Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe)
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Rome’s Trastevere district, the Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) is one of many important monuments found in the historic Jewish Ghetto. The collaborative masterpiece of sculptor Taddeo Landini and architect Giacomo della Porta, the fountain was built between 1580 and 1588, and stands at the center of the Piazza Mattei.
A prime example of late Renaissance art, the fountain’s design features a central pedestal depicting four ephebes perched on marble shells, each lifting turtles to the upper water basin. Today, the original bronze turtles that gave the fountain its name have been replaced by replicas thanks to a spate of thieving, while the originals are preserved in the Capitoline Museums.
Practical Info
The Turtle Fountain is located on Piazza Mattei, in the Trastevere district of Rome.
Address: Piazza Mattei, Roma 00186, Italy
From $ 38
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, was founded in 1209 and is the second oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is a public research university consisting of 31 constituent colleges and over 100 academic departments organized into six schools. Many of the buildings that the university occupies throughout town are of historical importance. There are eight museums operated by the museum which explore arts, culture, and science, as well as a botanical garden. The university libraries contain around 15 million books.
Throughout history, the University of Cambridge has educated many well known scientists, mathematicians, authors, actors, musicians, athletes and more. Names include Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Jane Goodall, Christopher Marlowe, John Milton, Hugh Laurie, John Cleese, Eric Idle, and many more. The university has also been featured in many works of literature and film. Wandering through the grounds and buildings of one of the most famous universities in the world will give you a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage and take you back in time through centuries of history.
Practical Info
The University of Cambridge is located in the town of Cambridge, 63 miles from London. It can be reached using route M11 or by train from the King's Cross station. Check with specific museums and libraries for opening hours and fees. Certain colleges charge a fee for tours.
Address: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge, United Kingdom CB2 1TN, England
Admission: Some colleges charge fees for tours
From $ 14
Ukraine State Aviation Museum
Celebrated as one of the world’s largest and most impressive aviation museums, aircraft enthusiasts will find plenty to get excited about at the Ukraine State Aviation Museum. Since opening its doors in 2003 on the former Educational Air Base of KIIGA, the museum has rapidly expanded its collection and is now home to an incredible 90 aircrafts, including cargo planes, bomber planes, nuclear missile carriers, helicopters and drones.
The aircrafts, most of which were used by the Soviet Air Forces or Ukraine's Air Forces, are displayed over a 20-hectare plot and visitors are able climb onboard, peek into the cockpits and even fiddle with the controls. Notable highlights include the Tupolev 104, the world's first jet airliner; a Be-6 flying-boat, one of only two in the world; a Sukhoi Su-24 supersonic bomber and a Tu-22 nuclear war carrier.
Practical Info
The Ukraine State Aviation Museum is located next to Zhulyany Airport in Kiev and is open from Wednesday to Sunday (April-Oct 10am-5pm, Nov-March 10am-7pm). Admission is 50uah.
Address: Kyiv Str. Medovaya 1, Kiev, Ukraine
Hours: April-Oct: Wed-Sun 10am- 5pm; Nov-March Wed-Sun 10am- 7pm
Admission: Adult: 50uah
From $ 90
Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)
Built in the 14th century, the impressive Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) is the largest mosque in Bursa. It’s located in the center of the Old City and is a prime example of early Ottoman architecture with elements of Seljuk architecture, including two minarets, 20 domes, fine wood carvings, and nearly 200 calligraphic inscriptions.
The Basics
Sultan Bayezid I commissioned architect Ali Neccar to construct the mosque, whose dim-lit interior lends it an intimate and contemplative air despite its large size. Inside the mosque is a traditional fountain beneath a skylight that lets in gentle, filtered light, and the walls are covered with striking calligraphy by myriad contemporaneous artists.
Some private and small-group tours visit the Grand Mosque and Bursa as a day trip from Istanbul. Independent travelers in Istanbul can reach Bursa by ferry or bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Grand Mosque is a must-visit for history, architecture, and religion enthusiasts.
- The mosque is an active prayer space and is closed to visitors during prayer times.
- To enter the mosque, women must cover their heads, and everyone needs to cover their shoulders and knees.
How to Get There
The Grand Mosque is centrally located in the Old City neighborhood of Bursa, not far from other attractions in the city center. You can take a ferry or long bus ride from Istanbul to Bursa, or make it simpler and book a day tour that includes round-trip transport to and from the city.
When to Get There
The Grand Mosque is open to the public daily, though is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are usually listed in front of the mosque and posted online. Fridays as well as religious and Turkish holidays have longer prayer times and fewer hours open to non-Muslims.
