, and drinking on the steps is forbidden; local police strictly enforce these rules.
- The steps are just that: stairs. As such, they are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
- Just adjacent to the Spanish Steps is the house where English poet John Keats lived, now a museum dedicated to his memory and works.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for individuals who will thrust a rose or other souvenir into your hand and then demand payment.
How to Get There
The metro line A runs from the Termini train station to Piazza di Spagna.
When to Get There
The Spanish Steps are crowded most of the day, so you'll have to visit early in the morning or late at night if you want to enjoy them in relative peace. The steps are in direct sunlight almost all day, so can be hot to climb during the midday hours in summer; they are particularly photogenic in the spring, festooned with colorful flowers, and decorated with a towering Christmas tree and fairy lights during the winter holidays.
Why Spanish?
The Spanish steps were financed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier and built to link the Trinità dei Monti Church, under the patronage of the king of France at the time, with the Spanish Square below, so-named because it was home to the Spain's embassy and considered Spanish territory in the 17th century.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, Rome 00187, Italy
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From ¥ 23
Speicherstadt Kaffeeroesterei
The Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei is a museum in Hamburg's Speicherstadt district. Hamburg has a long history of being an important port city and center of trade. Over the centuries this has resulted in a large district of warehouses where goods were stored. Today these warehouses have been converted into museums, most of which reflect their former purpose. The Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei is a museum about coffee and coffee roasting where visitors will find interesting information about the countless varieties of coffee.
For 200 years Hamburg was a major hub of the coffee trade. The Speicherstadt coffee roaster company was originally connected with a company in Colombia, which is where they got the coffee from. Eight times a day, you can view the coffee roasting through live demonstrations and gain insight into the workings of a coffee roasting expert. Visitors can also learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and processing the coffee beans. You can also book coffee tastings ahead of time.
Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei also has a factory shop and a cafe.
Practical Info
The Speicherstadt Kaffeeroesterei is located at Kehrwieder 5. The closest Ubahn station is Baumwall on the U3. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm daily, special hours during the holiday season.
Address: Kehrwieder 5, Hamburg 20457, Germany
Hours: 10am to 7pm daily
From ¥ 180
Spanish Synagogue
The Spanish Synagogue in Prague is the newest synagogue in the Jewish Town area. Ironically, it is built on the site of the 12th-century Altschul, which was thought to be the oldest synagogue in the city.
The current building was constructed in 1868. It was designed by Vojtěch Ignátz Ullmann in a neo-Moorish style, which was inspired by the art of the Arabic period of Spanish history – hence the synagogue’s name. The elaborate interior was designed by the architects, Antonín Baum and Bedřich Münzberger, and includes beautiful stained-glass windows and a stucco-covered ceiling of intricate stylized motifs, which also adorn the walls, doors, and gallery balustrades.
The Spanish Synagogue in Prague holds regular services, permanent and temporary exhibitions, classical concerts, and a variety of other programs and events.
Practical Info
The Spanish Synagogue is located in Prague’s Jewish Quarter. To reach it, take metro Line A to Staromestska station, or take tram number 17 to the Pravnicka fakulta stop. The ticket counter, museum shop, and toilet facilities are located in the synagogue vestibule.
Address: Vezenska 1, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: November-March: 9am-4:30pm; April-October: 9am-6pm
Admission: Adults: 300Kč; Seniors/Students: 200 Kč
From ¥ 94
Spianada
Also known as the Esplanade, the Spianada is the largest town square in Greece, located in Corfu Town on the island of Corfu. Located in front of the Old Fortress, its construction dates back to the French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city, as well as the liveliest part of Corfu Town, reflecting the history of the island with a mix of Venetian, French, British and Greek buildings. At one end of the Spianada stands the Royal Palace of Corfu (also called the Palace of St. Michael and St. George), which today houses the Museum of Asian Art. In front of the palace stands a bronze statue of Lord Frederick Adam, an English Commissioner who did important technical work for the city.
On the southern tip of the square you can see the Peristyle of Maitland, a circular monument in honor of the first English Commissioner Thomas Maitland in early 1800s. In front of the iron bridge leading to the Old Fortress is a statue of the German Marshall Schulenberg, who defended the city against the Turks in 1716. Notable for its many colonnades, the Venetian citadel known as the Liston runs along the edge of the square facing the old town.
