Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 3501-3520 of 4530 listings.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
This stunning cathedral in the heart of Arsukidze dates back to the early 11th century and serves as a visual reminder of the iconic Georgian architecture that has made this region famous. Travelers will find ornate stone carvings on Svetitskhoveli’s exterior and detailed frescos on the interior walls. The robes of Jesus Christ are said to be tucked underneath the church’s nave. For this reason, thousands of pilgrims find their way to this famous cathedral every year. Travelers can revel at the artistry of what’s widely considered the most beautiful church in the nation, and learn about the Georgian monarchs who are buried here as they explore the grounds.
Practical Info
The cathedral is open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. It is located in Mtskheta in Arsukidze, about 20 kilometers from Tbilisi.
Address: Narekvavi-Mtskheta-Railway Station, Mtskheta, Georgia
Hours: Open daily 8am-8pm
From $ 19
Syntagma Station
Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos) is the heart of civic life in Athens, a popular meting place edged with the imposing Parliament of Greece (Vouli) and studded with fountains and shady trees, as well as the unique sight of kilted soldiers changing the guard outside the Monument to the Unknown Soldier with a flourish of the pompoms on their shoes. It is also a transport hub for trams and buses, and its metro station is one of the busiest in the city, where both Lines 2 and 3 stop.
Athens is built on foundations that go back more than 9,000 years to prehistory and so it was no surprise that when excavation started to build the city’s metro system, the digging produced a perfect chronological timeline of the past. These have been innovatively displayed in situ, creating the only underground metro-station museums in the world. Altogether seven metro stations in Athens have museums, with the most interesting discoveries displayed at Acropolis, Monastiraki, Kerameikos and – most spectacular of all – Syntagma. Thousands of ancient artifacts were discovered there, from Neolithic cemeteries to sections of Greek drainage systems, mosaics, funerary urns and skeletons, many displayed behind glass. In the entrance hall a cross-section of the substrata is uncovered, displaying a prehistoric necropolis, and moving ever upwards through classical Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains, charting the development of the city through the millennia.
Practical Info
Syntagma Station is open Monday through Thursday and on Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and on weekends until 2:30 a.m. Take the metro to Syntagma Square.
Address: Syntagma Square, Athens, Attica, Greece 10563, Greece
From $ 23
Suzdal
Suzdal is one of the highlights of the so-called Golden Ring around Moscow and makes for a long but viable day trip. The Suzdal Kremlin was founded in the 11th century and today includes the Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral, a 13th-century cathedral notable for its blue and gold domes.
Not far from the Kremlin is the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life, an interesting stop to get a feel for traditional Russian culture and the life of Russian peasants.
Walking around Suzdal, you will see no shortage of churches, with many dating back centuries, including the Cathedral of Intercession, built in 1518, and the St John the Baptist Church, built in 1720. Climb the tower of the Resurrection Church near Torgovaya Ploshchad for panoramic views of the entire area.
Practical Info
Suzdal is best visited as an overnight trip from Moscow, but if you are short on time you can do it as a long day trip. If you don’t join an organized tour, the best way to reach the town is to take a train from Moscow to nearby Vladimir and then take a bus from there. Trains to Vladimir leave from Moscow’s Kurskaya train station and take about three hours. The bus station is adjacent to the train station in Vladimir and buses leave for Suzdal every 30 minutes, taking one hour to make the journey. Once you are in Suzdal, most attractions are walkable.
Address: Suzdal, Russia
From $ 157
Swedish Theatre
The Swedish Theatre, also known as the Svenska Teatern, is the oldest theater in Helsinki and offers performances exclusively in Swedish, the country’s second official language. Going to a theatre performance in a foreign language can seem a bit daunting, but musicals such as the timeless feel-good show “Mamma Mia” or George Orwell’s 1984 can be quite enjoyable even if you don’t have the necessary language skills. The national theatre offers a wider repertoire that caters to everyone and genres range from drama to musicals and children’s theatre. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
Established in 1827, the once small wooden theatre used to be a quick road stop for actors en route to Saint Petersburg, but it soon became so popular that a newer and bigger building had to be constructed. The theatre seen today was opened in 1863 and was built in the neoclassical style, although during a renovation in the early 20th century, the richly decorated façade was replaced with a more functional one. It offers room for up to 700 spectators, but also has smaller stages with fewer seats.
