Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Val d'Europe
An enormous shopping center, just minutes from Disneyland Paris, Val d'Europe is among the main attractions of Marne-la-Vallée and since opening its doors in 2000, has been steadily expanding, now drawing up to 16 million annual visitors. Along with a huge Auchan supermarket, shoppers will find plenty of brand name stores at Val d'Europe, with dozens of clothing, shoe and accessory shops, technology hubs like the Apple Store, jewelry boutiques like Swarovski and cosmetics boutiques like MAC and L'Occitane en Provence.
It’s not just shops – there’s also the Les Terrasses food court, where you’ll find a large selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, plus a SEA LIFE aquarium, complete with underwater tunnels and touch pools, and home to more than 350 sea creatures.
Practical Info
Val d'Europe is located in Marne-la-Vallée, 32 km east of Paris, and can be reached by the high-speed RER A train from central Paris (around 40 mins to Vallée/Chessy station) or by shuttle bus from Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.Opening hours vary, but most shops are open between 10am-9pm from Monday to Saturday, while restaurants are open daily from 10am to midnight.
Address: 14 cours du Danube - Serris, Marne la Vallee, France
From $ 162
Vaci Street (Vaci utca)
Budapest’s principal shopping street, Vaci Street (Vaci Utca) runs for almost a mile, right through the heart of Pest. Lined with striking 19th-century buildings, the Grand Boulevard is the place for window shopping and people watching, with a huge selection of designer boutiques, high-street brands, souvenir shops, and cafés.
The Basics
The best way to explore the shopping street is to walk its entire length from Central Market Hall in the south to Vorosmarty Square (Vorosmarty Tér) at the northern end. Budapest city tours often include a stroll along Vaci Street, and joining a walking tour or Segway tour is an ideal way to get your bearings and discover the street’s architectural highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vaci Street is pedestrianized.
- Most shops along Vaci Street are open Monday to Saturday, from 10am until 7–8pm. Some shops may open on Sundays.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located on and around Vaci Street.
How to Get There
Vaci Street is within walking distance of attractions, such as St. Stephen’s Square and the Chain Bridge. The closest metro stations are Deak Square (lines M2 and M3) or Vorosmarty Square (line M1).
When to Get There
Vaci Street, one of Budapest’s busiest streets, is a lively destination at all hours of the day. For shopping, make an early start from Monday to Saturday to avoid the main crowds. In the evening, the restaurants around Vorosmarty Square offer plenty of dining options. Peak season in Budapest is July to August, but during the Christmas season Vaci Street is lit up with festive illuminations and Vorosmarty Square hosts a gigantic Christmas market.
A Walking Tour of the Pest Side
Linking many Budapest attractions, Vaci Street makes a good place to start your city walking tour. From Central Market Hall, head north to Vorosmarty Square, grabbing coffee at Café Gerbeaud. Then, take a short stroll to Chain Bridge to admire views along the Danube River and the Buda Castle district. Head east to St. Stephen’s Square to appreciate St. Stephen's Basilica, before continuing to Andrassy Avenue, which runs all the way to Heroes’ Square.
Address: Budapest, Hungary
Admission: Free
From $ 7
Utah Beach
Omaha Beach, with its Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, receives the most visitors looking to learn more about WWII history and pay their respects. But what many don't know is that Utah Beach, the westernmost landing point of the D-Day battle, has its own fantastic museum. If you're planning an overnight stay in Bayeux in order to explore the various WWII sites in Normandy, the Utah Beach D-Day Museum should be right near the top of your list.
Unlike the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, which technically lies on U.S. soil, the Utah Beach D-Day Museum is a French endeavor, and as such it carries the official name of Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach – and its motto translates to, “Their Sacrifice, Our Freedom.” However, you can be sure that everything in the museum is titled in English, so no need to worry.
What's most interesting about this museum is that it delves into life in the region under German occupation; in other words, what it was like before the Allies landed and swept through to Paris. Nazis took the region a full four years before D-Day, and the oral histories of the locals who survived are enlightening, to say the least.
Also interesting is the German defenses exhibit, which shows exactly what the Allies were up against along the Normandy coast, and especially here at Utah Beach. It's housed in one of the original bunkers, and gives you the German perspective on the day without defending it.