Interestingly, a cricket court also takes up a significant part of the Spianada as cricket was made popular during British rule in the early 19th century.
Practical Info
A small train travels along the length of the square during the summer months, which can provide a nice introduction to Corfu Town. There are also traditional carriages available to ride around the town.
Address: Plateia Spianada, Corfu, Greece
From ¥ 466
Sremski Karlovci
The Serbian town of Sremski Karlovci seems to have it all, combining history, religion, and wine with sheer charm and beauty. This is one of the most picturesque towns in Serbia's Vojvodina region, with its well-preserved baroque and neoclassicist architecture making you feel as if you’re wandering the streets of Prague or Bruges instead.
There’s much to see and do on a trip to Sremski Karlovci, so it’s best to opt for a day trip from Belgrade so you can take in all of the town’s major sights, such as the Four Lions Fountain, the Treasury of Patriarchy residence, and the St. Nicholas orthodox cathedral. Many also choose to combine a visit here with a tour of the Fruska Gora monasteries.
Because Sremski Karlovci happens to be one of the most prominent spots on Serbia's wine route, another option is to visit as part of a Vojvodina Province day tour, where you can sample the town’s wares in a wine cellar and combine it with a visit to the city of Novi Sad.
Practical Info
The Four Lions Fountain was erected in 1799 to mark the completion of the first waterworks in Sremski Karlovci. Legend has it that anyone who drinks from the fountain will eventually return to the town. Sremski Karlovci is located on the BelgradeNovi Sad railway line, with frequent trains going in both directions. The closest airport is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, which is situated around 50 kilometers south of Sremski Karlovci.
Address: Sremski Karlovci, Serbia
From ¥ 345
Split Cruise Port
Split is the largest city on the Dalmatian coast and Croatia's second biggest city. It is famous for the well-preserved Diocletian Palace, a Roman Emperor's retirement palace dating from the 4th century AD which still forms the city center. Split also has wonderful beaches and an exemplary cafe life.
In front of the palace walls along the waterfront is the Riva, which is lined by outdoor cafes and always teeming. During summer, Split becomes a focus for music and dance festivals. The city is also a major ferry port for the popular nearby islands such as Hvar, Brač and Vis.
How to Get to Split
Smaller ships will dock near the ferry terminals, larger ships will anchor offshore and provide tender transport. From the ferry terminal it is an easy walk around to the city center along the waterfront to the Riva. The city center is tucked in behind the palace walls and there are plenty of gates and entrances leading you inside. If you would rather beach than history, turn right from the ferry terminal and follow the crowds to Bačvice, the main city beach which also has cafes and restaurants.
One Day in Split
The historic center of Split is small and easy to explore on foot in a few hours. Head into the Diocletian Palace and wander the marble streets which are lined with all the major shops and lots of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and churches. Don't miss the Cathedral and if you have a head for heights, climb the bell tower for wonderful views over the city to the islands. A small musuem inside the cathedral is worth a visit.
Across the middle square, the Peristil, and down a small passage is Jupiter's Temple – don't miss it. From the Peristil head up to the archaeological museum and wander around and behind it to fully explore the palace remains and how people still live there today. The main street is Marmontova, a wide pedestrian-only strip of shops.
If you like art, don't miss the Meštrović Gallery on Marjan hill, dedicated to the work Croatia’s most famous sculptor, Ivan Meštrović (a taxi is your easiest way). Below this is another lovely beach. Just outside the city walls is the market where you’ll find hats, sunglasses, clothing and lots of souvenirs.
Port Information
Split is a tender port so allow transfer times. The language is Croatian but nearly everyone speaks excellent English and most menus are in Croatian, English and Italian, some also German. The currency is the kuna but many places also accept euro. Taxis are easily found between the port and the city center.
In front of the palace walls along the waterfront is the Riva, which is lined by outdoor cafes and always teeming. During summer, Split becomes a focus for music and dance festivals. The city is also a major ferry port for the popular nearby islands such as Hvar, Brač and Vis.