Practical Info
The Swedish Theater is located at Erottaja Square at the end of the Esplanadi Park. The closest stop is Erottaja, which is serviced by bus number 10 and tram numbers 3 and 6. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 12 to 6pm, but tickets can also be bought online.
Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 2, Helsinki, Finland
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Szechenyi Baths
One of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Europe, Budapest’s Szechenyi Baths are one of Hungary's most visited attractions. Soaking in the mineral-rich baths, with startling blue pools set against a backdrop of a grand neo-baroque palace, is a quintessential Budapest experience. It’s also a luxurious one, especially when coupled with a visit to the spa, which offers everything from saunas and mudpacks to rejuvenating massages and balneal therapies.
The Basics
Tickets to the Szechenyi Baths include full-day access to the 18 outdoor and indoor pools, thermal baths, and spa facilities, with optional massages and treatments available. (Note that massage treatments must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.) The complex also houses a bar-café, gym, sundeck, and spa shop. For a hassle-free experience, prebook your tickets and enjoy skip-the-line access through a private entrance; opt for a tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off; or combine your visit with other top Budapest activities such as a cruise along the Danube River or a city sightseeing tour. Non-bathers can also experience the architectural marvel on a guided tour of the historic baths.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Szechenyi Baths can get very busy, so purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance or be prepared to wait in line.
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops, or rent them upon arrival. All tickets include access to a private changing room or a locker.
- The Szechenyi Baths and facilities are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Szechenyi Baths are located in central Budapest’s City Park. The easiest way to get there is by metro; take the Yellow M1 line to Szechenyi station. The baths’ main entrance is located opposite the Budapest Circus Building.
When to Get There
The Szechenyi Baths are open daily year-round, and the thermal waters mean that swimming in the outdoor pools is possible even in winter. The baths can get busy, especially during the peak summer season, so to avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday and get there early to enjoy the baths before the midafternoon rush. For a different experience, arrive on a Saturday evening in summer, when the baths play host to the Szecska parties and stay open until 3 a.m.
The Healing Powers of the Szechenyi Baths
The Szechenyi Baths’ thermal pools are typically heated to between 68°F and 100°F (20°C and 38°C), and are famous for their high levels of calcium, magnesium, hydrocarbonate, sodium, and sulfate. The mineral-rich medicinal waters have long been reputed for their healing properties and are reported to help conditions such as degenerative joint diseases, arthritis, and post-injury treatments. If that’s not enough, the saunas, steam rooms, infrared sauna, gym, mudpacks, and range of massages and physical therapies will help ensure that you leave feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated.
Address: Állatkerti köre 11, Budapest H-1146, Hungary
Hours: Outdoor pools open daily 6am - 10pm, indoor pools open daily 6am - 7pm
Admission: Prices vary for each admission and service
From $ 17
Suomenlinna Fortress
Spread over six islands in the Helsinki archipelago, Suomenlinna Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular destination for picnicking and leisure activities. The fortress is an important historic site with multiple on-site museums, as well as a living community with roughly 900 permanent residents.
The Basics
The sea fortress has 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) of walls, 290 buildings, and more than 100 guns and cannons. Main sights include the dry dock, the King's Gate, and the fortress' six museums: the Suomenlinna Museum, Customs Museum, Toy Museum, Ehrensvärd Museum, submarine Vesikko, and the Military Museum’s Manege.
A top Helsinki attraction, Suomenlinna fortress is featured on most city tours. Walking tours of the sea fortress are available from downtown, and a Helsinki Card includes free entrance to the onsite museums. Boat and canal excursions are also a popular way to access the fortress.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a picnic or enjoy a meal at one of Suomenlinna’s 11 onsite restaurants.
