Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Gladstone's Land
Tucked away between the many attractions of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the looming tenement building known as Gladstone's Land is easily overlooked, but behind its unassuming façade is one of the capital's most fascinating historic gems.
The six-story complex was developed by wealthy local merchant Thomas Gledstanes in 1617 and was renowned as one of the first "˜high-rise' buildings of its time. Now preserved as a National Trust property, Gladstone's Land has been restored to its former glory, offering visitors the chance to step back in time to 17th-century Edinburgh. Along with the original painted ceilings and beams, and an impressive collection of antique furniture, highlights include a traditional "˜luckenbooth' shop-front, a 16th-century kitchen, a spinet and a selection of old maps and photographs of Edinburgh.
Practical Info
Gladstone's Land is located along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town and is open daily between April and October from 10am to 5pm. Adult admission costs £6.50.
Address: 477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH1 2NT, Scotland
Hours: April-Oct Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £6.50
From $ 19
Georgian House
This elegant 18th-century town house offers a glimpse into the lives of Georgian Edinburgh's elite. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the perfectly preserved property features a traditional 18th-century kitchen with collections of china and silverware as well as paintings by prominent Scottish artists.
The Basics
Visitors can pre-purchase admission tickets for the Georgian House and then take a self-guided tour around the property. Watch Living in a Grand Design, a short introductory film about the property, before exploring the interior, from the grand drawing room and dining room to the servants' quarters. In each room, information sheets provide details about the life of Scottish aristocrats in the Georgian period.
Visitors who purchase a National Trust for Scotland Discover Ticket gain free access to the Georgian House, along with other National Trust for Scotland sites such as Culloden battlefield and Culzean Castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Georgian House is a must for history enthusiasts.
- A small shop in the basement sells souvenirs, gifts, and books.
- There is no cafe on site, but plenty can be found nearby.
- Much of the Georgian House is accessible only via stairs, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Georgian House is situated in Charlotte Square in Edinburgh's New Town, just a short walk from the west end of Princes Street. It's also accessible by public transport; take the tram to Princes Street, which is just a 10-minute walk away. Edinburgh Waverley train station is about 20 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The Georgian House typically closes for several months during winter (usually for at least January and February, and sometimes longer). Though the house sees most visitors during the summer months, it is rarely crowded. Get there early in the morning when the interior is hushed and quiet.
What to See and Do in the Georgian House
The house, designed by well-known architect Robert Adam, has been restored to reflect the lifestyle its wealthy 18th- and 19th-century occupants would have enjoyed. In addition to period furniture, it also features works by acclaimed artists including portrait painters Sir Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay. If you want to get into the Georgian spirit, dress up in one of the period-style costumes provided, which are available in both children's and adult sizes.
Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH2 4DR, Scotland
From $ 10
Gesú Nuovo Church
Originally built as a palace, the Gesú Nuovo Church was converted into a place of worship by the Jesuits. It stands in a square by the same name in Naples historic city center.
Built in 1470, the original palace façade was left intact when construction began to convert it into a church. The bugnato style exterior is characterized by pyramid-shaped stones on the façade, however, its outward appearance can lead to confusion, sometimes causing unknowing visitors to walk right by, not realizing what's tucked inside. The Church's Baroque interior is ornate with 11 Chapels and frescos throughout that represent bible scenes and the stories of Saints. The church's construction was a lengthy process, started in 1584 but not completed until 1601.
Practical Info
The church is called Gesù Nuovo (New Jesus), because the Jesuits had already built another Jesus Church in 1568. The first church is now called Gesù Vecchio (Old Jesus). It belongs to the diocese and is used by the University of Naples. Santa Chiara is also located in the square of Gesù Nuovo, near the Church, making visiting both an easy possibility.
Address: Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, Naples, Italy
From $ 27
Floral Hall
Coffee breaks don't come with a more scenic backdrop than Inverness' Floral Hall, one of the city's most unique attractions. Opened by Prince Edward in 1993, the Floral Hall includes a series of ornamental gardens, sub-tropical greenhouses, creative water features and ponds filled with tropical fish, set around a popular cafe. The Cacti House, home to the Highlands' largest collection of succulents, is a highlight of the gardens, housing an award winning collection, and the dramatic seasonal floral arrangements on display are legendary among local gardeners. The centerpiece of the stone walled gardens is the newly opened Memory Garden, home to the Tree of Tranquility, a poignant sculpture created by the SiMBA charity in support of women who have miscarried or lost a baby "“ each leaf is personally engraved by the bereaved.
