Things to Do in Europe

Get to know Bilbao beyond just its artsy image by taking a trip to the city's Casco Viejo. Dating back to Medieval times, this "“ the Old Quarter "“ and its original seven streets still retain an almost untouched charm, free of the touristy trappings you might find in other big cities.

This once walled-in neighborhood originally consisted of exactly seven streets and, for that reason, is sometimes still called Los Siete Calles ("seven streets" in Spanish). Each of these original avenues still exist, with names such as Tendería Kalea (Shoekeeper's Street) and Carnicería Vieja Kalea (Old Butchery Street). Since Medieval times, the barrio has expanded to include still more streets beyond those seven originals, and also squares like Plaza Berria and Plaze Nueva.

The Casco Viejo draws a crowd for more than just its historical appeal, too. Head to the old-world district to fulfill your culinary cravings by popping from one bar to the next for pintxos (essentially Basque tapas with a gourmet twist) and glasses of txakoli, a local dry white wine. While there, visit the nearby Mercado de la Ribera, the largest food retail market in Europe; the city's over 600-year-old church, Santiago Cathedral; or stick around on Sundays for retail therapy at the market in Plaza Nueva.

Charlottenborg is the official exhibition gallery of the Royal Danish Academy of Art and is the biggest venue for contemporary art in Copenhagen. The palatial residence was constructed in the 17th century for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve. Queen Dowager Charlotte Amalie bought the Baroque palace in 1700, and her name has been affixed to it ever since.

Charlottenborg presents 4 - 5 exhibitions per year. It has become famous for its open submission spring exhibition, which is reviewed by a jury before the selection is shown. The fall exhibition is by invitation only. In addition to its exhibition space, Charlottenborg also has a Mezzanine available for many mediums of expression of the contemporary arts, from performances to debates.

The entire city of Naples can be overwhelming - it sprawls away from the bay and even up the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius - but visitors need only concentrate on the historic center, the "Centro Storico," to enjoy the best of what Naples has to offer.

Naples' historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, including 14 city districts and more than 2,425 acres. Even this area is too much for most tourists to tackle in a short visit, but thankfully most of what you'll want to do and see in the city is concentrated in the heart of the Centro Storico.

Radiating away from the Bay of Naples, the Centro Storico spans more than 2,500 years of history. Even today you can see some ruins of the Greek city that once occupied this spot. More plentiful are monuments from the Roman-era, including the roads that run straight as an arrow through the historic center and the treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum that are kept in Naples' spectacular archaeological museum.

Tour the medieval Castel Nuovo, located right on the water, the odd facade of which belies its many renovations during different architectural eras. Marvel at the exquisite sculpture of "The Veiled Christ" in the Sansevero Chapel. Take in a performance at the Teatro San Carlo, Italy's oldest opera house. See Christmas year-round in the nativity shops along Via San Gregorio Armeno. Eat in a pizzeria on Via dei Tribunali or Via Spaccanapoli, since Naples is where pizza originates. And if you're starting to feel a little closed-in-upon, head for the enormous Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the city's grandest squares.

The historic center, as old as it is, is very much alive today. Those ancient Roman roads are busy with car and scooter traffic, and the buildings on either side house shops and restaurants frequented by locals and visitors alike. Choose a hotel in the historic center so you're close to all the action, and then get out and enjoy this energetic and exciting city.

Standing proud in the heart of the city since Cardiff was granted its city status back in 1906, the City Hall remains the focal point of the city's celebrated civic center "“ encircled in landscaped gardens, tree-lined alcoves and striking architectural landmarks.

The arresting Edwardian building blends English and French Renaissance styles, with its magnificent façade characterized by its domed atrium, striking clock tower and dramatic water feature. It's the 194-foot high clock tower with it's four-face gilded dials and the HC Fear statue of a Welsh dragon perched atop the dome, that have become most iconic to its design, taking prominent place on the city skyline.

Alongside hosting prestigious national and international events, the City hall makes a popular wedding and celebration venue, with its exquisite interiors carved from Portland Stone and embellished with bronze chandeliers. The hall's celebrated art collection, including the renowned "˜Winter' piece by Joseph Farquharson, and a series of beautifully sculpted marble statues are also available for public viewing.

The Carlsberg Brewery was established in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen. The visitor's center showcases the history of Danish beer and has dioramas to illustrate various processes involved with brewing.

After a self-guided tour in the museum you walk through a garden and stables with Jutland dray horses. In the courtyard there is a smaller replica of the Little Mermaid Statue that Carl Jacobsen commissioned for Copenhagen. You can enjoy an authentic glass of beer in the brewery, as well as some traditional Danish food. There's also a giftshop for souvenirs with Carlsberg insignia for beer connoisseurs.