Calligraphy in the Grand Mosque
Bursa’s Grand Mosque is most noted for its calligraphy. The 192 panels of calligraphy that grace the mosque walls comprise a renowned collection of 14th-century Islamic calligraphy styles. Pay attention to the many different presentations and techniques presented by the 41 calligraphy artists who created the displays.
Address: Turkey
From $ 120
Universalmuseum Joanneum
The Universalmuseum Joanneum in Graz is a multidisciplinary museum that boasts 4.5 million items in its collection. The largest museum of its kind in Europe, it was also Austria’s first public museum, founded in 1811 by Archduke Johann of Austria, the brother of Emperor Franz I. The museum includes 12 different locations in Graz, each of which focuses on either art, culture or the natural sciences.
For modern and contemporary art, visitors should head to the Kunsthaus Graz, the Neue Galerie Graz or Art in Public Space. For a look into the Middle Ages and Baroque art, visit the Schloss Eggenberg and the Alte Galerie. Focusing in prehistory and antiquity are the Archaeology Museum adjacent to the Schloss Eggenberg and the Coin Cabinet inside the Schloss. The Styrian Armory, Folk Life Museum, Museum in Palais and the Multimedial Collections provide a look into cultural history of the area and the Natural History Museum and Centre of Natural History showcase the region’s natural history. An additional seven locations can be found elsewhere in Austria outside of Graz.
Practical Info
The different buildings that comprise the Universalmuseum Joanneum can be found throughout Graz, with several located near the Main Square in the Old Town. If you plan to visit multiple locations on your trip, it is best to get a 24 or 48 hour pass that allows you to visit as many as you can in that time period. The ticket price does not include guided tours.
Address: Graz, Austria
Hours: Varies by location
Admission: 24 hour ticket for 13 Euro, 48 hour ticket for 19 Euro
From $ 11
University of Athens
The University of Athens (the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, to give it its full title) is part of the triumvirate of neighboring buildings known as the ‘Neoclassical Trilogy’ designed by Danish architects Theophil and Christian Hansen and including the Academy of Athens and the National Library. It was founded by King Otto of Greece in 1837 during the post-independence expansion of Greek culture and was the first university in the eastern Mediterranean. Originally it was sited on the north slopes of the Acropolis but soon outgrew its premises and Christian Hansen was commissioned to design its replacement, which was completed in 1864.
Approached via a wide piazza filled with palm trees and fountains, the university building is low slung and shaped like a capital ‘H’, with symmetrical Neoclassical columns fronting an arcade decorated with murals by artists Rahl and Lebietski that showcase the birth of sciences in Greece. Although lectures and conferences still take place there, much of Athens University moved out to a modern campus in Ilissia in the 1960s. It is not open to the public.
Practical Info
30 Panepistimiou Avenue (also called Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue), Athens. The University of Athens is not open to the public. Take Metro Line 2 to Panepistimiou.
Address: 30 Panepistimiou Avenue (also called Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue), Athens, Attica, Greece 10679, Greece
Hours: Not open to the public
From $ 39
University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)
Portugal’s most famous and prestigious university, the University of Coimbra is one of Europe’s oldest colleges and has become a popular tourist attraction in its own right. First established in Lisbon in 1290, the university moved to its current location in 1537 and today stands proudly at the highest point of the town.
Touring the vast hilltop campus unveils an array of historic architecture, most notably the imposing 18th-century University Tower, an important landmark of the Old Town, and the renowned 18th-century Biblioteca Joanina (João V Library), an elaborately decorated National Monument. Around 300,000 ancient books grace the shelves of the famed library and the richly decorated interiors are a show-stopping display of Portuguese art and architectural design, featuring two-tiers of exotic wood shelves, gilded pillars and intricate ceiling paintings by Lisbon artists Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes.
Visitors can also tour the ornate baroque Capela de São Miguel, the Sala dos Capelos (Graduates’ Hall) and the 16th-century University Church, home to a museum of sacred art. The university also runs the 18th-century Botanical Gardens, the largest in Portugal stretching over 13 hectares of the idyllic Ursulinas Valley and featuring over 1,200 exotic plant and flower varieties.
Touring the vast hilltop campus unveils an array of historic architecture, most notably the imposing 18th-century University Tower, an important landmark of the Old Town, and the renowned 18th-century Biblioteca Joanina (João V Library), an elaborately decorated National Monument. Around 300,000 ancient books grace the shelves of the famed library and the richly decorated interiors are a show-stopping display of Portuguese art and architectural design, featuring two-tiers of exotic wood shelves, gilded pillars and intricate ceiling paintings by Lisbon artists Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes.
