Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 4101-4120 of 4530 listings.
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a classic landmark in Antalya and is one of the few remaining Roman towers dating back to the second century. While the tower was once part of the city's fortifications, the clock was added later and today stands as a commandeering structure in the neighborhood area known as Kaldekapisi (Castle Gate).
Kaldekapisi marks the border between the old city and the new and hosts many stalls set up in front of the Clock Tower selling handicrafts and fresh pomegranate juice. The tower is typically seen on walking tours in Antalya.
Practical Info
As the most notable landmark in Kaleiçi, the Clock Tower makes a good starting spot for explorations on foot into the Old City.
Address: Cumhuriyet Cad., Antalya, Turkey
From $ 52
Cinquantenaire District
The Cinquantenaire District in Brussels is the area of the city surrounding the Cinquantenaire Park. The park itself was built to commemorate 50 years of Belgium's independence. Dominating the park is the Triumphal Arch and three museums. The museums located here are Autoworld, which showcases the evolution of the automobile throughout history; the Royal Museum of Art and History, which contains a wide range of art and artifacts from pre-history forward; and the Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History, which examines the development of military technology throughout history along with the major campaigns fought on Belgian soil. In the summer, the park hosts concerts, festivals, drive-in movies, and it is the starting point of the Brussels marathon.
This district, also known as the European District, is the heart of the European Union. The buildings that house the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of Ministers can be found in this area. This section of Brussels is also known for its many Art Nouveau buildings, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. The entire area is populated with international people who work at the European institutions or at large corporations that have offices in Brussels.
Practical Info
The Cinquantenaire District is located near the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Take metro line 1 or 5 to either the Schuman or Merode metro station.
Address: Brussels, Belgium
From $ 29
Chateau-Thierry Monument
The Château-Thierry Monument is a World War I memorial located in Aisne, France. Overlooking the Marne River valley, the monument was built in 1933 and commemorates the achievements of United States forces that fought in the region in 1918, notably for the Second Battle of the Marne during the wider German Spring Offensive. German advances in late May 1918 led the United States forces 3rd Division to assist the French troops in preventing the Germans from crossing the Marne River, holding the south bank until the counteroffensive forced German withdrawal, earning the nickname "Rock of the Marne" in the process.
The monument was designed by famed French-American architect Paul Cret, who also planned several war memorials and battlefield monuments across Europe and in the United States. The monument consists of a double colonnade rising above a long terrace, flanked by sculptured figures representing the United States and a map showing American military operations that took place in the region. The English inscription on the sculptures reads "This monument has been erected by the United States of America to commemorate the services of her troops and those of France who fought in this region during the World War. It stands as a lasting symbol of the friendship and cooperation between the French and American Armies." US servicemen who lost their lives in the ferocious Second Battle of the Marne are interred at nearby Aisne-Marne American Cemetery.
Practical Info
Chateau-Thierry Monument is located on a hill two miles west of Chateau-Thierry in the region of Picardie, 87 kilometers (60 miles) outside of Paris. It is reachable in just over an hour via route A4 and D1003. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9am to 5pm, except December 25 and January 1. It is open on French bank holidays. There is ample on-site parking. Admission is free for everyone.
Address: Chateau-Thierry Monument, Chateau-Thierry, France
Hours: Open daily to the public from 9am to 5pm, except December 25 and January 1.
From $ 199
Church of Our Lady (Fraumünster)
The 13th-century Church of our Lady, or Fraumunster, has an elegant blue spire which soars above the Zurich skyline. Situated right next to the lake, it is one of Zurich's key sights. Founded in 853 as a Benedictine convent, around the 11th century it was responsible for minting coins and collecting tolls making the then Abbess a powerful women indeed.
Inside the church are the famous stained-glass windows of 1967 by the famous artist Marc Chagall. The three main windows are: the blue Jacob window, with a ladder to heaven, the green Christ window, featuring Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, and the yellow Zion window depicting King David and Bathsheba being trumpeted into New Jerusalem. To the sides there are windows depicting the Prophets and Moses. Near the main exit is a window by another famous artist, Giacometti.