Whether you choose to stroll the idyllic walkways, sip cappuccinos amidst elegant floral displays or indulge your gardening passions at the adjourning visitor and information center, the gardens are a pocket of tranquility that provide the perfect escape from the city streets.
Whether you choose to stroll the idyllic walkways, sip cappuccinos amidst elegant floral displays or indulge your gardening passions at the adjourning visitor and information center, the gardens are a pocket of tranquility that provide the perfect escape from the city streets.
Address: Bught Ln, Inverness, Inverness-Shire IV3 5SS, Scotland
From $ 13
Gates of Diocletian's Palace
Built as a retirement residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, this massive fortress-like palace makes up about half of old town Split. Although there have been plenty of changes to Diocletian's Palace over the ages, the original quadrant design still remains with four different gates"”the Brass Gate, Iron Gate, Golden Gate, and Silver Gate"”that enclose this walled fortress.
The Basics
Today, entering Diocletian's Palace through any of the four gates will lead you to the central square of Peristil. Each gate has its own unique architecture, and you'll likely want to experience them all.
Most tours enter through the Bronze Gate first, which is on the south side of the palace and opens directly to the sea. The Golden Gate, the largest and most ornate, was once the main entryway for the emperors. The Silver Gate, meanwhile, leads directly to the popular produce market areas of Split. Lastly, the Iron Gate houses the lovely 10th-century Church of Our Lady of Belfry.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Not just a traditional archeological site, Diocletian's Palace is an active part of Split with many homes, shops, and restaurants."¨
- It's easy to get lost in the labyrinth of alleyways and courtyards of Diocletian's Palace, so consider taking a guided tour to get oriented before exploring on your own.
- The palace's narrow streets can get jammed with tourists in summer, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon."¨
How to Get There
Diocletian's Palace is located in the center of old town Split. Most visitors arrive by car, bus, or ferry and then set off to explore the palace gates on foot. The palace is most easily accessed on foot via the Bronze gate, which is located at the eastern end of the Riva promenade.
When to Get There
The Gates of Diocletian's Palace are fascinating any time of the year. Summer is the busiest tourist season, so consider visiting early in the day to avoid both the heat and the mid-day crowds. Better yet, visit in May, early June, or September to enjoy pleasant weather but fewer crowds.
Other Attractions in Diocletian's Palace
Entering through the Bronze Gate of Diocletian's Palace, you'll find yourself in the ancient cellars where you can tour the underground tunnels and learn about their former functions. Make sure to visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius and climb to the top of the bell tower for fantastic views of old town Split. Hit up the Split Market to browse the colorful fruit and vegetable stands and catch a glimpse of local life.
Address: Diocletian's Palace, Split, Croatia
From $ 23
Fort Douaumont
Built in the late 19th-century in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, the hilltop Fort Douaumont was Verdun's largest and highest fortress, looming 388-meters above the notorious Verdun battlefield. The heavily armed fortress was designed to be the most strategically important of Verdun's mighty defenses, but instead it earned its notoriety during the bloody Battle of Verdun in 1916, when a shocking 300,000 soldiers were killed, and a further 400,000 were wounded. Suffering large destruction and manned by only a small garrison, Fort Douaumont quickly fell into German hands and became a key battle site throughout the 300-day standoff.
Today, the once mighty fort lies in ruins, but visitors can still tour the bunkers, barracks and command posts, designed to accommodate up to 600 soldiers; view the machine gun turrets and take in the views from the fort's high vantage point. A memorial and graveyard is also located on-site, erected in honour of the 679 German soldiers killed when an accidental cooking fire triggered a massive explosion and firestorm in the fort "“ another tragedy resulting in heavy casualties.
Practical Info
Fort Douaumont is located around 10km northeast of Verdun, and is open from February to November, daily from 10am-6pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is €4.