- Access to the island is free of charge, but each museum has its own entrance fee.
- Most roads on the islands are cobblestone, which can make it difficult to maneuver a wheelchair or stroller.
- Dogs are allowed on the island but must be kept on-leash, away from beaches and playgrounds.
How to Get There
The Helsinki Card includes access to all ferries. HSL ferries depart every 20 minutes from the passenger quay at Helsinki’s Market Square (Kauppatori), while the JT-Line water bus runs during summer and stops at the Visitor Centre pier and King’s Gate.
When to Get There
The Suomenlinna Museum and some shops and restaurants are open year-round, but many attractions are only open from May to September. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when Helsinki’s weather is typically pleasant.
Suomenlinna History
Suomenlinna was founded by the Swedes in 1748 to protect against the Russians, but following a prolonged 1808 attack it was surrendered to the Russians, who then used it to protect shipping channels to St. Petersburg. After the Russian Revolution, Finland declared independence and took back Suomenlinna, using it for the military until 1973 when it passed over to the citizens of Finland.
Address: Helsinki, Finland
Admission: Free. Attractions in the area may have admission fees
From $ 29
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the heart of modern Athens. Also known as Constitution Square, it is a huge public plaza stretching out in front of the Greek Parliament Building. The scene for many celebrations and demonstrations, the square has recently been refurbished as part of the development of the Athens metro system.
Gleaming with white marble and suitably formal with its symmetry and statues, it is a place for meeting friends, sheltering from the sun under trees, or just sitting and people watching. Many of the city's most important streets begin here: Ermou Street for expensive shopping, and Vassilissis Sophias Avenue, also known as Museum Mile.
The neoclassical Parliament Building at one end of Syntagma Square was built around 1843 as a palace for the unwelcome King Otto of Bavaria. It had 365 rooms and one bathroom. Hopefully when it was remodeled in 1910 to house Parliament this ratio was changed. The square was once Queen Amalia's private gardens.
In front of the Parliament Building, the elite Presidential Guards, or Ezvones, guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 hours a day and you can watch the official Changing of the Guard at 11am on Sundays. On other days they march around and change places every hour.
Practical Info
Syntagma metro station is below and has several entrances around the square. Syntagma Square is a hub for transport in Athens and there are buses galore. From here you can also catch the coastal tram to the beaches. The National Gardens are just across the road from the square.
Address: Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece
Hours: Open daily 24hrs
Admission: Free
From $ 39
Szentendre
Set on the Danube River, the postcard-perfect town of Szentendre (St. Andrew) was settled by Serbs and Greeks in the 16th and 17th centuries, and baroque buildings still dominate its cobblestone streets. The little town, often called the Artist’s Village, has been home to an artists’ colony since 1928, and museums and galleries abound.
The Basics
Because of its proximity to Budapest, Szentendre is most commonly visited during day trips from the Hungarian capital. Organized half-day and full-day Szentendre tours from Budapest typically take in additional sites around the Danube Bend, including the medieval Visegrad castle and Esztergom castle and basilica, Hungary’s largest church. Some sightseeing tours combine a city tour of Szentendre with a boat ride on the Danube River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With lots of museums, galleries, and monuments, Szentendre is a must-visit for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are lots of cobbles to contend with.
- The uneven surfaces and narrow streets can make Szentendre difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
How to Get There
Szentendre is situated about 11 miles (19 kilometers) south of Budapest. Driving via Route 11 takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, take the HEV train from Batthyány Tér on the Buda side of the river just south of Margaret Bridge. Some organized tours include boat transport to or from the town.
When to Get There
During the summer months, Szentendre swells with visitors. Go during the week to avoid the weekend crowds, but avoid Mondays as many of the museums are closed.