Practical Info
It is not hard to find the church as its narrow blue spire rises into the skyline of Zurich. Walk along the Limmat river and you will come across the church. Or take tram 4 to City Hall.
Address: Stadthausquai 19, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Hours: Summer 9am - 6pm, Winter 10am - 4pm
Admission: Free
From $ 26
Cimiez Convent (Monastère de Cimiez)
The Monastery of Cimiez includes a church, a cemetery and a convent where some Franciscan friars still live. The church has significant paintings by 15th century local artists the Brea brothers. The convent houses the Musee Franciscain which is decorated with 17th century frescoes, many documents and a recreated cell showing how the austere religious life is lived. The chapel dates from the 17th century and the lovely gardens have sweeping views across Nice.
The painter Henri Matisse is buried in the cemetery of the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez. His grave is signposted 'sepulture Henri Matisse' from the cemetery's main entrance (next to the monastery church on av Bellanda). Raoul Dufy (1877 - 1953) is also buried here.
Practical Info
Nice is very easy to negotiate by bus from the central bus station just outside the old town. Catch numbers 15, 17, 20, 22 or 25 up the hill to the Arènes stop for Cimiez.
Address: Place du Monastere, Cimiez, France
Hours: Museum open Mon - Sat 10am - 12pm and 3pm - 6pm, closed Sundays. Church open daily 9am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 25
Church of St George
The Church of St George is a Roman Catholic church sitting high on a hill above the Slovenian port town of Piran on the Adriatic Coast. Considered one of the most impressive churches in Slovenia, it is also one of the most important landmarks in Piran, visible from Tartini Square in the center of town. Dating to the 14th century, it was reconstructed in the early 17th century in a Venetian Renaissance style. Around the same time, a bell tower was added that was modeled after St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, followed a few years later by a Baroque style baptistery.
Visitors should look for two sculptures of St George within the church, a larger one by an unknown artist and a smaller, silver plated sculpture made by a goldsmith workshop in Piran. Also of note are two large paintings from the early 17th century, several marble altars that were added in 1737 and interior frescoes that were restored in 2002-2005. The ground floor of the sacristy displays a variety of religious objects, as well as a wooden model representing an earlier version of the church. In front of the church is a large lawn that was once a graveyard. Today, it offers superb views over the Bay of Trieste and the town of Piran.
Practical Info
The town of Piran is accessible by bus, but not by train. Buses run regularly between Piran and Izola, Koper and Trieste and a free shuttle connects the town to Potoroz. From the center of town, walk to the church. The church is about a 10 minute walk from Tartini Square. The inner hall of the church is accessible only during mass.
Address: Piran 6330, Slovenia
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
From $ 178
Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Kostel Panny Marie Sněžné)
Founded by King Charles IV in 1347, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows was designed to rival St Vitus Cathedral in terms of size and grandeur, but these plans were never completed and what remains today was originally merely to be the presbytery. Nevertheless it is still an imposing sight for the height of its Gothic vaults, which loom up to the height of 111.5 ft (34 m). These original vaults have survived, despite the fact that the church was left to decay for over a century following the Hussite Wars of the mid-15th century. It wasn't until 150 years later that Franciscan monks took over the abandoned church and built the surrounding monastery, cloister and library in Baroque style.
The church now has a highly ornate Baroque interior, of which the main attraction is the dramatic high altar, designed by Jan Arnošt Heidelberger in 1651 at the behest of Jan the Elder of Talmberk. Studded with gold, gilt and dark marble, it is topped with a massive Crucifix and has the distinction of being the tallest altar in Prague, reaching up to 95 ft (29 m).
The Franciscan Gardens are right next to the complex, a calm respite providing an excellent view of the church's Gothic vaulting. The church is also steps away from Wenceslas Square in one of the modern city's busiest districts; it can be seen as part of private walking tours of Prague New Town.