Address: Douaumont 55100, France
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm Feb-Nov
Admission: €4
From $ 284
George Orwell Square
Tucked away among the countless alleyways and courtyards of Barcelona's atmospheric Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter) east of Las Ramblas, triangular George Orwell Square is named after the English author whose novel Homage to Catalonia was published in 1938 after he had spent six months fighting for the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War. He lived in the square briefly and a small plaque marks his house. Formerly a grungy backwater of the Barrio, the square has been radically refurbished and cleaned up alongside much of Barcelona's Ciutat Vella (Old City), and now has a lively, Bohemian atmosphere; it is surrounded by tall, narrow townhouses decorated with wrought-iron balconies and by
cafes, bars and (many vegetarian) restaurants, whose tables spread out on to the square in sunny weather. Standing tall in the center of the square is a bizarre, swirling metal installation by Surrealist Catalan sculptor Leandre Cristòfol.
Practical Info
George Orwell Square is open to all 24/7, free of charge. The nearest metro station is Liceu.
Address: Carrer George Orwell, Barrio Gotico, Barcelona, Catalunya 08002, Spain
From $ 28
Flåm Railway
Winding its way through lush river gorges, climbing steep peaks, and passing dramatic waterfalls, the Flåm Railway is one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys. Running 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) between the Norwegian towns of Flåm and Myrdal, the train is among Norway's most popular tourist attractions, offering incredible views over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords.
The Basics
It's possible to complete the round-trip journey from Flåm to Myrdal in about two hours, including stops at Kjosfossen waterfall and Myrdal. For an even more unforgettable journey, combine the ride with a cruise around the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, or soak up the scenery on a self-guided transfer from Bergen to Oslo that includes a ride on the Bergen Railway and a ferry cruise across the Naeroyfjord fjord.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are restrooms, cafes, luggage storage, and souvenir shops at Myrdal and Flåm stations.
- There's time to get off and take in the views at Kjosfossen waterfall and Myrdal (for round-trip passengers), so dress accordingly for the weather as it can get chilly in the mountains.
- Wheelchair access is available at all stations.
How to Get There
It's possible to ride the Flåm Railway in either direction, from Flåm or Myrdal. Flåm Station is located in Flåm, Aurland, a roughly 10-minute walk from the Flåm ferry port on the Sognefjord.
When to Get There
The Flåm Railway runs daily year-round, but there are more than double the number of trains running in summer than winter. Those hoping to take advantage of the hiking trails and outdoor activities around Myrdal should plan a visit in spring or summer, but winter visitors benefit from magical views of glittering fjords and snow-dusted peaks.
The Flåm Railway by the Numbers
The Flåm Railway ranks as one the steepest trains in the world, with a gradient of 5.5 percent reaching a height of 2,841 feet (866 meters) in just 12.5 miles (20 kilometers). Opened in 1940, the train took almost 20 years to build and includes 20 tunnels and one railway bridge"”an impressive engineering feat.
Address: Flåm, Western Norway, Norway
Hours: Daily.
Admission: Roundtrip: NOK$ 550; One Way: NOK$ 390
From $ 198
Frigiliana
Medieval Frigiliana is a typically Andalusian pueblo blanco (white village) perched on a ridge in the hills east of Málaga above the vacation paradise of the Costa del Sol. Guarded by the photogenic remains of the ninth-century Moorish Lízar Castle, the village straggles uphill from its cliff-side promenade, which offers far-reaching panoramas towards the Mediterranean coast.
Recently voted "the prettiest village in Spain," the Moorish, Mudejar-style heart of Frigiliana is a maze of cobbled alleyways leading off the main street of Calle Real, and lined with gleaming, flower-festooned white cottages ornamented with wrought-iron balconies. The streets wind ever upwards in steep steps, past ancient churches and palaces, and are crammed with boutiques selling traditional ceramics decorated with Arabic designs. Tiny piazzas reveal tapas bars in which to sample local treats and a glass or two of local wine, while a sign-posted walk, illustrated by ceramic plaques, guides visitors through the narrow streets up to the castle, relating the story of the Spanish ousting the Moors from the village in 1569.
Frigiliana is also a gateway to the rugged terrain of the Parque Natural Sierras de Tejeda, popular with cyclists, hikers and drivers alike for the chance to spot golden eagles and shy mountain goats among the mountain peaks and scattered olive groves.
Practical Info
Frigiliana is inland from the Mediterranean Sea, 60 km (40 miles) east of Málaga; the tourist information office is at Cuesta del Apero 8. It is best accessed by car or bus from Málaga along the A7, exit 292, signposted to Nerja.