How to Get to Split
Smaller ships will dock near the ferry terminals, larger ships will anchor offshore and provide tender transport. From the ferry terminal it is an easy walk around to the city center along the waterfront to the Riva. The city center is tucked in behind the palace walls and there are plenty of gates and entrances leading you inside. If you would rather beach than history, turn right from the ferry terminal and follow the crowds to Bačvice, the main city beach which also has cafes and restaurants.
One Day in Split
The historic center of Split is small and easy to explore on foot in a few hours. Head into the Diocletian Palace and wander the marble streets which are lined with all the major shops and lots of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and churches. Don't miss the Cathedral and if you have a head for heights, climb the bell tower for wonderful views over the city to the islands. A small musuem inside the cathedral is worth a visit.
Across the middle square, the Peristil, and down a small passage is Jupiter's Temple – don't miss it. From the Peristil head up to the archaeological museum and wander around and behind it to fully explore the palace remains and how people still live there today. The main street is Marmontova, a wide pedestrian-only strip of shops.
If you like art, don't miss the Meštrović Gallery on Marjan hill, dedicated to the work Croatia’s most famous sculptor, Ivan Meštrović (a taxi is your easiest way). Below this is another lovely beach. Just outside the city walls is the market where you’ll find hats, sunglasses, clothing and lots of souvenirs.
Port Information
Split is a tender port so allow transfer times. The language is Croatian but nearly everyone speaks excellent English and most menus are in Croatian, English and Italian, some also German. The currency is the kuna but many places also accept euro. Taxis are easily found between the port and the city center.
Address: Gat Sv. Duje 1, Split, Dalmatia 21000, Croatia
From ¥ 164
Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol)
One of the most famous points of interest on Montjuïc is the Poble Espanyol. The so-called "Spanish Village" was built for the 1929 International Exhibition to show off models of the architecture specific to each region in Spain.
Visitors ambling through the mixed-and-matched village will find themselves one minute walking down a street characteristic of the Basque region, and the next, standing before a home reminiscent of the Andalucian style. Also included are copies of Galician and Castilian architecture and, of course, Catalan dwellings.
Filling these buildings are various craft shops left over from the International Exhibition that are still churning out keepsake crafts. There are also several bars, cafes and shops throughout to quench every thirst, appetite and need for a souvenir.
See everything from glass blowing to weaving in the craft shops of Poble Espanyol. Artisans working in every medium imaginable are drawn to this space as somewhere not only to showcase their art but to create it as well. There are a series of exhibition spaces throughout the village that host temporary exhibits, in addition to the Fran Daurel Foundation, which displays a permanent collection of over 300 works by international artists.
Visitors ambling through the mixed-and-matched village will find themselves one minute walking down a street characteristic of the Basque region, and the next, standing before a home reminiscent of the Andalucian style. Also included are copies of Galician and Castilian architecture and, of course, Catalan dwellings.
Filling these buildings are various craft shops left over from the International Exhibition that are still churning out keepsake crafts. There are also several bars, cafes and shops throughout to quench every thirst, appetite and need for a souvenir.
See everything from glass blowing to weaving in the craft shops of Poble Espanyol. Artisans working in every medium imaginable are drawn to this space as somewhere not only to showcase their art but to create it as well. There are a series of exhibition spaces throughout the village that host temporary exhibits, in addition to the Fran Daurel Foundation, which displays a permanent collection of over 300 works by international artists.
Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Hours: Open daily 9am - late
Admission: Adults: € 8.90, Children (4-12yrs): € 5.60
From ¥ 102
Spis Castle
The ruins of Slovakia’s Spis Castle form one of the largest castle sites in central Europe. Built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier castle, the Spis Castle once stood tall above the town of Spisske Podhradie and the village of Zehra. It was completely rebuilt in the 15th century, but burned down in 1780. In the second half of the 20th century, the castle was partially reconstructed and visitors can now explore the castle’s kitchen, bedroom, washroom, armory, chapel and torture room. Also on display are archaeological findings from the Stone Age through Middle Ages, including some Roman coins. The castle’s tower is well worth a climb for the panoramic view and photo opportunities.