Practical Info
The church is open daily 9am"“6pm, but closed during Mass. Admission is CZK 26.50 or free with the Prague Welcome Card. If using public transportation, take Metro Line B to Mustek.
Address: Jungmannovo námā›stí 18, Prague 1, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily 9am"“6pm (closed during Mass)
Admission: CZK 26.50. Free with Prague Welcome Card
From $ 41
Clock Tower
Once marking the entrance to the fortified city and home to the Town Council, Sighisoara's grand Clock Tower dates back to the 14th century and remains one of the city's most memorable landmarks. Looming 64 meters over Piața Muzeului, the tower's most distinctive feature is its 17th-century clock, complete with mechanical figurines that symbolize Peace, Justice, Law, Day and Night.
Today, the Clock Tower is home to a fascinating local history museum, with exhibitions spread over the tower's three floors and reached by the original narrow stairwell. Artifacts on display include Romanian furniture, medieval tools, medical equipment, old clocks and traditional handicrafts. Visitors can also take a peek at into the clock's mechanism and climb to the top-floor observation platform for a view over the city.
Practical Info
The Clock Tower is located on Piaţa Muzeului in central Sighisoara and is open Tues-Sun from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Adult admission is 14 lei.
Address: Piața Muzeului, Sighisoara, Romania
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: 14 Lei
From $ 66
Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitucion)
Constitution Square sits in the heart of San Sebastián's old quarter. Since its construction in the early 1800s, it has served as the city's main square, but perhaps most interestingly as a bullring. You can still see remnants of this today: look above each of the balcony windows, where you'll spy numbers denoting the former bullring boxes once rented by spectators.
Though the bullfights long ago moved to the city's proper Plaza de Toros, Constitution Square (or Plaza de la Constitución in Spanish) still hosts some of San Sebastián's biggest events. The most famous of these is no doubt the start and finish "“ marked by the flag raising and lowering -- of the parade- and drum-filled Tamborrada, which takes place yearly on January 20th.
Events aside, the main square, which is dominated by the municipal library, resides in a part of town blanketed by a web of narrow medieval streets, each dotted by Basque Country's answer to the tapas bar: the pintxos bar. These drinking-and-eating establishments typically pile high their counters with gourmet-style tapas-topped slices of bread, and are usually enjoyed by visiting one bar after the next.
Practical Info
Constitution Square makes for a good reference point when navigating this historic barrio's maze of streets. Grab drinks and pintxos at one of the plaza's outdoor terraces, or seek cover beneath the square's porticos, from the all-too-common rains.
Address: 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 92
Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù)
Often called the Casa Professa, the Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù) is one of the most important Baroque churches in Sicily. Built by the Jesuits in the late 16th century on the edge of Palermo's Jewish Quarter, the church took almost 50 years to build, with help from hundreds of artists and artisans. Inside, visitors will find colorful frescoes, intricate stone carvings and marble reliefs in a stunning setting for reflection and worship.
Many of the church's frescoes were replaced after being destroyed in World War II, but are impressive nonetheless. Look for the paintings covering the dome's vault, as well as those in the side chapels on the right, such as a depiction of the Adoration of the Magi and of St Paul the Hermit. Marble reliefs from the 18th century depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi both survive.
The church can be visited on a walking tour of Palermo's markets and monuments, which includes stops at the Palermo Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Palermo"”part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical Info
Getting there
The Church of the Gesù is a short walk from the Ballaro Street Market in Palermo's Albergheria neighborhood. The nearest bus stop is on Via Marqueda, just east of the church. Take bus line Marqueda"“Palazzo Comitini for the ARANC bus.
Admission
The church is free to enter, although there is a suggested donation of EUR 2.
Opening hours
The church is open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11:30am and again from 5pm to 6:30pm; it is open Sunday from 7am to 12:30pm. The church is closed in the afternoon during the month of August.