Address: Frigiliana, Málaga, Spain 29788, Spain
From $ 39
Foundling Museum
Telling the story of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity, the Foundling Museum offers a unique insight into one of the country's most pioneering charities. Established by philanthropist Thomas Coram in 1739, the Foundling Hospital was the first of its kind, using the support of artists and musicians to fund its charitable endeavors. The museum reveals the secrets of its success, the support of artist William Hogarth and the composer George Frideric Handel, and its influence on charitable arts programs to this day.
As well as learning about the charity, the museum is also home to the Gerald Coke Handel Collection, the world's largest private collection of Handel memorabilia, including music, art, manuscripts, and books.
Practical Info
The Foundling Museum is located in Brunswick Square, North London, and the nearest tube station is Russell Square. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 11am to 5pm, and adult admission is £9.50.
Address: 40 Brunswick Square, London, United Kingdom WC1N 1AZ, England
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Admission: Adult £9.50 Child (under 16) free
From $ 90
Gallen-Kallela Museum
Akseli Gallen-Kallela was a Finnish painter who is especially well known for his illustrations of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. The Gallen-Kallela Museum was once his private atelier and home, and was later converted to fit Gallen-Kallela's personal use perfectly. The studio is open, spacious and allows a lot of light to come in, but the outside of the building and the surrounding area fit in perfectly with the romantic style of the artist as well. What is today the Gallen-Kallela Museum looks a bit like a castle and sits in the midst of green gardens and quiet nature.
The Gallen-Kallela Museum presents both well-known and lesser known works of the artist and also includes works from his friends. Additionally, it features contemporary art that relates to the paintings of Gallen-Kallela. Exhibitions change frequently and the museum also hosts a variety of events, such as concerts, special guided visits and even tattoo showcases and sauna sessions.
Practical Info
From mid-May to the end of August, the museum can be visited daily from 11am to 6pm. The rest of the year, the exhibition opens from 11am to 4-5pm, depending on the day. The museum is located in Espoo and to get there, take tram number 4 to Munkkiniemi. From there, it's a 2-kilometer walk through Munkinpuisto Park.
Address: Gallen-Kallelan tie 27, Espoo, Finland
Hours: Vary
Admission: Adults: 8 €
From $ 56
Glasgow West End
Relaxed and trendy, lively and culturally diverse, the West End area offers some of the best things to do and see in Glasgow. Its Victorian architecture and cobblestone alleyways keep with tradition, while its many boutique shops, coffee shops, and Bohemian cafes present the modern side of the city. While vintage and antique shops keep the past alive, the student scene of the nearby, world renowned University of Glasgow keeps things current. Other don't-miss sights include the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, and the famous Grosvenor Cinema.
A variety of parks, galleries and museums provide dozens of options for an afternoon. A stroll in the streets or along the river "” or an evening in one of the many bookstores, tea rooms, pubs, or unique restaurants "” is also an option. Each summer the area is home to the famous West End Festival.
Practical Info
Glasgow's West End is located approximately two miles from the city center and is approachable by foot, bus, or the Underground stop Hillhead.
Address: Glasgow, United Kingdom, Scotland
From $ 19
Fort Boyard
Perched off the Atlantic coast of France between the islands of Aix and Oleron, construction began on the austere Fort Bayard under orders from Napoleon in 1801 but stalled eight years later. The fort was finally completed in 1857 and was utilized to guard both the mouth of the River Charente and the arsenal at Rochefort from English attack.
Supported by an artificial island made of tons of rubble, it stands 66 feet (20 meters) high and 223 feet (68 meters) long, with immensely thick stone walls built in an oval shape that once housed a garrison of 250 soldiers, with stores, living quarters and an exercise yard on the ground floor and gun emplacements above. After 187, the range covered by canons fired from dry land increased significantly and the fort became redundant; it was turned into a military prison but soon after fell into disrepair. Finally listed as a building of maritime historical interest in 1950, it has since been maintained by the local council in the Charente-Maritime.
Fort Bayard has been the venue for French TV game Fort Bayard since 1990; the game involves contestants in taking on physical challenges to win money prizes and the rights have been sold across the world.
Practical Info
Fouras, Rochefort. Not open to the public but accessible by organized boat tour between April and September.