Visitors can also tour the ornate baroque Capela de São Miguel, the Sala dos Capelos (Graduates’ Hall) and the 16th-century University Church, home to a museum of sacred art. The university also runs the 18th-century Botanical Gardens, the largest in Portugal stretching over 13 hectares of the idyllic Ursulinas Valley and featuring over 1,200 exotic plant and flower varieties.
Address: Largo Paço do Conde, Coimbra, Portugal
From $ 70
Tverskaya Street
Tverskaya Street is Moscow’s version of Main Street, running uphill from near the north end of Red Square out toward St Petersburg. The street existed as early as the 12th century and connected Moscow with the cities of Tver and Novgorod. It was the center of Moscow’s social life in the 17th and 18th centuries and was often used by the Russian tsars as a promenade through the city to their residence in the Kremlin. By the end of the 19th century, grand residences had been largely replaced by commercial buildings in a mix of styles, and during the Stalin era, many churches and historical buildings were torn down to widen the street and to make room for large apartment blocks and government buildings.
Today, Tverskaya Street is the most expensive shopping street in all of Russia, and in 2008, it was the third most expensive street in the world for real estate. In addition to being a high-end shopping mecca, it is a center of nightlife, culture and entertainment. On or near the street, you can find the Yermolova Theater, the Museum of Traditional Russian Art, the Moscow Contemporary Art Museum, the Moscow Town Hall and monuments to Pushkin and the founder of Moscow, Prince Yuri Dolgoruky.
Practical Info
If you’re staying in the center of Moscow, Tverskaya Street may be an easy walk from your hotel. If not, you can take the Metro to any of the Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya, Tversakaya or Pushkinskaya stations.
Address: Tverskaya Street, Moscow, Russia
From $ 22
Tyniec Benedictine Abbey
Perched in an awesome setting on a limestone crag above the River Vistula, Tyniec's Benedictine Abbey is the oldest of its kind still in operation in Poland. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1044, the abbey wasn’t necessarily built out of spiritualism; in fact, the monks were invited to Krakow in order to restore order and strengthen the position of the newly-found Kingdom of Poland, in the light of major turmoil with the Czechs. This partly explains why the abbey boasts such a defensive and austere allure, as well as its strategic location atop a limestone mountain overlooking the Vistula River. The configuration changed quite drastically over the years as the site underwent raids, cosmetic remodeling and invasions, and it even served as a fortress to rebel Poles during the 1768 War of the Bar Confederation against the Russian Empire.
Nowadays, the Baroque-style complex consists of the abbey itself, the twin-spired church of Saints Peter and Paul, a museum highlighting its turbulent history, tranquil cloisters and courtyards, a souvenir shop selling produce made by the monks—including beer and wine—and a simple restaurant. Visitors can only see the abbey by guided tour, but it's also possible to join the Benedictines for days of contemplation, attending prayer services and eating with the monks.
Practical Info
The Benedictine Abbey is located at Benedyktyńska 37 in Tyniec, roughly nine miles (15 km) southwest of Krakow. It can be reached by car in 25 minutes via route DW780, DK7 and Bolesława Śmiałego. The site can also be reached by public transit using bus #112 from the main train station. Guided tours run throughout the day. The abbey is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and admission costs 6 złoty per person.
Address: Benedyktyńska 37, Kraków 30-398, Poland
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: 6 PLN
From $ 38
Turunç
Turunç is a small coastal village about 12 miles south of Marmaris, Turkey. It was once primarily a fishing village, but today it is also a quiet resort town. The village is small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in about a half hour. It's relaxed, small town atmosphere give it a completely different feel from the larger resort cities in the area, making it a great place for a vacation away from the crowds. Turunç is located on the edge of a bay with sandy beaches and calm, sheltered waters. Tree-covered mountains provide a picturesque backdrop.
Despite its size, Turunç has several hotels and guesthouses, as well as restaurants and cafes serving traditional Turkish food. There is a market on Mondays where you will find fruit, vegetables, other local foods, and gifts. Visitors can also buy souvenirs at a variety of local shops in the village. Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, water sports, horseback riding and jeep rides into the countryside. You can also join a boat tour to see more of the coastline and some bays that are only accessible from the water. There are also day trips to nearby villages or to Dalyan to see the endangered loggerhead turtles on Turtle Beach.