Address: Piazza Casa Professa 1, Palermo, Italy
Hours: Mon"“Sat: 7am"“11:30am & 5pm"“6:30pm; Sun: 7am"“12:30pm
Admission: EUR 2
From $ 32
Cinque Torri
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Italy and snuggled up against the Austrian border is a collection of rock formations called Cinque Torri. These five tower-like rocks each have their own name, along with a collection of smaller peaks and boulders that skirt around their base. The captivating crags are part of the Dolomites mountain range, and sit not far from the alpine town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
They're not just pretty to look at, either. During wintertime, this area becomes quite the ski destination. Meanwhile, during summertime, it's an outdoor playground for hikers, bikers and rock climbers. While visiting, explore the different trails, many of which connect and circle back; visit the various refugios, or refuges, where you can grab a bite to eat or even stay the night; and take in a bit of history while exploring the outdoor museum composed of restored war trenches from World War I (indeed, this was the site of major battle).
Practical Info
Cinque Torri offers many trails suitable for all skill levels. During summertime, you can also take the Cinque Torri chairlifts, making it possible for people of all ages to enjoy the views from up high.
Address: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Belluno 32043, Italy
From $ 127
Círculo de Bellas Artes
Círculo de Bellas Artes, private cultural non-profit in Madrid, has become one of Europe's most impressive private cultural centers. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures, film screenings and book readings, but it's equally popular for its cafe and rooftop restaurant, where you'll find some of the best views of Madrid.
The organization was founded by a group of artists back in 1888, and the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jacinto Benavente have since passed through its doors. The building itself, designed by Antonio Palacios, was built in 1919 and was later declared a national historic artistic monument.
During Carnival, the center hosts a swanky masked ball "” one of Madrid's fanciest parties.
Practical Info
You'll have to pay a small fee to visit the rooftop terrace, but it's worth it for the views.
Address: Calle de Alcalá, 42, Madrid, Spain
Hours: Varies
Admission: 4 €
From $ 16
Cirkusmuseet
Tucked away in the town of Hvidovre south-west of Copenhagen, Denmark's Circus Museum is housed at Avedørelejren, a red-brick former barracks now given a new lease on life as an entertainment complex.
This cute, colorful little museum "” even the souvenir store has a cheery, red-and-yellow circus theme "” presents the history of the circus in Denmark and has Europe's biggest display of wonderful faux-furry, feathery and sparkly costumes, lots of circus posters from across the ages, old photographs of animal trainers and rare movie footage of magicians and acrobats.
Best of all, much of the museum is thoroughly interactive and visitors can try out circus tricks for themselves; in the fall and winter seasons there are circus performances at the museum, when visitors can watch clowns, conjurers and acrobats. There's a packed year-around schedule of events and workshops, at which visitors can try their luck on trapezes, ropes, juggling, uni-cycling, plate-spinning or conjuring "” and all instructors are professionals so safety is paramount.
Practical Info
The museum is open Sun"“Thur 10am"“3pm. Admission for adults is 50 DKK; younger than 18 go free. Admission is also free with the Copenhagen Card. Multilingual guided tours cost and additional 400 DKK. If visiting via car, free parking available. The city of Hvidovre is 20 minutes south-west of Copenhagen by road via Brostykkevej. If using public transportation, bus number 1A stops at Avedørelejren, just steps from the museum.
Address: Hovedporten 6, Hvidovre, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Sun"“Thur 10am"“3pm
Admission: Adults: 50 DKK; younger than 18 go free
From $ 62
Chislehurst Caves
You don't have to go far from London to explore England's underground wonders "” the magnificent Chislehurst Caves are just a short train ride from central London. The manmade caves comprise of a 22-mile (35-km) network of tunnels, dug out in the 13th century and used over the years for chalk, flint, and lime mining; mushroom cultivation; and ammunition storage, as well as being used as an air-raid shelter during WWII.