Gallery- and Museum-Hopping in Szentendre
The town of Szentendre is home to myriad galleries and museums. Admire work by local and national artists at the Art Mill; see sculptures at the Margit Kovács Ceramic Museum; or check out the Ferenczy Museum, dedicated to Károly Ferenczy, the artist credited with bringing impressionism to Hungary. Other important artistic institutions include the Kmetty Museum, which displays works by cubist painter János Kmetty, and the Serbian Ecclesiastical Art Collection.
Address: Hungary
Admission: Free
From $ 74
Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo)
The 12th-century Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), with its fortified ramparts and vaulted halls, is one of top sights in Bari and a refreshing break from the port city’s Romanesque churches and art collections. Climb the Hohenstaufen tower and Aragon walls for sweeping views of the city and sea.
The Basics
The Swabian Castle was built on the Adriatic seafront in 1132 by Norman conquerors to keep the citizens of Bari in check. Damaged later during a skirmish with Sicily, the fortress was rebuilt and extended in 1233 by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II; its thick walls and moat were added during the 16th century when the castle became a private residence. During its long life, this waterfront castle has been owned by several Italian noble families and used as a prison and army barracks. Today, the tranquil courtyard and halls house the Gipsoteca, a museum of sculptural fragments in plaster from important monuments in Bari Vecchia, the city’s historic center.
One of the top attractions in Bari, Swabian Castle is included in most walking or bike tours of the historic center, along with the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the Cathedral of St. Sabino, and Piazza Mercantile.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Much of the Swabian Castle is outdoors, so wear a hat and sunscreen.
- The castle and museum are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- A visit to the castle is fun for kids, and there is a large grassy courtyard.
- Views over the city and sea from the castle are among the best in Bari, so bring your camera.
How to Get There
The Swabian Castle is located on Piazza Federico II di Svevia, adjacent the city’s historic center and an easy walk from the train station and from other important sights and attractions.
When to Get There
Southern Italian cities can get uncomfortably hot in the summer, and Bari is no exception. Plan your visit to Swabian Castle for first thing in the morning or during the late afternoon if you are traveling between June and September. The castle is closed on Mondays.
The Gipsoteca in Bari’s Swabian Castle
Inside the castle, three large vaulted halls house Bari’s Gipsoteca, a museum that collects sculptural fragments, plaster casts of architectural motifs, and decorations made of marble and stone. The sculptures and fragments come from some of the most important churches and palaces in the region, tracing architectural styles from ancient times through the 18th century.
Address: Piazza Federico II di Svevia 4, Bari, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Swedish Gate (Zviedru Varti)
The best known Swedish monument in Riga, the Swedish Gate (or Zviedru Varti) was built in 1698 after the conclusion of the Polish-Swedish War, when the Swedish Kingdom took over the city. Designed to provide access to the barracks outside of the city walls, it is set in the largest remaining section of the old city’s fortifications. According to one legend, the apartment above the gate belonged to the city executioner, who would place a red rose on the window ledge the morning before an execution, while according to another, a rich merchant cut the gate out of an existing house because he didn’t want to pay taxes each time he brought goods into the city.
Restored during Soviet times, the gate today leads to Trokšnu iela, the Old City’s narrowest and quaintest street. It is also popular among tourists as a backdrop for photographs.
Practical Info
The Swedish Gate is located at the corner of Tornja and Aldaru streets in Riga’s old city.
Address: Tornja iela 11, Riga, Latvia
From $ 9
Symi Island
Arguably one of the prettiest Greek islands, Symi is only five km (three miles) east of the Turkish mainland and lies north of Rhodes in the eastern Aegean Sea. Its main settlement of Chorio is tucked around the fishing harbor of Yialos (or Gialos), and backs steeply up the surrounding hills in a jumble of pastel-hued Neo-Classical townhouses and churches topped with ornate spires.
Fishing has been the most important industry on Symi for centuries and by night the cobbled streets of Yialos are given over to seafood restaurants serving up the day’s catch. The harbor is still full of traditional wooden fishing boats, bobbing among the taxi-boats that ferry visitors out to the safe swimming at sheltered Agios Nikolaos beach or the translucent waters of Nanou and Agia Marina, both perfect for snorkeling.