Practical Info
The closest airport to Turunç is the Dalaman Airport, located about 75 miles away. You can reach Turunç by bus from the airport or from Maramis.
Address: Turunç, Turkey
From $ 14
Two Towers (Due Torri)
More than 100 towers pierced the sky above Bologna in the Middle Ages, but only 20 still stand today. The most famous are the city center’s Two Towers (Due Torri), which lean at a gravity-defying angle that rivals Pisa’s Leaning Tower. Climb to the top of the taller one for fabulous views over the city and surrounding countryside.
The Basics
The Two Towers are among the unique sights in Bologna, reminding visitors of the city’s bellicose history and offering the best scenic overlook in the center. The landmark Garisenda and Asinelli towers were constructed to provide defensive protection and to represent the wealth and power of the noble families who commissioned them. You can climb 498 steps to the top of the Asinelli tower, built by the Asinelli family in 1119 and soaring 318 feet (97 meters) above the city’s rooftops; the shorter Garisenda tower leans too steeply to be climbed.
Join a walking tour, or a tour by bike or Segway, to see the Two Towers and other top Bologna attractions like the Basilica of San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore, and the churches of Santo Stefano and San Domenico. Bologna is famous for its wonderful cuisine, so you can also opt for a food tour to combine sightseeing with samples of the city’s traditional food and wine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kids love the thrilling climb to the top of the tower, but be sure to keep a close watch over younger children on the steep stairs and rooftop.
- The rooftop platform is outdoors, so dress for the weather and bring your camera.
- The tower is not wheelchair accessible, and the stairs are narrow and steep.
- Tickets must be reserved in advance for a specific day and time; entrance times are scheduled every 45 minutes.
How to Get There
The Two Towers stand over Piazza di Porta Ravegnana in the heart of Bologna’s historic center, just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Maggiore and the Bologna Centrale train station.
When to Get There
The best light for photography from the top of the Asinelli Tower is during the early morning or late afternoon. The rooftop observation deck is outdoors, so choose to visit on a clear day.
A Romantic Legend
Legend says that a bricklayer’s small donkeys (asinelli) unearthed a buried chest of golden coins with their hooves. Years later, the bricklayer gave the treasure to his son, who was in love with a noble lady. The lady’s father declared that he would let his daughter marry the poor boy only if the boy built the highest tower Bologna. The treasure paid for the tower, and the bricklayer’s son married his true love.
Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna 40126, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Ullswater Lake
Located in the northern half of Lake District National Park, Ullswater Lake is the second-largest lake in the area and is consistently cited as one of the most beautiful English lakes. Often compared to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, it is 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) long, 0.75 miles (1,200 meters) wide and has a distinct “Z” shape, which is enhanced by the steep mountains that surround it.
The village of Glenridding, located at the southern end of the lake, is the main gathering place in the area. It is especially popular with tourists, as it’s the starting point of the long hike to the top of England’s third-highest mountain, Helvellyn, along the Striding Edge. (This hike, however, is not for unexperienced mountaineers and should be planned with care.) The village is also where most of the nautical-equipment-rental shops are, for activities such as boating, sailing, rowing, diving and windsurfing. Two Victorian steamer boats circle the lake from Glenridding year-round, while three newer, diesel-run boats offer more frequent trips.
Practical Info
Ullswater Lake and Glenridding can be reached from Newcastle in 1.45 hours via the A69, the M6 and the A592. The trip takes just over two hours from Liverpool and Manchester via the M6, the A591 and the A592.
Address: Lake District, England
From $ 39
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery houses one of the world’s most significant collections of art, drawing in more than a million annual visitors who wish to cast eyes upon its many masterpieces. Set in the heart of Florence, the museum contains the works of artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Giotto, among others. It is the premier place to view Italian Renaissance art and is the most-visited museum in Italy.
The Basics
Due to its immense popularity, the Uffizi Gallery is prone to long lines and extensive wait times—it's best to book skip-the-line admission to maximize your time. The gallery features a number of long, winding art-filled hallways, making it near-impossible to see everything on display, so small-group guided tours and self-guided audio tours are recommended to help you see the top pieces and give some context to the works you’re viewing. A visit is often combined with a stop at the nearby Accademia Gallery, which houses the Statue of David.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is considered by many to be the one must-see site in Florence.
- To avoid the lines, it is best to purchase a skip-the-line entrance ticket in advance of your visit.
- The gallery halls are numbered and organized in chronological order.
- Ticket prices vary depending on whether or not your visit coincides with a special exhibit.