Access to the caves is by guided tour only (included in the entrance price) and visitors can explore the eerie underground passageways, while learning about the caves fascinating history. The 45-minute tours are led by lamplight and take in highlights such as the Caves Church, the Druid Altar, and the Haunted Pool.
Practical Info
The Chislehurst Caves are located around 12.4 miles (20 km) southeast of London and are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Regular trains run to Chislehurst from London Bridge and Charing Cross stations in central London. Entrance is by guided tour only and 45-minute tours run hourly. Adult admission is £6 or free with the London Pass.
Did you know? During the 1960s, the Chislehurst Caves were also transformed into a music venue "“ David Bowie, Status Quo, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd all played on the unique underground stage.
Address: Caveside Close, Old Hil, Chislehurst, United Kingdom BR7 5NL, England
Hours: Daily: 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £6, Child £4
From $ 90
Church of San Giorgio
Portofino's waterfront is a jewel of the Italian Riviera with its pastel-colored buildings, but the vibrancy also extends onto the surrounding hills, where the bright yellow Church of San Giorgio sits overlooking the Portofino harbor. The original church on this site was built in the 12th century before it was expanded and later totally destroyed during World War II. The church seen today dates from 1950, although some features are from earlier structures.
The church takes its name from Portofino's patron saint, whose relics were brought to the city after the Crusades and are kept inside the church in a shrine. The small piazza in front of the church offers wonderful views over Portofino.
Practical Info
Mass at the Church of San Giorgio occurs on Saturday evenings in winter at 5pm and in summer at 6:30pm, and on Sundays and holidays at 11:15am. In July and August only, Sunday Mass is at 6:30pm.
Address: Salita San Giorgio, Portofino, Liguria 16034, Italy
From $ 85
Church of Sao Vicente of Fora
The Church of Sao Vicente de Fora is a monastery and church in Lisbon containing the royal pantheon of the Braganza monarchs of Portugal, serving as the final resting spot for all the Portuguese kings from 1640 to 1910. Originally built as a convent in the 12th century, the monastery was constructed in honor of Saint Vincent outside the city walls ("de fora"). It was restored after sustaining damage in the earthquake of 1755.
A highlight for many visitors today is the collection of 18th-century traditional blue and white ceramic tiles that depict life at court as well as the fables of La Fontaine. The site's interior and cloisters are both intricately tiled, and in the church, visitors can see the ornate Baroque altarpiece designed by Joaquim Machado de Castro, one of Portugal's most famous sculptors. The symmetrical facade has two elegant bell towers built in an Italian Renaissance style, and great views of the city and Tagus River can be seen from the rooftop.
Practical Info
The church stands on a hill east of Alfama on Largo de Sao Vicente. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 3-5 pm. Take tram 28 or buses 12 or 28 to get there. Admission is free.
Address: Largo de Sao Vicente, Lisbon 1100-572, Portugal
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pmSunday 9am-12:30pm and 3-5pm
From $ 21
City Hall Square (Radhuspladsen)
European cities are known for their quaint public squares that showcase the best of local life. These kinetic epicenters of entertainment, commerce and cuisine seem to attract locals and travelers alike"”particularly in Copenhagen. The centrally located City Hall Square (Radhuspladsen) is conveniently stationed in the middle of the city, near the iconic City Hall building.
Travelers who venture here are likely to stumble upon a performance or a protest, since this town square attracts as many artists as it does activists. In addition to the slice of local life City Hall Square offers visitors, travelers can also see some of the city's major buildings, like Politikens Hus, Denmark's top newspaper, and iconic sculptures like the Dragon Fountain and the Weather Girl here.
Practical Info
The square is located at the southwest end of Stroget"”a pedestrian walkway that links City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv.
Address: Copenhagen 1599, Denmark
From $ 32
Church of Sao Francisco
Behind its comparatively stark Gothic façade, the Church of Sao Francisco harbors a trove of Baroque finery and its unabashed opulence makes it one of Porto's most unmissable architectural wonders. The church itself was built between 1383 and 1410, but most of its lavish decorations date back to the 17th and 18th century Baroque period and no expense (or space) has been spared.