If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to check out the castle’s schedule of activities as it sometimes hosts medieval festivals or night tours in the summer.
Practical Info
Spis Castle is about one kilometer east of Spisske Podhradie, an hour-long walk given the uphill nature of the hike. It can also be reached by car from the E50 highway on the east (Presov) side and a parking lot is located not far from the entrance. The town of Spisske Podhradie is accessible by bus from Levoca, Kosice and Presov. The castle is closed during the winter months, but is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 pm April through September. Admission for adults is 5 Euro. An audio tour is also available that delves into the stories and legends related to the castle.
Address: Žehra, Slovakia
Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 pm April through September
Admission: Adults: 5 Euro
From ¥ 11,280
Spinalonga
The now-uninhabited island of Spinalonga (Kalydon) sits in the Elounda Gulf along Crete’s northeastern shore. During the 16th-century Venetian occupation, the invaders built a defensive fortress here protecting Mirabello Bay. Today visitors can tour the massive structure and the abandoned buildings that sit along its turreted walls.
The Basics
Spinalonga is a popular tourist attraction, known for its archaeological site and fortress (once used as a Turkish bastion and leper colony), shallow pools formerly used to harvest sea salt, and pretty pebble beaches along clear waters. You can reach the island by boat trip from Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos, but by far the best way to visit the island’s archeological site is with an expert tour guide. Many full-day Spinalonga tours include other nearby highlights like the so-called “bottomless lake” in Agios Nikolaos and the beautiful beaches on Kolokytha, and some offer a BBQ lunch. If you’re a more adventurous visitor, choose a tour that pairs a ride through the countryside on a 4x4 with a private speedboat trip to the island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Spinalonga is for day-trippers only: There are beaches for taking a dip and a small snack bar on the island, but no accommodations.
- Don’t forget a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water to stave off Crete’s summer heat.
- Tours do not include the entrance fee for the Spinalonga archaeological site and fortress.
- The fortress and archaeological site have stairs and uneven ground, and are not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Older children enjoy touring the abandoned fortress, but infants must be carried as the site is difficult to visit with a stroller.
How to Get There
The island of Spinalonga lies 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Heraklion in Greece’s Mirabello Bay. To access the fort, you need to take a ferry or boat tour from Plaka or Elounda.
When to Get There
Spinalonga is most crowded in summer, which is also when the heat can be hard to manage. Plan your day around visiting the archaeological site in the early morning or late afternoon, and staying cool at the beach during the hottest time of day.
Spinalonga in Books and Movies
Spinalonga has been the setting for a number of books and movies—most famously the 2005 novel The Island by Victoria Hislop, which was adapted into a Greek television series.
Address: Greece
From ¥ 407
Spitalfields Market
Established in the 1860s, Old Spitalfields Market is a historic market that is still bustling today. The covered marketplace is full of stalls offering a mix of chain restaurants and local street food as well as unique, locally designed goods, imported wares, vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and all manner of quirky items.
The Basics
The Victorian covered market—which has undergone extensive renovations and is now surrounded by trendy, upscale brick-and-mortar shops—is a lively shopping and dining venue. Its more than 70 stalls, shops, and restaurants include regular and rotating vendors selling everything from hand-thrown ceramics to leather goods, bespoke prescription glasses, and vintage fashion.
Old Spitalfields Market and the surrounding areas have quite a storied past, and are included on a number of informative walking and culinary tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Old Spitalfields Market is a must for shopaholics and visitors looking for fun trinkets or souvenirs to take home.
- Although there is a large covered market, Spitalfields can also refer to the wider area including a range of high-end shops and restaurants.
- There are seasonal events and pop-up shops throughout the year.
- There is an antiques-focused market on Thursdays.
How to Get There
Old Spitalfields Market, located in East London, is easily reachable by bus or tube. Several bus routes end at Spitalfields Market on Brushfield Street; the nearest Underground station is Liverpool Street, which is served by the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.
When to Get There
The market stalls are open daily with varying hours and a range of weekly and monthly themed days and events. Check the website and individual shops for current information.