Practical Info
The museum takes full advantage of its location directly on Utah Beach; guided tours include hour-by-hour presentations of the events of D-Day, and combine them with outdoor excursions onto the beach and even breakfast and lunch options. It's only about 15 minutes further along the coast from the American memorial, and is well worth any visitor's time.
Address: Utah Beach, France
Hours: October-May 10am-6pm, June-September 9:30am-7pm; closed in January
Admission: Adults €8, Children €3.50, Museum & Beach Tour €12
From $ 100
Unter den Linden
Named for the lime trees lining its central pedestrianized strip, Unter den Linden is one of Berlin’s most famous thoroughfares, and the former hub of historic Berlin.
Many of the avenue’s once palatial buildings are being restored, and it’s a popular location for embassies, shops, outdoor cafes, museums and educational institutions.
A walk along the Unter den Linden is especially magical at night, when the trees are lit up, and during the autumn colors of fall.
Practical Info
The lovely avenue runs east from the Brandenburg Gate to the River Spree and Museum Island. The closest subway is Brandenburger Tor.
Address: Unter den Linden, Berlin 10785, Germany
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Vajdahunyad Castle
The colossal Vajdahunyad Castle sits next to the boating lake amid the greenery of City Park (Városliget) and displays a joyous clash of Hungarian architectural styles. It was designed by Ignác Alpár to be a gigantic folly for the Hungarian millennium celebrations in 1896, but it was such a hit with the citizens of Budapest that it was granted a reprieve and its makeshift construction was rebuilt in stone.
Running the gamut of Romanesque to Renaissance architecture, the palace is gaily encrusted with towers, turrets, Gothic flying buttresses, portcullises, bridges and courtyards, happily borrowing features from other castles around Hungary and there are scores of neo-classical statues scattered in the grounds.
Today Budapest’s Agricultural Museum is housed among the marble stairs, ornate décor, stained glass and vast chandeliers of the palace interior. The eight permanent exhibitions include a terrifying collection of taxidermy and a vaulted gallery stuffed full of antlers. Other highlights are the informative exhibit on Hungarian wine production and the whistle-stop tour through Hungarian agriculture, but that comes to an abrupt halt in 1945 without addressing the effects of enforced Communist collectivization after WWII.
The castle courtyard is open 24 hours a day and is free to wander and admire the eclectic architecture. Church services are held on Sunday at 12 noon in the Romanesque Jak Chapel from April to September.
Running the gamut of Romanesque to Renaissance architecture, the palace is gaily encrusted with towers, turrets, Gothic flying buttresses, portcullises, bridges and courtyards, happily borrowing features from other castles around Hungary and there are scores of neo-classical statues scattered in the grounds.
Today Budapest’s Agricultural Museum is housed among the marble stairs, ornate décor, stained glass and vast chandeliers of the palace interior. The eight permanent exhibitions include a terrifying collection of taxidermy and a vaulted gallery stuffed full of antlers. Other highlights are the informative exhibit on Hungarian wine production and the whistle-stop tour through Hungarian agriculture, but that comes to an abrupt halt in 1945 without addressing the effects of enforced Communist collectivization after WWII.
The castle courtyard is open 24 hours a day and is free to wander and admire the eclectic architecture. Church services are held on Sunday at 12 noon in the Romanesque Jak Chapel from April to September.
Practical Info
Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Entrance tickets are discounted with the Budapest Card. Metro Line 1 to Széchenyi Fürdő.
Address: Vajdahunyadvár, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-4pm (Nov 1 - Mar 31), 10am-5pm (Apr 1 - Oct 31). Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: Adult: 1100 HUF; Child 550 HUF
From $ 30
Urquhart Castle
Set on the shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle attracts many visitors that come here in hopes of glimpsing Nessie, the loch’s fabled aquatic monster. The ruined medieval fortress, which was destroyed in 1762 to prevent it from becoming a Jacobite stronghold, now houses a visitor center that exhibits objects found amid the ruins.
The Basics
Almost all organized tours that come to Loch Ness, whether from Inverness, Invergordon, Glasgow, or even Edinburgh, include at least a glimpse of Urquhart Castle. Many tours combine a visit to the crumbling gray-stone castle with a sightseeing cruise on Loch Ness or the Caledonian Canal, while other tours make stops at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns.