Inland Symi is heavily forested, a walking and cycling paradise with several way-marked trails through pine and cypress trees, many giving spectacular views over the island’s inaccessible coves and others leading past hidden chapels and monasteries.
The most famous of Symi’s monasteries is the Archangel Michael at Panormitis, which stands on the waterfront in a bay on the island’s southwest coast. The present Venetian-style complex dates from the 15th century and is centered round an elaborate bell tower. As well as a library of rare Byzantine manuscripts, the monastery has two museums displaying gleaming Orthodox icons as well as traditional fishing and farming implements. Thanks to its sheltered bay, Panormitis is also one of the most popular moorings for charter boats as they sail the Dodecanese Islands; Pedi Bay on the northwest coast is also a magnet for yachties.
Practical Info
Symi is an hour north of Rhodes by ferry; there are also daily ferries from Kos in the summer. The Monastery of Archangel MichaelatPanormitis is open daily 7am–8pm. Its museums (admission €1.50) are open Apr–Oct 8.30am–1pm, 3–4pm.
Address: Symi Island, Rhodes, Greece
From $ 63
Swiss National Museum
In a city with almost 150 museums and galleries, the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) beats off some pretty stiff competition to take its place as one of Zurich’s top museums. The largest of its kind in the country, the museum is devoted to preserving the cultural heritage and history of Switzerland, chronicling the birth and evolution of the nation.
Almost 1 million artifacts make up the permanent collection, which takes the visitor on a journey from ancient Switzerland, through the Middle Ages and into the 20th century. Personal items, handicrafts, artworks, furnishings and household items are among the many relics, bringing the past back to life through a series of evocative displays. Highlights include artifacts from as far back as the 4th millennium B.C; a significant collection of 9th century Carolingian art; a Swiss warfare exhibit of weaponry and armor; and an exhibit devoted to the traditional art of Swiss clock making. A regular series of temporary exhibitions supplement the permanent galleries, with recent showcases including themes like Swiss fashion and design and Roman history.
Almost 1 million artifacts make up the permanent collection, which takes the visitor on a journey from ancient Switzerland, through the Middle Ages and into the 20th century. Personal items, handicrafts, artworks, furnishings and household items are among the many relics, bringing the past back to life through a series of evocative displays. Highlights include artifacts from as far back as the 4th millennium B.C; a significant collection of 9th century Carolingian art; a Swiss warfare exhibit of weaponry and armor; and an exhibit devoted to the traditional art of Swiss clock making. A regular series of temporary exhibitions supplement the permanent galleries, with recent showcases including themes like Swiss fashion and design and Roman history.
Practical Info
Housed in a striking 19th century castle at the head of Zurich’s Old
Town, the museum is as impressive outside as in. The French Renaissance
façade, the handiwork of architect Gustav Gull, was built to celebration
the 50th anniversary of the Swiss federal constitution and enjoys an
idyllic setting, surrounded by the riverside Platzspitz Park.
Address: Museumstrasse 2, Zurich 8021, Switzerland
Hours: Open Tue - Sun 10am - 5pm. Thursdays the museum is open until 7pm. Swiss national holiday, 1st August 2013 : Open 10am to 5pm
Admission: Adult: CHF 10; Reduced: CHF 8; Child: Free
From $ 10
Syracuse Duomo
The ornate 17th-century facade of Syracuse’s Duomo is typical of many Sicilian baroque churches, but belies the unusual interior of this former Greek temple. Built in the fifth century BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena, the building was converted into a Christian church over a millennium later.
The Basics
The Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo) is one of many ancient Greek and Roman remains that dot this UNESCO-listed city, though one of the few still in active use today. The temple’s original Doric columns—still visible from both inside and outside—were incorporated into the structure of the seventh-century Byzantine church, and Norman and baroque elements were added over the subsequent centuries, making today’s cathedral a remarkable mix of architectural styles. Inside, the baptismal font is a retrofitted Greek vase, decorated with a number of 13th-century bronze lions.