Pass beneath the striking rose window and you'll be confronted with glistening marble columns, intricately carved arches and gilded interiors, coated with some 400kg worth of gold. It's a feast for the eyes, with every inch of the church walls and ceilings adorned with ornamental frescoes, rich floral motifs and Mudejar wood paneling. Highlights include the magnificent Tree of Jesse altarpiece, the 13th century statue of Saint Francis, and the eerily beautiful catacombs, adorned with sculptures by Nicolau Nasoni and António Teixeira Lopes.
Practical Info
The Church of Sao Francisco is located in central Porto and is open daily from 9am-6pm, or 8pm in July and August.
Admission is €4.
Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, Porto 4050-297, Portugal
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm (8pm in summer)
Admission: Adult €4, Child €2
From $ 34
Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù)
In a city famous for its impressive ceilings"”think that of the Sistine Chapel"”Rome's Church of the Gesù is a standout. The massive three-dimensional trompe l'oeil ceiling frescoes are so extraordinary that a large mirror has been strategically positioned so visitors can enjoy without straining their necks.
The Basics
The baroque Chiesa del Gesù (Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Gesù all'Argentina) is one of the main churches of Rome, and a visit is often included in walking tours of the city's most important historic and artistic churches, such as Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, San Luigi dei Francesi, and Santa Maria sopra Minerva. You can combine a visit to Church of the Gesù with skip-the-line Vatican tickets to also tour St. Peter's Basilica, or opt for an audio-guided tour to visit this and other attractions at your own pace.
The church was built in the 16th century to replace an older Jesuit church marking the spot where the founder of the Jesuit order, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, once prayed to an image of the Virgin Mary (still preserved inside). The ornate frescoes over the nave and inside the dome by Giovanni Battista Gaulli date from the 17th century and feature clever trompe l'oeil effects.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Remember to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to enter Catholic churches in Rome.
- Tours of Rome's churches require quite a bit of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Due to the stairs at the entrance to the church, it is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
- Photography without a flash is allowed inside the church.
How to Get There
Church of the Gesù is located along Via degli Astalli on Piazza del Gesù right in the center of Rome, a quick walk from Piazza Venezia where many buses and tram lines stop.
When to Get There
Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and its most famous churches can be crowded during the busy summer season. Try to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the ceiling decorations in relative peace.
The Gesù Chapels
Other highlights of Church of the Gesù include the sumptuous side chapels, namely the Cappella di Sant'Andrea, the Saint Francis Xavier Chapel, and the Chapel of St. Ignatius, designed by Andrea Pozzo.
Address: Via degli Astalli 16, Rome, Puglia, Italy
From $ 39
Clock Tower
Located on Tirana's central Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower is one of the Albanian capital's great landmarks and was built in 1822 by Haxhi Et`hem Bey, who also designed the mosque next door. Just over a century later, the height of the clock tower was increased to 115 feet (35 meters) high and today it competes with the slender minaret of the neighboring Et`hem Bey Mosque; by night they are both beautifully illuminated, throwing flickering shadows across the square. The tower is almost Venetian in appearance, with a simple stone tower topped with clocks on all four sides and a pyramid-shaped cupola. Views from the wrought-iron balcony that rings the tower just below the clocks "“ a climb of 90 stone steps "“ look down over the great equestrian statue of military hero Skanderbeg, the National Historical Museum, the center of the city and beyond to the Dajti mountain range. A small museum adjacent to the tower holds exhibitions on Albanian life and culture.
Practical Info
Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square). Open Mon"“Fri 8am"“3pm. Admission 100 lek to museum and tower. Best accessed on foot.
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square), Tirana 1000, Albania
Hours: Open Mon"“Fri 8pm"“3pm
Admission: 100 lek
From $ 28