Explore the castle ruins independently, wander around the battlements, admire the splendor of the Great Hall, scan the lake’s surface for the Loch Ness monster, and examine medieval artifacts on show at the castle’s visitor center. Historic Scotland Explorer Pass holders visit for free.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its rich history of battles, Urquhart Castle is an absolute must for history enthusiasts.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear, as much of the ruins are exposed to the elements.
- Most of the castle is accessible via paved paths, with the exception of the guardhouse, the battlements, and the first floor and basement of Grant Tower.
How to Get There
Urquhart Castle is situated on the west bank of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit. From Inverness, drive south along the A82 for around 30 minutes. Buses (including the 19, 917, and 919) connect Inverness bus station to Urquhart Castle.
When to Get There
The castle is busiest in summer, when lines often form at the staircase at Grant Tower and the parking lot occasionally fills. Arrive just after opening, or an hour or two before closing, to experience the ruins at their quietest. During the winter months, the castle ruins are peaceful, and moody weather adds to the atmosphere.
The History of Urquhart Castle
Urquhart has a long and tumultuous history, with a castle having stood here since at least the 13th century. The fortress was seized, reclaimed, damaged, and restored many times between then and the 17th century. In 1762, the gatehouse was blown up to prevent Jacobites from moving in and establishing a base here. Nowadays, the Historic Environment Scotland manages the evocative ruins.
Address: Drumnadrochit, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Uppsala
With a history dating back to Viking times and a wealth of well-preserved medieval architecture, the picturesque city of Uppsala is a popular day trip from nearby Stockholm. The city is also home to the 15-century Uppsala University, and is the seat of the archbishop of the Church of Sweden.
The Basics
Uppsala's charming small-town atmosphere and close-knit attractions make it easy to explore on foot. As you stroll, admire landmarks such as the 15th-century Uppsala Castle, home to the Uppsala Konstmuseum; the grand Gothic Uppsala Cathedral; and Sweden's oldest university, which dates back to 1477. Other points of interest include the ancient burial grounds and stone churches of the Old Town of Gamla Uppsala, the Botanical Gardens, the Upplands Museum, and a museum dedicated to Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus. Due to the city's rich history, Viking history tours from Stockholm typically stop in Uppsala.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tourist information centers located around town offer maps and brochures, answer questions, and give tips on current events, sights, and activities in Uppsala.
- Although Swedish is the country's official language, most residents also speak English.
- Sweden's culture is generally a very child-friendly; Uppsala offers many amenities for kids and the city center is stroller-friendly.
How to Get There
Located just an hour from Stockholm, Uppsala is an ideal day trip from Sweden's capital. While guided tours typically offer round-trip transportation, it's also possible to arrive by car via the E4 highway. Buses and trains also depart regularly from Stockholm's city center and Arlanda Airport.
When to Get There
You can visit Uppsala year-round, but Sweden sees its most pleasant weather in the late spring, summer, and early fall. Shops and museums are typically open during regular daytime hours, while Uppsala's student population provides a bustling nightlife.
Walpurgis Festival
The 30th of April is known as Walpurgis (Valborg, or Sista Abril) in Sweden and is celebrated as winter's absolute last gasp. Uppsala is known for its raucous Walpurgis Festival, which includes student floats running the Fyris river, herring lunches, the donning of the caps at Carolina Rediviva, and huge parties. It is well worth planning a visit to Uppsala around this event.
Address: Uppsala, Sweden
From $ 170
V ezelay
Nestled in the Cone Valley, halfway between Dijon and Paris, stands the idyllic village of Vézelay, a ninth-century hilltop fortress that is not only home to one of the most remarkable basilicas in France, but also a UNESCO-classified old town.
Vézelay’s most famous attraction is indisputably the Romanesque Basilica of St Magdelene, an 11th-century marvel that contains the relics of its saint patron, Mary Magdalen. An exceptional place of pilgrimage if there ever was one, the basilica played a significant role in both the Second and Third Crusades back in the 12th century and is now one of the major starting points of the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela.
In addition to outstanding architecture, Vézelay is also home to a prominent wine appellation–Bourgone Vézelay–that specializes in white wines of the Chardonnay and Muscadet variety. Most of the vines were planted by Christian monks back in the seventh century, which slowly grew into what is now a massive production spreading over 100 hillside acres of four villages (Asquins, Saint Père, Tharoiseau and Vézelay).