- Though there is some sculpture, the museum is known most for its collection of paintings.
How to Get to the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is set between the Piazza della Signoria and Arno River in central Florence, not far from the Ponte Vecchio. The museum is best approached on foot, and is about a 15-minute walk from the Duomo.
When to Get There
The gallery’s busiest times include weekends, mornings, and Tuesdays. Crowds tend to be lighter after 4pm and from November to March. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month—expect the biggest crowds of all on these dates.
What Not To Miss at the Uffizi Gallery
Although art enthusiasts are bound to enjoy every piece, a few highlights include the Medici collection (gifted to the museum in the 18th century) and the Caravaggio works on the first floor. Other must-sees include Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus; da Vinci's only completed panel painting, The Annunciation; and Titian's Venus of Urbino. Together with Raphael’s portraits and Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni, these works signify the height of the Italian Renaissance.
Address: Piazza degli Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy
Hours: Tues–Sun 8:15am–6:50pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Uetliberg Mountain
Uetliberg Mountain is 2,850 feet above sea level and offers fantastic panoramic views of Zurich, its lake, the Limmat Valley and the Alps. Several hiking and mountain biking trails lead up the mountain in the summer, many of which are converted into sledding runs in the winter. There is also a Planet Trail, which is a two-hour walk from Uetliberg to Felsenegg and takes you on a tour through a model of the solar system. The mountain is popular during the fall since the summit is above the fog that is usually present this time of year.
The observation tower on the top of the mountain was built in 1990 to replace the old one from 1894. The tower is nearly 100 feet tall and also serves as a cell tower. There is also a hotel and a restaurant at the top of the mountain.
Practical Info
Uetliberg Mountain can be reached by the steepest standard-line adhesion train in Europe from Zurich's main train station. Uetliberg is car-free, though you can drive to the Feldermoos parking lot at 12 Birmensdorferstrasse.
Address: Zurich 8143, Switzerland
From $ 91
Twickenham Stadium
Twickenham Stadium, also sometimes referred to as Twickenham or Twickers, is a rugby stadium located in the town of Twickenham within the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is the home of the rugby union and therefore hosts a big number of important rugby matches, such as the Aviva Premiership, the LV Cup and the Middlesex Sevens. Twickenham Stadium has also been a host for the Rugby World Cup several times.
Apart from a number of impressive concerts by world famous artists, Twickenham Stadium has been reserved for rugby and is actually the biggest stadium in the world devoted to the sport. After extensive reconstruction in 1995 and another redevelopment a decade later, the stadium now seats 82,000 people and also holds a Marriott hotel overlooking the fields as well as the World Rugby Museum. As the name suggests, the museum doesn’t only focus on English rugby, but covers the sport as a worldwide phenomenon. Find out about the origins of some of the world’s most famous rugby players, relive several of the best matches the sport has ever seen and learn about rugby history from its beginnings to the present day with interactive displays. Additionally, an ever changing selection of special exhibitions cover some of the more obscure details and items of the sport.
Practical Info
Twickenham Stadium can be found in South West London. The nearest train station, also called Twickenham, is only a short walk away from the stadium. There is parking available, however the parking spaces are limited and especially on game days, it’s advisable to pre-book online. There are tours of the stadium and the museum available several times a day, but the stadium is closed on Mondays, on holidays, as well as during matches and events.
Address: Whitton Road, Twickenham, United Kingdom, England
Admission: Pricing varies
From $ 32
Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle is Cappadocia’s tallest fairy chimney, Mother Nature’s castle in the form of a volcanic rock outcrop visible from miles in any direction. While not a castle by the standard definition the outcrop was used during the late Byzantine and early Ottoman periods as a natural fortress for protection against armies on the surrounding plains. Erosion has revealed a honeycomb-like structure of cavities within the rock, many of which were used as natural dwellings until the makeshift village was evacuated during the 1960s.
A climb up 120 steps leads to the summit of Uchisar Castle — a perfect vantage point for watching a sunset over the stunning Cappadocian landscape.
Practical Info
Uchisar Castle is a popular stop for tour buses in Cappadocia, so plan your visit early or late to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Address: Uçhisar, Cappadocia, Turkey, Turkey
Hours: Open 8am-Sunset
Admission: 3TL
From $ 30
Tyne Cot Cemetery
The Tyne Cot Cemetery, located near Zonnebeke, Belgium, is the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world. It contains the graves of nearly 12,000 soldiers who died between October 1914 and September 1918 while fighting in World War I. Unfortunately about 70% of the people buried there were never identified. The graves of the unknown soldiers are marked with tombstones that read “Known unto God.” In addition to these unknown soldiers, a list of nearly 35,000 names is on a wall at the back of the cemetery honoring soldiers who have no known grave and died between August 1917 and the end of the war.