Syracuse Duomo is a highlight of any walking tour of the city’s historic center, and can easily be visited as part of a day trip from the nearby city of Taormina. Join a guided tour of that includes this unique church to fully appreciate its history and architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Modest attire is required to enter Syracuse Duomo, so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees.
- Walking tours of the duomo and city of Syracuse cover quite a bit of ground; comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp at the main entrance.
- Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the church.
How to Get There
The Syracuse Duomo is on the pedestrian-only Piazza Duomo in the city’s historic center of Ortigia and can only be reached on foot.
When to Get There
The duomo closes at from 12pm to 4pm, so time your visit for early morning or late afternoon to catch it open but without the crowds.
The Relics of Saint Lucy
Syracuse Cathedral is home to a number of relics of Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia), patron saint of the city, including bone fragments and clothing. On the first Sunday in May and December 13, the cathedral’s 16th-century statue of Saint Lucy is the focal point of a religious procession through the city streets.
Address: Piazza del Duomo 5, Syracuse, Sicily 96100, Italy
From $ 22
Sword Beach
For the historian as well as the curious traveler, the WWII battle sites along the coast of Normandy can be a powerful draw. However, in the interest of time, many choose to stick to the more popular memorials and museums of Omaha and Utah Beaches. But by heading east from Bayeux instead of west, one hits a veritable jackpot of sites, memorials and museums dedicated to D-Day, but are blessedly under-visited.
It can be easy to pass through the sleepy coastal towns of Ouistreham and Lion-sur-Mer and forget that anything as monumental as the D-Day landings happened here. But the pristine beaches you see were filled with British soldiers on that fateful day, sent in to shore up this flank and take care of some German bunkers as well. And in just these few miles, there are roughly ten points of interest to discover. Here are the highlights of what not to miss when visiting the area from Bayeux.
First, there is the Grand Bunker Atlantic Wall Museum in Ouistreham. It's located inside the German headquarters that took three days to be secured by the British. The museum has taken great pains to recreate the bunker as it was at the time, down to the smallest detail, and within it is incorporated various exhibits and presentations about the Atlantic Wall and its importance in the Allies' victory.
To gain perspective on how the events at Sword Beach played into the overall D-Day landings, visit the Musée No. 4 Commando, also in Ouistreham. Here you will find a well laid-out story that takes you through the day and what followed as well. This is especially popular with British visitors, and is a powerful reminder to Americans that it was indeed Allied forces participating in D-Day. The town of Ouistreham also has several monuments in honor of the fallen.
There are monuments, museums, and remnants from the war in Lion-sur-Mer, Hermanville-sur-Mer, and Douvres la Délivrande, as well as the Pegasus Bridge in Ranville. WWII buffs will know these places by heart; if you're not as knowledgeable, it really is best to take a guided tour, as many important sites can be easily overlooked by the untrained eye.
Address: Ouistreham, France
From $ 81
Summer Garden And Summer Palace Of Peter I
Standing where the Fontanka River meets the Neva River in the center of St Petersburg, the Summer Garden and Summer Palace of Peter I offer a nice escape from the busy city. Founded by Peter the Great himself at the start of the 18th century, the garden is modeled after Versailles. Laid out by geometric principles, the romantic garden may be best known for the 79 sculptures lining its avenues, all by 17th and 18th century Italian sculptors.
The Summer Palace sits on the banks of the Neva River and is modest compared to other palaces of the same era. A two-story, Dutch-style building with a yellow exterior, the palace was one of the first stone palaces in St. Petersburg. The interior, with just seven rooms on each floor, has been restored to its original state and now displays a collection of 18th century artifacts, including paintings, furniture, tapestries and glassware belonging to Peter and his wife, Catherine.
Practical Info
The Summer Garden and Summer Palace are best reached on foot or by taking the Metro to Gostiniy Dvor. From Gostiniy Dvor, walk up Sadovaya Ulitsa past St. Michael’s Castle and across the canal to reach one of the two entrances to the garden. Walk north through the garden to reach the palace.