Practical Info
Vézelay can be reached from Dijon in less than an hour and a half via A38 and A6 and from Paris in 2.5 hours via A6. Vézelay can get extremely crowded during religious holidays and accommodation tends to sell out quick, so it’s best to plan in advance. Entering the basilica is free of charge, but one-hour guided tours are available for €3.60 per person and offered every day except Monday. The basilica is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
Address: Vézelay, Burgundy, France
Hours: The basilica is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
From $ 288
Upper Barrakka Gardens
These beautifully landscaped gardens complete with follies, a statue of Sir Winston Churchill, a café and benches under shady trees, were created in 1775 on a bastion at the highest point on Valletta’s fortifications. Originally the private property of the Italian members of the Knight of St John, they are twinned with Lower Barrakka Gardens (currently under renovation but with views over the Siege Memorial) on Barriera Wharf. From their position on the south side of the city walls, the gardens provide the perfect vantage point for views over the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, including views across the Grand Harbour.
Take an afternoon stroll around the walls of Valletta before catching the new elevator, which ascends in seconds to the gardens, to watch the sunset before returning to waterfront with choices of quality bars and restaurants.
In the footsteps of one of Malta's great seafaring traditions, the Noon Day Gun was fired daily from the Saluting Battery above the gardens so all nearby shipping could calibrate their time. The tradition still continues today, with all the necessary military rigmarole, and can be combined with a public talk on the history of the gardens.
Practical Info
Upper Barrakka Gardens are in a pedestrianized area of the city, a five minute walk from Valletta bus station. For drivers, there is designated parking outside the City Gate.
The Noon Day Gun is fired daily and for a small fee, visitors can access the Saluting Battery to see the canon firing and enjoy a public talk on the history of Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Address: Battery Street, Valletta, Malta
Hours: Open daily
From $ 29
Uzes
If you're traveling through western Provence, no doubt you're going to visit the Pont du Gard, a Roman-era aqueduct that is truly worth seeing. But many see it as simply a monument to Roman times, and lose its context. And that's where a visit to Uzès can help. Uzès, located in the eastern part of Languedoc, was the starting point of the original aqueduct, and carried water via the Pont du Gard to nearby Nimes!
But Uzès is not only a remnant of the Roman era. It also had a major role in royal French history, with the Duke of Uzès being one of the most important titles in the land. In fact, most of the medieval sites and architecture in Uzès is built atop their Roman predecessors, including a first-century temple – showing that when it came the Uzès, they weren't kidding about their display of power.
Today the main draw of Uzès, at least as far as locals are concerned, is its fantastic Saturday market at the Place aux Herbes. After strolling through and browsing vendors' wares, you can take a load off at one of the many cafes along the square – even in inclement weather, as its ancient archways now cover dozens of tables for hungry and thirsty patrons.
But even if you can't be in Uzès on Saturday, there's still a ton of shopping to be had. From truffles to clothing to gifts, it's where to pick up your treats to bring back home. And if you're traveling with the family, your kids will flip out at the HARIBO Museum, known in French as the “Musée du Bonbon.” Just don't blame us for the ensuing sugar rush!
Address: Uzes, France
From $ 45
Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros)
Whether you’re a fan of bullfighting or not, a quick or not-so-quick visit to the Valencia Bullring is surely a worthwhile add to your sightseeing itinerary. The city’s neoclassical-style structure dates back to the mid 1800s, and features quintessential Spanish bullring characteristics, such as a multi-leveled exterior lined by bricked arches, and, on the interior, a circular, sand-filled arena.
That famous interior holds up to 10,500 people come the main bullfights,
which take place during the July Fair, and also in March in conjunction with the city’s Fallas celebrations. Whether you are able to (or wish to) attend a fight or not, you can learn more about the bullring’s history and even check it out during a visit to the Museo Taurino, or bullfighting museum, which is also located here. Quick and cheap to see, the museum is a great way to learn more about the bullfighting tradition without actually attending a fight.
Practical Info
To visit the inside of the bullring, you either need to attend a bullfight, or visit the bullfighting museum, which, note, is closed on Mondays during the winter season.
Address: Pasaje Doctor Serra 10, Valencia 46004, Spain
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Museum: €2. Ticket prices for bullfights vary.