Many of the fallen soldiers were buried in nearby battlefields or smaller cemeteries, but after the war ended, the graves were moved to the Tyne Cot Cemetery. A few remaining German blockhouse can still be seen at the cemetery, and they have been incorporated into the memorial as a way to honor the soldiers who died trying to capture them. On one of them, the Cross of Sacrifice, also called the Great Cross, was built at the suggestion of King George V who visited the cemetery in 1922. The cross can be seen through the entrance of the cemetery and is often photographed.
Practical Info
The Tyne Cot Cemetery is signposted from the N303/N37 Beselare-Passendale road near Zonnebeke. It is about 6 miles from Ypres and about 45 miles from both Brugge and Ghent.
Address: Zonnebeke, Belgium
From $ 88
Turning Torso
The Turning Torso in Malmo is a neo-futurist residential skyscraper that has dominated the city’s skyline since it opened in 2005. At 190 meters tall, it is the tallest building in Scandinavia. The unique design is based on a white marble sculpture depicting a twisting human being known as the Twisting Torso. Built in nine segments of five-story pentagons, the top segment of the building is “twisted” 90 degrees from the bottom segment. The daring construction was featured on the Discovery Channel’s Extreme Engineering show and in 2006, Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner parachuted onto the building and then jumped off of it.
The 147 apartments inside the Turning Torso are spread out across 54 stories, each with a one-of-a-kind layout. Unfortunately, only two floors are open to the public and tours can be scheduled only in the summer months. Those lucky enough to go inside will enjoy superb views across Malmo and Copenhagen across the Oresund Straight.
Practical Info
The Turning Torso stands in Malmo’s West Harbor neighborhood, about three kilometers from Malmo Central Station.
Address: Lilla Varvsgatan 14, Malmo, Sweden
Hours: Open to the public only by tour in the summer.
From $ 19
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest surviving university in the world. It is not known what the exact date of its foundation is, but there is evidence of the university's existence dating back to at least 1096. In 1209, due to disputes, some academics split from Oxford and formed the University of Cambridge nearby. Oxford is made up of 38 constituent colleges, and the university buildings and facilities are spread throughout the city center. The university operates the world's largest university press and the largest academic library in the United Kingdom.
There is also a 70 acre parks area and the oldest botanical gardens in the United Kingdom. The university operates several museums covering topics such as art, music, science, history, and archaeology. Many well known people have been educated at Oxford including Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, David Cameron, Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, Hugh Grant, Michael Palin, and Kate Beckinsale. Parts of Oxford were also used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.
Practical Info
The University of Oxford is located in the town of Oxford, England, 59 miles from London. It can be reached using route M40 and A40 or by using the Oxford Tube from Notting Hill Gate. Check with specific museums and libraries for opening hours and fees. Certain colleges charge a fee for tours.
Address: Oxford, England
Admission: Some colleges charge for tours
From $ 19
UFO Observation Deck
The futuristic Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising (also known as the Nový Most or New Bridge) is 1,420 feet (432 m) in length and was opened in 1972 to commemorate Slovak resistance to German invasion in 1944. The road bridge crosses the Danube in a single steel span supported by one pylon standing 312 feet (95 m) above the south bank of the river and is an unusually successful, stylish and popular piece of Soviet architecture.
Atop its single pylon is the circular UFO Observation Deck, which is endlessly crowded with tourists enjoying peerless views of the Starý Mesto (Old Town). An elevator whisks up to the deck in 45 seconds for panoramic views across the city and out to the brightly colored Communist-built apartment blocks in the suburb of Petržalka, where some 120,000 Bratislavans have their homes. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, there are informative graphics and telescopes all the way around the deck.
Also found on the UFO Deck is Taste, Bratislava’s highest restaurant and one of its best, with spectacular cooking (and prices!) to match the views.
Practical Info
The Observation Deck is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Elevator tickets cost €6.50 for adults; €3.25 for children under 15 and are free for seniors. Reservations are required for Taste, while a meal here includes free admission to the observation deck.
Address: Novy Most 1, Bratislava, Slovakia
Hours: Daily 10am-11pm
Admission: Elevator: Adults €6.50, children under 15 €3.25, seniors free
From $ 75