Address: Kutuzov Embankment 2, Russia
Hours: Varies by season and day of week
Admission: 300 rubles
From $ 6
Sun Voyager (Solfar)
Sitting on Reykjavik’s waterfront, facing the impressive figure of Mt. Esja across the bay, the gleaming sculpture of Sun Voyager (Solfar) makes for an excellent photo opportunity. The 60-foot-long stainless steel artwork resembles the skeletal frame of a boat and sits on a circle of granite slabs jutting into the sea.
The Basics
Solfar was created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, who developed the concept during the late 1980s. It was the winning entry in a competition for an outdoor sculpture to honor the city of Reykjavik’s 200th anniversary. The full-scale version was unveiled in 1990, a year after the artist's death. City walking tours usually include a stop at Solfar. You can also see it from the water on a whale-watching cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Solfar is a must-see for art enthusiasts and culture lovers.
- There is no charge to see the sculpture.
- Solfar sits on Reykjavik’s Sculpture and Shore Walk, a popular trail that leads to landmarks, including Harpa Concert Hall and the Partnership sculpture by Pétur Bjarnason.
How to Get There
Solfar is located on Saebraut road, a few minutes’ walk southeast of Harpa and a 15-minute walk from the center of Reykjavik. Bus routes 1, 3, 6, 11, 12, and 13 all stop at Lækjartorg, a 10-minute walk away.
When to Get There
You can visit the sculpture any time of day, any day of the week. Seeing it under the midnight sun during the height of summer offers a great opportunity to appreciate the significance of its name. Otherwise, the glow of dawn or dusk creates an attractive backdrop any time of year.
The Viking Myth
A common misconception of the sculpture is that it represents a Viking ship. This is understandable, because Solfar does resemble a ship and Iceland is, of course, the land of the Sagas. However, the artist’s original intent was to create a “dream boat” honoring the sun, the promise of undiscovered territory, hope, progress, and freedom.
Address: Sæbraut, Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland 101, Iceland
From $ 38
Swiss Transport Museum
The Swiss Museum of Transport, called Verkehrshaus der Schweiz in German, is Switzerland’s most popular museum and shows the past, present and future of transport and mobility on land, at sea, in the air and even outer space. More than 3,000 displays on approximately 20,000 square meters of exhibition space bear witness to a moving history in the truest sense of the word and show the inventions and deeds of explorers and inventors. But isn’t only the old planes and trains that draw visitors from young to old here, the Swiss Museum of Transport also tells of future challenges in the field of transport and communications and has a focus that goes beyond Switzerland and Earth. Apart from the many halls dedicated to road, rail and air travel, the museum also hosts the largest screen in Switzerland in the adjoining IMAX theatre as well as a planetarium. No matter what the weather in often rainy Switzerland might be like outside, inside you can enjoy incredible nature documentaries from around the planet or go on an unforgettable space walk among the stars.
The newest exhibition in the Museum of Transport is the Swiss Chocolate Adventure. The display that has been developed together with Lindt is covering 700 square meters and is a multimedia journey that informs about the discovery, origin and production of chocolate. The famous Swiss chocolate is a globally exported product and therefore, there is still a strong transportation theme that ties into this cross section of chocolate history. Visitors sit in automatically controlled cars and head out on a 25-minute journey that takes them from the cultivation of cocoa beans in Ghana, all the way to lush alpine meadows with Matterhorn Mountain in the background, and ends in an oversized box of chocolate.
Practical Info
The Swiss Museum of Transport lies in the heart of Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lucerne. It’s very easy to get there from the center of town, for example, with the bus numbers 6, 8 and 24. Make sure to get out at the stop called Verkehrshaus, where you will see the big exhibition building right in front of you. Opening times are from 10am to 6pm during summer and from 9am to 5pm in winter time.