From $ 17
Up at the O2
Extending for 1,247 feet (380 meters) across the curving dome of London’s landmark O2 Arena, the Up at the O2 rooftop walkway promises far-reaching vistas and open-air thrills. Equipped with climbing suits and safety harnesses, visitors traverse the fabric walkway with a guide, making their way up to an observation platform where spectacular 360-degree views of the River Thames, leafy Greenwich, and the glinting skyscrapers of Canary Wharf await.
The Basics
You can access the O2 Arena rooftop only during an official guided climb. The whole experience, including a pre-climb safety briefing, takes around 90 minutes. A maximum of 16 people can take part in each climb. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure a spot at your preferred time slot. After having ascended to the O2 viewing platform and taken in the bird’s-eye panoramas of London, if you want a different perspective on the city, consider embarking on a Thames cruise. Hop-on hop-off river boats depart from nearby Greenwich Pier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With ascending and descending slopes of up to 30 degrees, the Up at the O2 walkway is not for the faint of heart.
- Climbing suits, harnesses, and boots are provided. Don’t forget to bring hats and gloves in cold weather.
- Children aged 10 years and older can do the climb as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
How to Get There
The nearest tube station is North Greenwich (Jubilee line). MBNA Thames Clippers run regular river bus services to North Greenwich Pier. You can also reach the O2 via the Emirates Air Line, a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) cable car route spanning the River Thames. Find Up at the O2 to the left of the main arena entrance.
When to Get There
The best time of the year to embark on an ascent is during summer, when clear skies are more likely. Book a sunset climb for epic selfies, or try an evening twilight climb to see the city’s lights sparkle in the night sky. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled climb to allow time for the check-in process.
Where to Eat at the O2
Scaling one of London’s premier concert venues is appetite-inducing work. If you need to refuel after, the arena complex has lots of tempting options. You’ll find plenty of places to dine and drink on the palm-lined Entertainment Avenue inside the O2, including Thai restaurant Busaba Eathai, burger franchise Five Guys, and Portuguese chicken chain Nando’s.
Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, England
Hours: Hours vary by season.
Admission: Tickets start at £30
From $ 21
Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka)
The laid-back and charismatic university city of Uppsala is bisected by the River Fyris and dominated by its landmark castle and cathedral. The latter began life in 1270 to house the reliquary of King Eric IX, who spread Christianity through Sweden and is the patron saint of the country. Constructed in austere red brick and today much renovated, the cathedral is Gothic in style and has two spiky spires that stand 120 m (394 ft) above the city’s rooftops. Its vaulted interior is delicately ornamented with biblical scenes and illuminated through slender stained-glass windows; the side chapels contain the relics of Eric IX in a gold-plated coffin as well as the marble tombs of several Swedish monarchs, including King Gustav Vasa, who commissioned the building of Uppsala Castle in 1549. The botanist Carl Linnaeus, who lived in Uppsala in the 18th century and introduced a classification system for plants that is still in use today, is also buried in the cathedral.
A small treasury museum in the northwest spire exhibits royal funeral crowns and a collection of medieval Far and Middle Eastern textiles. However, pride of place in the museum goes to the tattered doublets and breeches belonging to three members of the Sture family who were murdered at Uppsala Castle in 1567 by the schizophrenic King Erik XIV. Close inspection of the surrounding burial ground reveals Viking runes carved on several gravestones.
Practical Info
Domkyrkoplan, Uppsala. Open daily 8am–6pm. Admission free. Best accessed on foot through the pedestrianized old center of the city.
Address: Domkyrkoplan, Uppsala 75310, Sweden
Hours: Open daily 8am–6pm
From $ 170
Valaam Monastery
With its striking powder-blue domes and looming cathedral spires, set against a backdrop of dense woodlands and glassy blue waters, the Valaam Monastery makes a suitably arresting centerpiece to Valaam Island. Marooned on Lake Ladoga’s largest island, reaching the historic monastery is an adventure in itself, with scenic ferry cruises running from the mainland and thrilling helicopter rides linking it to St Petersburg.
Dating back to the late 14th-century and rebuilt several times throughout history, the Valaam Monastery is one of Russia’s most significant religious sites, once regarded as the country’s spiritual and cultural center and completely self-sufficient. Today, the vast complex centers around the exquisite Cathedral of the Transfiguration, surrounded by monks cells, chapels, workshops and farmlands, and remains a working monastery, with resident monks hosting regular services and choir recitals.
Practical Info
The Valaam Monastery is located on Valaam Island, Lake Ladoga, north of St Petersburg and can be reached only by boat or helicopter.