Address: Fouras, Rochefort, Charente-Maritime 17450, France
Hours: Not open to the public but accessible by organized boat tour Apr"“Sept
From $ 174
Gemaeldegalerie (Gemälde Gallery)
Harboring some of the world's greatest examples of European art, the Gemäldegalerie belongs to the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, an affiliation of 19 museums found in five locations throughout Berlin. It forms part of the Kulturforum, a multi-faceted cultural center that was largely built in the 1960s before the Berlin Wall came down. Today the Kulturforum also encompasses the Philharmonie and Chamber Music Hall, home to the Berlin Philharmonic; Mies van der Rohe's Neue Nationalgalerie, which showcases contemporary art; and the Kunstgewerbemuseum, home to Germany's premier decorative-arts collections.
The present incarnation of the Gemäldegalerie was not completed until 1998, almost a decade after German re-unification in 1989, and was the work of Berlin architectural firm Hilmer and Sattler. Its boxy, contemporary design hides a surprisingly traditional interior, in which over 1,000 art treasures from the Middle Ages to the 18th century are beautifully hung in a spacious suite of galleries. Arranged chronologically, the displays present the very pinnacle of western art, from the gilded religious works of Giotto through the fine animal etchings of Albrecht Dürer and portraits in oil by Hans Holbein to the world-beating 16-strong collection of sublime paintings by Rembrandt. Along the way there are world-beating artworks to discover by eminent artists such as the Flemish Primitive Pieter Bruegel, fine Venetian landscapes by Canaletto and rococo portraits by Thomas Gainsborough.
Practical Info
The gallery is located at Kulturforum, Matthäikirchplat, near Potsdamer Platz. It is open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours. Admission costs €10 for adults and €5 for seniors and students. Take the U-Bahn U2, S-Bahn S1, S2 or S25, or Bus M41 to Potsdamer Platz.
Address: Kulturforum, Matthäikirchplat, Berlin 10785, Germany
Admission: Adults: €10
From $ 23
Führerbunker
Führerbunker translates from German to "leader's bunker" and is the site of Hitler's fortified underground air raid shelter. He died here by his own hand in the last days of World War II. Today all that remains at the site is an information board marking the bunker's former location.
The Basics
Located near the Reich Chancellery in central Berlin (Nazi headquarters), the Führerbunker was an air raid shelter that formed part of an underground complex used by high-ranking Nazi officials. Built during WWII, it was designed to protect the leaders from bombing raids. Hitler married Eva Braun at the bunker before the couple committed suicide in April 1945. The bunker itself was demolished 1989 and a car park created in the location.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bunker no longer exists; instead, an information plaque marks the site.
- Many people choose to visit the site as part of a guided historical tour as the site is somewhat hard to find.
- The location of the bunker was not marked until 2006.
How to Get There
The Führerbunker was located under Wilhelmstrasse near the intersection with Gertrud-Kolmar-Strasse, a short walk from Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate. Berlin walking and bike tours often stop here. The closest metro stop is Brandenburger Tor on the S-Bahn. Go with a tour to avoid hunting around for the plaque.
When to Get There
The bunker was demolished in the late 1980s. All the remains is a small information plaque. The former site of the bunker is a public place and can be accessed 24 hours a day year-round.
Visit Potsdamer Platz
In the pre-war years, Potsdamer Platz was a thriving area with shops and restaurants, but it was badly damaged by allied bombing in WWII and then left to ruin as a no-man's-land divided in two by the Berlin Wall. After the wall came down, the area rebounded with shops, bars, restaurants, and movie theaters. It's one of Berlin's most popular spots for evening entertainment.
Address: Gertrud-Kolmar Strasse, Berlin, Germany
From $ 16
Fontana di Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe (Market Square) is the bustling heart of UNESCO World Heritage"“listed Verona. Cafes and elegant buildings front the rectangular square, whose centerpiece is the 14th-century Fontana di Madonna Verona"”an allegory of the city topped by an ancient Roman statue of a female figure holding a scroll bearing the civic motto.
The Basics
Piazza delle Erbe has been Verona's main market square since Roman times, and still today visitors can peruse stalls stacked high with seasonal produce, local specialties, souvenirs, wine, and olive oil, or settle in at a table outside one of the many eateries that line the square. The prominent Madonna Verona fountain was designed in 1368 by Cansignorio della Scala, Lord of Verona during the reign of the powerful Scaligeri family. The base on which the fourth-century Roman statue stands is decorated with four water-spouting masks that represent the historic rulers of the city: Vero, the Lombard King Alboino, Berengario, and Verona. In addition to the fountain, the piazza is home to the medieval Torre dei Lamberti, Baroque Palazzo Maffei, crenellated Casa dei Mercanti, and frescoed Mazzanti houses, and is an important stop during any guided tour of the city's highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Other sights included in walking tours of Verona are the Roman arena in Piazza Bra, Castelvecchio, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.