Address: Lidostrasse 5, Lucerne 6006, Switzerland
Hours: Summer: 10am-6pm; Winter: 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult: 40CHF; Youth: 25CHF
From $ 16
Swilcan Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in the world, Swilcan Bridge is the iconic stone bridge on the Old Course at St. Andrews. Sometimes spelled Swilken, it is a packhorse bridge that was once used by pack animals to travel between the town market and the harbor. Not all that common in Scotland, the bridge is just 30 feet long, eight feet wide and six feet tall and is likely about 700 years old, although no one really knows for sure. It was called the Golfer’s Bridge as early as 1810 and the first hole on the course was known as the Bridge Hole until the 20th century.
Spanning one of the most famous water hazards in golf, the bridge has become a cultural icon and it is the rare visitor who leaves St. Andrews without snapping a photo on it.
Practical Info
If you aren’t playing a round of golf at the Old Course, the best way to see the Swilcan Bridge is by booking a guided tour of the course. A full day tour from Edinburgh is also great way to combine a visit to St. Andrews with the surrounding area. Traveling independently, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Leuchars and, from there catch a bus or taxi to St. Andrews.
Address: Old Course at St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland
Hours: Late March to late September
Admission: Old Course tour, 10 pounds
From $ 123
Super Aphrodite Waterpark
Travelers who make their way to Cyprus don’t have to venture to the coast to enjoy a day on the water thanks to the ever-popular and family friendly Super Aphrodite Waterpark.
This aquatic adventure land is home to a number of thrilling water slides like the Free Fall, Racer and Kamikaze, plus the hilarious Wet Bubble (and Mini Bubble for the younger set). The Lazy River offers laid-back travelers the chance to unwind with a peaceful float along a quiet waterway, while The Raging River proves ideal for those who prefer the wild white water. An active wave pool and a unique family water slide guarantee a day of splish splashing fun for just about everyone!
Practical Info
The waterpark is open every day from May1 until October 31. It is accessible from Coral Bay and Tomb of the Kings by taking the 615 bus to the 611 bus.
Address: Yeroskipou, Paphos, Cyprus
Hours: Open daily from May 1 until October 31
Admission: Pricing varies
From $ 37
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Themed around one of Austria’s best-known exports, Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten) is a dazzling attraction devoted to sparkling crystals. Twinkling exhibitions created by contemporary artists and designers, together with a playground, play tower, and hand-shaped hedge maze, make for a family-friendly day out.
The Basics
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is dedicated to all things crystal. Visitors are greeted by The Giant, a large head built into the green hillside with a waterfall cascading from its mouth. Inside the Chambers of Wonder are 16 separate installations, each built using Swarovski crystals and designed by a different artist. The verdant garden also has crystal displays including the vast Crystal Cloud, as well as a hedge maze and a playground.
You can pre-purchase a Swarovski Crystal Worlds admission ticket and make your own way to the site or go as part of a guided day tour from Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or Salzburg. Most organized day tours also include time in nearby Innsbruck.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This crystal-themed attraction is a must for lovers of sparkle.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the site.
- The attraction is home to Daniels Café and Restaurant and a store selling crystal creations.
- All interior exhibition spaces and most of the grounds, with the exception of the Alpine Garden, are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is located in Wattens, about a 20-minute drive from Innsbruck. A shuttle bus (also wheelchair accessible) departs central Innsbruck to Swarovski Crystal Worlds 5–6 times daily.
When to Get There
One of the best times to visit is during the Festival of Light, in late January and early February, when the garden is illuminated with lights after dark. Summer is also a good time to come, with extended opening hours and a Summer Festival program that includes open-air yoga classes, outdoor movie screenings, and other special events.
Chambers of Wonder
Among the glittering, fantastical displays of the Chambers of Wonder, there are several standout installations. Look for the Alexander McQueen–designed crystal tree in the Silent Light installation; South Korean artist Lee Bul’s mirror and crystal Into Lattice Sun; and Eden, by the British avant-garde duo Fredrikson Stallard, which evokes the sounds, shapes, and sights of the forest environment.
Address: Kristallweltenstrasse 1, Wattens 6112, Austria
Admission: Varies
From $ 22