Address: Valaam Island, Russia
From $ 1,299
University Palace
Founded in 1864 by Prince Alexander John Cuza, who ruled over the Romanian United Principalities of Walachia and Moldova, the University of Bucharest is located on Piata Universitatii, a buzzing square snarled with traffic and popular with Bucharest locals as a meeting place. The University Palace’s imposing Neo-classical façade stands on the northwestern corner of the square; it was designed by architect Alexandru Orascu and completed in 1859.
Today the university has five faculties and is one of the biggest and most prestigious in Romania. Past alumni include playwright Eugène Ionesco, biologist George E Palade and philosopher Emil Cioran.
Outside the University Palace stand four monumental statues of pivotal figures in Romanian history as well as numerous stalls selling secondhand books. Piata Universitatii itself is surrounded by a jumble of architecturally diverse buildings, including the National Theater of Bucharest, the School of Architecture, the modernist Hotel InterContinental and the ornate Neo-classical beauty of the Coltea Hospital, the oldest in the city. A memorial of ten stone crosses stands in the middle of the square in tribute to the rebels who died in the 1989 revolution, which saw the downfall of the despotic President Ceaușescu and brought about the end of Soviet domination in Romania.
Practical Info
Piata Universitatii. The University Palace is not open to the public. Take the metro to Universitate.
Address: Piata Universitatii, Bucharest, Bucharest Municipality 030014, Romania
From $ 22
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
A tranquil pocket of greenery stretching across the banks of the River Cherwella, the University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanical garden, dating back to 1621. Located on a five-acre plot on the Magdalen College grounds, the diminutive garden makes up for its small size with an impressive variety of plant and flower species—more than 6,000 different ones from around the globe.
Renowned as one of the world’s most biodiverse areas, the garden hosts everything from giant rhubarb to the common stinging nettle, with highlights including the old English Yew tree, which was planted in 1645, a gigantic waterlily that could hold a child’s weight and an array of carnivorous plants. The walled garden also has a pond, a physic garden growing medicinal plants and herbs and a series of greenhouses filled with exotic plant species. If you’re craving more space, the Botanic Garden also operates the 150-acre Harcourt Arboretum just south of the city, where you’ll find wildflower meadows and bluebell woods blooming throughout the spring and summer months.
Practical Info
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is located southeast of Oxford city center, close to the Magdalen College, and is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in winter and 6 p.m. in summer. Adult admission is £4.50.
Address: Rose Ln., Oxford OX1 4DU, England
Hours: Winter 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Summer 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: £4.50
From $ 52
Uzupis
Before World War II, the working-class district of Uzupis south of the River Neris and west of the River Vilnele formed one of the main Jewish communities in Vilnius. This was abandoned during the Holocaust and during the Soviet Occupation between 1944 and 1990, it filled up again with bohemian artists, political rebels and other freewheeling thinkers, in the process garnering a reputation as the Montmartre of Lithuania.
In 1997 this little enclave declared its independence from the rest of Vilnius, in a similar manner to Christiania in Copenhagen. Ever since, the Republic of Uzupis has elected its own president and run its own constitution. The tiny state even has its own national anthem, flag and toy army.
Today Uzupis has some of the most edgy, most vibrant streets in Vilnius, with façades covered in graffiti, pavement cafés, wacky art galleries, underground bars and buzzing multi-ethnic restaurants, while Thursday’s Tymo Market sees organic producers flock into Uzupis from all over Lithuania to sell their ecologically sound goodies. Uzupis Independence Day is April 1, so if you’re planning to visit on that date, take your passport; the republic’s soldiers may ask for your ID before granting you access.
Practical Info
Uzupis is best explored on foot or as part of a guided tour.
Address: Užupis, Lithuania
From $ 12
Uppsala Castle (Uppsala Slott)
Uppsala is one of Sweden’s most historic cities; squatting on the banks of the River Fyris, it sophisticated, leafy and dominated by its landmark castle, cathedral and university. The royal castle overlooks the town from its perch at Kasåsen and began life in 1549 at the behest of King Gustav Vasa, who built his fortified home in neat, symmetrical Renaissance style. Over the centuries, it has seen its share of ceremony, intrigue and violence, from coronations to political assassinations and abdications. The shocking murder of three members of the Sture family by the despotic and schizophrenic King Erik XIV took place here in 1567 and their tattered doublets and breeches are on show in Uppsala Cathedral.