The Kitchens
The culinary options at Old Spitalfields Market are vast, making it a dining destination in its own right. The options are endless—high-street chains like Wagamama, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices, Japanese sushi bowls, dumplings, burgers, falafel, high-end cheese and wine, expertly pulled espresso—and the variety showcases East London’s colorful cultural mix and gourmet foodie scene.
Address: 16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, London E1 6EW, England
From ¥ 140
Sponza Palace
At the end of the Placa - or Stradun - in Luza Square stands the gorgeous Gothic-Renaissance Sponza Palace.
Built in 1516-1522 to serve as a customs house, Sponza is one of the few buildings to have survived the 1667 earthquake that levelled much of the city. Designed by chief architect Paskoje Milicevic, the Palace is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles popularized in the 16th century.
The exquisite Renaissance porch and the sculptural ornaments of the building were carved by master stone-cutters, the brothers Andrijic, in 1516.
Sponza Palace has had many lives since its beginnings as a customs house: the mint, the State treasury and a bank. It now houses the State archives, a significant collection of manuscripts dating back nearly a thousand years.
Practical Info
The palace courtyard, historically a meeting place for Dubrovnik’s artists and intellectuals, regularly hosts art exhibits and concerts and plays a unique role in the opening ceremony for the city’s Summer Festival.
Sponza Palace is in Luza Square at the end of the Placa Stradun, in the Old Town.
Address: Luza Square, Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Hours: Open daily
From ¥ 94
Spitalfields
Synonymous with its namesake market, Spitalfields is one of the liveliest districts of London’s East End, tucked in-between hip Shoreditch to the north and historic Whitechapel to the south. The best way to explore the area is on foot and the obvious starting point for a walking tour is Spitalfields Market, one of London’s oldest and most famous markets, which takes over Horner Square each day from 10am to 5pm.
Additional highlights of a walking tour include Brick Lane, London’s ‘curry mile’; the lesser-known Petticoat Lane Market; and the striking Victorian architecture of Commercial Street. Spitalfields is also often visited on food tasting tours of East London, street art tours, and Jack the Ripper tours.
Insider's Tip: Spitalfields Market is open daily but the best days to go are Thursday for antiques, Friday for fashion and art, and Saturday for the Style market, which features fashion, homeware, and accessories from local designers.
Practical Info
Spitalfields is located in London’s East End, just south of Shoreditch and north of Whitechapel.
Address: Spitalfields, London, England
From ¥ 132
Spanish Riding School (Spanische Reitschule)
Vienna’s storied Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule), established in the 16th century, is the world’s oldest haute école of classical equitation. Experience the Renaissance tradition of classical dressage—on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list—by witnessing the Viennese institution’s morning exercises.
The Basics
During morning training sessions at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, impeccable and graceful snow-white Lipizzan horses practice intricate figures and jumps accompanied by classical music, with riders dressed in their historic empire-style uniforms and bicorn hats. They go through their paces in the elegant 18th-century Winter Riding School (Winterreitschule), commissioned by Emperor Charles VI. In addition to exercises, the school also holds more formal exhibitions and even gala performances a few times each week in addition to daily guided tours of the Baroque Summer Riding School and the Stallburg, one of Vienna’s most significant Renaissance structures. If you want to see the horses without watching a training session, you can observe them from outside the adjacent Stallburg stables. A stop at the Spanish Riding School is a must during any Vienna city walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour; the school is included in the Vienna Flexi Pass and Vienna Pass tickets as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Children from three to six years old are admitted free of charge but must be held on an adult’s lap; children under three years old are not admitted.
- The school is accessible to those with limited mobility, and tickets for wheelchair spaces are available.
- The school is not recommended for those with allergies to horses or dust.
How to Get There
The Spanish Riding School is located in the Hofburg, in central Vienna. The closest metro station is Herrengasse on line U3; alternatively you can take tram line 1, 2, D, or 62 and get off at Kartner Ring Oper or Burgring station. Buses 1A (Herrengasse stop), 2A (Michaelerplatz stop), and 3A (Habsburgergasse stop) also stop nearby.
When to Get There
Morning exercises are held daily from 10am to 12pm, except from late June to early August and on days when a gala performance is scheduled.