- Piazza delle Erbe is a pedestrian area, so it is perfect for families with young children.
How to Get There
Verona is located in Italy's Veneto region, halfway between Venice and Milan and just west of Padua. La Piazza delle Erbe and its famous fountain are in the historic center of Verona, about a 30-minute walk from the train station or 15 minutes by bus.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the square is when the market is open, from 7:30am to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday, and some Sundays.
A View from Above
For a sweeping view over Verona's centro storico (historic center), walk up the hill to Castel San Pietro. The fortress itself is closed to the public, but its esplanade overlooks the rooftops of the city.
Address: Piazza delle Erbe, Verona 37121, Italy
From $ 365
Frederic Mares Museum
The quirky one-time abode of eccentric traveler Frederic Mares is now a museum devoted to his lifetime's collection of artifacts "“ a fascinating space crammed with an eclectic array of curiosities. Open by Mares in 1948 to display his collection, the museum was bequeathed to the city after his death in 1991 and quickly gained acclaim as one of Barcelona's most distinctive attractions.
If you're looking for a glimpse into the lifestyle of Barcelona's upper-class throughout the 20th-century, the Frederic Mares Museum, or Museu Frederic Marès, offers a unique perspective, including a range of daily objects like ticket stubs, train tickets, period clothing, pipes and handbills. The sculpture gallery, featuring a prominent collection of Hispanic works spanning the pre-Roman period to the late 19th century, is one of the most talked about exhibitions, including a fascinating series of polychrome holy carvings. Down the hall, the Sala Femenina gallery is devoted to the women of the era, with exquisite fans, combs and jewelry on display, alongside a dazzling selection of clothing and fashion accessories.
Other highlights include a number of antique dolls and 20th-century toys; a section dedicated to smoking paraphernalia and an assortment of old coins. That's not all; carved crucifixes, antique clocks, historic cameras and walking sticks can all be spotted, and once you've marveled over the oddities within, the museum's courtyard cafe offers a tranquil space to mull over your visit.
If you're looking for a glimpse into the lifestyle of Barcelona's upper-class throughout the 20th-century, the Frederic Mares Museum, or Museu Frederic Marès, offers a unique perspective, including a range of daily objects like ticket stubs, train tickets, period clothing, pipes and handbills. The sculpture gallery, featuring a prominent collection of Hispanic works spanning the pre-Roman period to the late 19th century, is one of the most talked about exhibitions, including a fascinating series of polychrome holy carvings. Down the hall, the Sala Femenina gallery is devoted to the women of the era, with exquisite fans, combs and jewelry on display, alongside a dazzling selection of clothing and fashion accessories.
Other highlights include a number of antique dolls and 20th-century toys; a section dedicated to smoking paraphernalia and an assortment of old coins. That's not all; carved crucifixes, antique clocks, historic cameras and walking sticks can all be spotted, and once you've marveled over the oddities within, the museum's courtyard cafe offers a tranquil space to mull over your visit.
Address: Placa de Sant Iu, 5-6, Barcelona, Ciutat Vella 08002, Spain
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday:10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Sundays and holidays: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Free entry Wednesdays after 3:00 and the first Sunday of the month!
Admission: 4.20 EUR
From $ 23
Goddards House and Garden
Chocolate orange fans can pay homage to the Goddard family, owners of Terry's Chocolates and the innovators behind the popular tangy-sweet flavor combination at their family home and garden. The grounds offer a tranquil way to spend the afternoon: learning about chocolate and British life in the 1930s.
Visitors to the brick, 1927 Arts and Craft-style cottage can see displays on Terry's Chocolates' 250-year history, type out comments and memories on a vintage typewriter, sip sherry by the fireplace in the drawing room overlooking the garden, and learn how the Goddard children entertained themselves on rainy days with activities like indoor croquet. The property's four acres of wooded gardens feature two ponds and seasonal blooms for pleasant strolls year-round, and abut the now-shuttered The Chocolate Works factory where the first chocolate orange was produced.