The castle was virtually burnt down in 1702 – and much of its fragmented remains plundered to build the Royal Palace in Stockholm – but was subsequently reconstructed in 1740 with its dusty pink façades punctuated by towers on each wing. Today it has a distinctly more peaceful role as the home of three museums: Uppsala Art Museum, where funky modern ceramics from Uppsala Ekeby pottery are displayed along with contemporary Swedish artwork; the Fredens Hus (House of Peace), which highlights social and political conflicts and attempts to resolve them; and the fascinating Vasaborgen in the ruined bastions of the original castle, where the dark deeds of past Swedish monarchs are recounted in graphic detail.
Practical Info
Drottning Christinas väg 1E, Uppsala. Open Tue, Fri–Sun 12pm–4pm; Wed 12pm–6pm; Thur 12pm–8pm. Admission free. Best accessed on foot.
Address: Drottning Christinas väg 1E, Uppsala 75237, Sweden
Hours: Open Tue, Fri–Sun 12pm–4pm; Wed 12pm–6pm; Thurs 12pm–8pm
From $ 137
University of Vienna
The University of Vienna, founded by Duke Rudolph IV in 1365, is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world. It has a long and rich history, and today has developed into one of the biggest and most renowned universities in Europe, especially in the field of Humanities. The university has been the academic home to many important historical figures, including 15 Nobel Prize winners. The university’s academic facilities occupy over sixty locations throughout Vienna, though the central building on the Ringstraße constitutes what’s commonly referred to as ‘die Uni.’
Entering the central campus from the Ringstraße, the university’s facade and open arcades mark the main entrance and show the birth of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and sponsor of the arts. The adjacent arcade court was designed to commemorate famous scientists and academics, and is used a recreational gathering area for students. ‘Die Uni’ offers guided tours of the historic building on the Ringstraße, including the arcade court, the historic library, and the ceremonial chamber where graduations are held – just look up to view the
beautiful ceiling paintings done after original designs by the famous artist Gustav Klimt.
Practical Info
Hourlong guided tours on Thursdays and Saturdays offer an overview of the history of the University of Vienna. Starting in the Aula, the tour visits the arcade court, the main reading room of the university’s library and the main ceremonial chamber.
Address: Universitätsring 1, Vienna 1010, Austria
From $ 10
Val d'Orcia
If you’ve ever seen a picture of the Tuscan countryside—softly rolling hills, towering cypress trees, winding country roads, and quaint hill towns—chances are that you were looking at the Val d'Orcia. This unique landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered among the loveliest in Italy, and the wines produced here are among Italy’s best.
The Basics
The Val d'Orcia, a favorite subject of Renaissance painters and modern photographers, covers a small area of Tuscany between the town of Siena and Mount Amiata, and is known for its beautiful landscapes, medieval towns, and excellent cuisine. Take a Val d'Orcia tour to visit the villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano, and to sample their local Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines—perhaps paired with pecorino cheeses from nearby Pienza—during a wine tasting session. Other delightful small towns worth a visit on a private tour of the Val d'Orcia are San Quirico d'Orcia, famous for its olive oil, and Bagno Vignoni, home to historic thermal baths.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The scenery around the Val d'Orcia area is truly picturesque, so don’t forget your camera.
- Some of Italy’s most prestigious wines are produced in the Val d'Orcia, so wine lovers will especially appreciate exploring the area’s wineries and tasting rooms.
- There is a small amount of walking during most Tuscany tours, either through hilltop towns or across winery vineyards; comfortable shoes and a sun hat are recommended.
- Winery visits may not be appropriate for young children.
How to Get There
Val d'Orcia is located about an hour south of Florence and is an easy day trip from Rome, Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena. There is little public transportation between the towns and wineries in this area, so by far the best way to explore is by joining a small-group tour with transportation included.
When to Get There
The Val d'Orcia is lovely year-round but is particularly interesting to visit in the fall, when the grapes and olives are harvested and many towns hold wine and olive oil festivals.
Famous Tuscan Landscapes
The Val d'Orcia is just one of many areas in Tuscany known for its striking scenery. The stark chalk hills of the Crete Senesi and the wooded countryside of Chianti are also beautiful—and are equally popular wine tour destinations.
Address: Val D’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy, Italy
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