History of Lipizzan Stallions
Maximilian II first imported this prized breed of horse from Spain in 1562, and in 1580 a stud was established at Lipizza (hence “Lipizzan” or “Lipizzaner”), now in Slovenia. Since 1920, the stud located in the village of Piber has been the breeding center for Lipizzan stallions destined for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
Address: Michaelerplatz 1, Vienna 1010, Austria
Hours: Times vary for performances, exercise sessions, and guided tours
Admission: Varies
From ¥ 117
Soviet War Memorial
In Berlin there are three Soviet War Memorials. One is located in the northern end of the city in the Pankow district, one is in the southern end of the city in Treptow Park, and one is in the center of the city in Tiergarten. The memorial in Tiergarten is probably the most well known due to its central location. It sits in an area surrounded by a wooded park. All three memorials were established to honor Soviet soldiers who were killed in 1945 in Berlin during the final days of World War II. The memorial in Tiergarten is a large curved structure with a statue of a Soviet soldier on top.
This particular Soviet War Memorial stood in the British sector of Berlin. It was built shortly after the war ended and was supported by the Allied forces. Throughout the time when the city was divided, Soviet honor guards came from the east to the west to stand watch at the memorial. Today the memorial is maintained by the German government, and around 2,000 soldiers are buried here.
Practical Info
The Soviet War Memorial at Tierpark is located at Strasse des 17 Juni. To get there take the U55 to the Bundestag station.
Address: Strasse des 17 Juni, Berlin 10785, Germany
From ¥ 109
Speicherstadt
Speicherstadt is Hamburg's warehouse district and the largest warehouse complex in the world. Hamburg's harbor has been an important influence on the city for centuries, and in the late 1800s, the warehouse complex was built. Since so many goods were shipped in and out of Hamburg, it made sense to have someplace to store them. Shortly after, the area received free port status so that goods could be transferred without paying customs. The area consists of several blocks interspersed with canals that lead to the port itself.
Today several of the buildings now hold museums and other tourist attractions. Spicy's Spice Museum tells of the history of the spice trade and Hamburg's part in it. The Hamburg Dungeon shows 600 years of Hamburg's dark history through scary yet funny performances and rides. Miniatur Wunderland has the largest model railway in the world, which runs through several miniature versions of cities, countries, and even a fully functioning airport. At the Speicherstadt Museum, you can learn about the history of the warehouse district.
It is also possible to take a tour of the Speicherstadt with a canal tour on a historic barge. Most tours start from the Landungsbrücken, the docks by the river in the St. Pauli district.
Practical Info
Hamburg's warehouse district is located on the north side of the Elbe River, east of the Landungsbrücken. The closest U-bahn station is Baumwall, and one of the main roads in the area is Am Sandtorkai.
Address: Speicherstadt, Hamburg, Germany
Hours: Daily
From ¥ 157
South Kennemerland National Park (Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland)
Some 3800 hectares of classic Dutch coastal dunes are being restored in this large nature reserve right in the middle of the busy Randstad. The South Kennemerland National Park is composed of chalky dunes, wide beaches, and coastal forests. Remnants of cultural history like farming estates, seaside villages, and bunkers can also be found in the national park. De Zandwaaier, the park's visitor center, has nature displays and a selection of detailed walking and cycling maps. The Duincafé near the visitor’s center serves coffee, rolls, snacks, and Dutch pancakes.
The park offers more than a hundred miles of footpaths, cycling routes, and horse-riding paths. Whether you want to choose your own route or follow a predetermined path, there’s something for you to enjoy through the woods, across the open sand dunes, and along the lakes and beaches. Trails wind through copses of Corsican firs and valleys of low-lying thickets; at the western edge of the National Park lies a massive sand barrier that's 1,000 years old.
Practical Info
This National Park is located in the heart of the Dutch metropolitan area between Haarlem and Zandvoort, 45 minutes from Amsterdam. There are four train stations within short walking distance of the National Park: Overveen, Bloemendaal, Santpoort Zuid, and Santpoort Noord. All stations lie the ‘Sprinter’ line from Haarlem to Uitgeest. The Overveen station is closest to the visitor’s center.
Address: Zeeweg 12, Overveen, North Holland, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 8am–6pm
From ¥ 1,003