The house serves tea and chocolate orange cake al fresco on the terrace in spring and summer. More substantial meals, highlighting ingredients from the onsite greenhouse and surrounding community, are served in a garden-side dining room in the house.
Practical Info
Goddards House and Garden (27 Tadcaster Rd York) is a mile and a half south of downtown York and run by the National Trust, which maintains regional offices onsite. The house and grounds are open to the public Wed-Sun from 10:30am "˜til 5pm in spring, summer and fall, and with limited openings in November and December.
General admission is £6.30 ($7.80) adults, £3.15 ($3.90) children or £15.75 ($19.60) for families of two adults and up to three children. The attraction is included in the York Pass, which bundles admission to the city's most popular sites.
Address: England
Hours: Wed-Sun from 10:30am-5pm in spring, summer and fall; limited openings in November and December
Admission: £6.30 ($7.80) adults, £3.15 ($3.90) children
From $ 52
Garda Thermal Park (Parco Termale del Garda)
Italy often shakes, rattles, and rolls with seismic activity from volcanoes and earthquakes. This geothermal energy has formed countless hot springs, many used as natural thermal spas since ancient Roman times. One of the most famous is the Garda Thermal Park (Parco Termale del Garda), part of the 18th-century Villa dei Cedri estate near Lake Garda.
The Basics
The Garda Thermal Park includes two thermal lakes with several swimming pools fed by underground hot springs that maintain a soothingly warm water temperature, as well as fountains, waterfalls, and massage jets to loosen aching muscles. The main lake is the warmer of the two, but both thermal water lakes are lit after dark, making for an especially relaxing soak by night. The surrounding 13 acres (5.3 hectares) of grounds and the winter garden glass pavilion are furnished with sun beds, ideal for lounging before and after bathing.
The aristocratic Villa dei Cedri overlooking the park is now a hotel, but you don't need to be a guest to use the thermal pools inside the estate's unique natural spa: you can purchase a full- or half-day entry ticket that includes use of all the park's lakes and pools. For an extra fee you can book massages and other spa treatments, and use the Turkish bath (steam bath), sauna, mineral water hot tub, and fitness room, in the indoor wellness center.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring your own swimsuit and towel. Bathrobes and slippers are available for purchase. A bathing cap is not required.
- The winter garden has changing rooms, storage lockers, and restrooms, all of which are included with thermal park entry.
- There is a self-service restaurant in the winter garden pavilion and a full-service restaurant in the estate's Villa Moscardo.
- Children are welcome at the thermal baths; those under roughly 4 feet (120 cm) tall enter free of charge.
- There are a number of services for those with limited mobility, including electric cart service to cross the park and ramps and lifts to enter and exit the water.
How to Get There
The Garda Thermal Park is located on Piazza di Sopra in the Veneto town of Colàdi Lazise, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Lake Garda and 15 miles (25 kilometers) from Verona. The easiest way to reach the thermal park is by car; there is parking on the grounds.
When to Get There
The park is open daily year-round, but is most crowded during the summer months, when the best time to visit is on a weekday. The park stays open until 1am on Saturday night, which is a fun option for a nighttime soak.
Gardaland
If you are traveling with kids, consider combining a visit to the thermal park with a stop at the nearby Gardaland amusement park, about 10 minutes away by car.
Address: Piazza di Sopra 4, Colàdi Lazise, Veneto 37010, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Georg Kolbe Museum
Georg Kolbe was the most successful German sculptor of the first half of the 20th century. His home and studio on the outskirts of West Berlin were turned into the Georg Kolbe Museum in 1950, three years after his death. The two buildings were built in 1928 and 19299 using elements of architectural modernism, and they are connected by a large garden with old pine trees. He chose to have his home and studio built here due to the natural setting and the proximity to the cemetery where his wife was buried.
Over 200 mostly bronze statues are on display at the museum. Most of the pieces on display at the museum were created by Kolbe himself, though there are a few pieces of art from his closest contemporaries. His work in the 1910s and 1920s was very reflective of the times. His sculptures came to represent freedom from the restrictive traditions of the Wilhelminian Period as well as the political and social upheavals of the time period.
Practical Info
The Georg Kolbe Museum is located at Sensburger Allee 25.
Address: Sensburger Allee 25, Berlin 14055, Germany
From $ 114