Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Marionette Theatre
Salzburg's acclaimed Marionette Theatre was founded back in 1913 and its debut performance Bastien and Bastienne "“ the comic opera by Mozart "“ proved an instant hit with audiences. As its fan base expanded, so the theatre's repertoire increased, taking in operas by Rossini and Strauss, Shakespearian plays and also developing shows especially adapted for children, including Alice in Wonderland and Peter the Wolf; The Sound of Music was also added to theater's body of work in 2007.
The theater was awarded its own base in 1971, an ornate Baroque theater with a seating capacity of 350 that is tucked between the Mozarteum and the Landestheater. An extraordinary level of detail goes into the crafting of the puppets "“ each head is hand-carved in wood "“ and costumes and stage sets are individually designed for each show, while the characters are sung by some of the world's greatest opera stars.
Practical Info
Schwarzstrasse 24. Ticket office open Mon"“Sat 9am"“1pm and two hours before performance; prices vary according to performance but average around €18"“35.
Address: Schwarzstrasse 24, Salzburg, Austria
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Marseille History Museum (Musee d'Histoire)
Following extensive renovations back in 2013, the Marseille History Museum is now one of the largest history museums in Europe and it's a fitting homage to France's oldest city, showcasing a fascinating array of archaeological finds. Exploring the interactive exhibitions and multi-media displays, visitors can follow the evolution of Marseille from its founding by the Greeks back in 600BC, to the early Christian settlers, through to medieval times and the redevelopment of the city under Louis XIV.
Notable highlights include an impressively preserved 3rd-century Roman cargo boat, a remarkable collection of 13th century pottery and a series of architectural works by Pierre Puget. Also worth a visit is the open-air Jardin des Vestiges, which displays excavated remains, including a paved Roman Toad, necropolis and antique Greek walls.
Practical Info
The Marseille History Museum is located in central Marseille, close to the Vieux-Port and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Admission is €5.
Address: Centre Bourse, 2 Rue Henri Barbusse, Marseille 13001, France
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: €5
From $ 30
Mediterraneo Marine Park
As Malta's only marine park, the Mediterraneo Marine Park is one of the best spots to see the island's varied marine life and an important animal welfare education center. Highlights of any visit include the daily dolphin and sea lion presentations, during which experienced handlers showcase each animal's athletic and cognitive abilities, discuss their individual characteristics, and explain how they are cared for and trained in an interactive learning environment.
Visitors can also explore the Reptile House and Vivarium, home to a vast variety of turtles, tortoises, iguanas, snakes, frogs, and spiders, and enjoy the parrot presentation, featuring blue and gold macaws, orange-winged amazons, and green-winged macaws.
Practical Info
The Mediterraneo Marine Park is located on the north coast of Malta and is linked to the island's hotels and resorts by the Tul Il-Kosta coast road. The park is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and adult admission costs €15.90.
Although Viator tours do not include this activity, the Mediterraneo Marine Park also offers the chance to swim with dolphins, plus interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and parrots for an additional fee. Prices start from €120 for dolphin swims and €35 for interactive experiences. Reservations required.
Address: Tul-il-kosta, Naxxar 0938, Malta
Hours: Daily 10am"“5pm
Admission: Adult €15.90, child €9.90
From $ 18
Marina Grande
Sorrento's tiny fishing village of Marina Grande is known for its colorful wooden boats bobbing in the harbor, and local fishermen still mend their nets by hand just steps from sunbathers along the beach. At the heart of Marina Grande is the Church of Sant'Anna, dedicated to the town's patron saint, and a shore lined with small, family-run restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean fish and seafood.
The Basics
Connected to the historic center of Sorrento by a stone staircase, Marina Grande is best explored on foot. Escape the crowds in central Sorrento for a few hours at a waterfront restaurant or on the volcanic sand beach. Located adjacent to bustling Marina Piccola where ferries and cruise ships dock, Marina Grande has a rustic charm that seems worlds away from the busy port next door.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ferries and private boat tours depart from Marina Piccola, just to the east along the Sorrento Coast. To get from one port to the other, go uphill to the center of Sorrento and back down the cliff on foot or by bus on the other side.
- For visitors with limited mobility, taking a taxi or private transfer from the center of Sorrento to Marina Grande is the best option as the walk is steep and the public buses are not always accessible.
- A few hours in Marina Grande provides a perfect break for kids, who love to watch the fishing boats come and go and play on the adjacent beach.
How to Get to There
From Piazza Vittoria in central Sorrento, walk along the lane that skirts Hotel Bellevue Syrene to the stairs that lead downhill to Marina Grande. Buses also connect Piazza Tasso in Sorrento with Marina Grande.
When to Get There
Italy's southern coastline is very crowded in summer, so visiting in the slower spring or fall months is strongly recommended. Visit the Church of Sant'Anna on the Sunday after her Saint's Day (July 26) to participate in the festivities with song, dance, and fireworks; on other nights of the year, the sunset over the water is festive enough.
Marina Piccola in Sorrento
The Marina Grande fishing village is adjacent to Sorrento's Marina Piccola, the main transportation hub for ferries to and from the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, and other destinations in Campania. Take the ferry for a day trip to Capri to see the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto; during the summer months, ferries also run to Positano and Amalfi, where you can catch a local bus up to Ravello. To visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, take the Circumvesuviana train from the station in central Sorrento.
Address: Sorrento, Campania 80073, Italy
From $ 80
Marineland Mallorca
If your visit to Mallorca calls for a water experience beyond just the beach, then you'll get your fix at Marineland Mallorca. The ocean-inspired amusement park is the place to go to slip down some water slides and to discover the creatures under the sea, including penguins to turtles, sting rays, dolphins, and sea lions.
In fact, it's those latter two"”the dolphins and sea lions"”that are really the stars given that admission also includes checking out these marine animals in an incredible show. The park isn't only about water life, either, as it is home to tropical rain forest animals, too, such as snakes, iguanas, monkeys, and more. And although Viator tours do not include this experience, Marineland Mallorca offers 40-minute dolphin encounters for an additional fee of €65 to be paid onsite.
Practical Info
The park is a 15-minute drive away from Palma and is also in close proximity to other popular coastal resort towns. Note that Marineland Mallorca does offer locker rooms. The beach is adjacent to the park's entrance. To avoid crowds and parking issues, it's suggested you arrive early in the day. Travelers participating in dolphin encounters must be over 7 years old.
Address: C/ Garcilaso de la Vega, 9, Costa d'en Blanes, Mallorca 07181, Spain
Hours: Daily 9:30am"“5:30pm (until 6pm in July and August)
Admission: Adults and seniors €24; children: €10-14
From $ 32
Massif des Maures
Those looking for an outdoor experience on the Cote d'Azur will find what they're looking for in the Massif des Maures. This mountain range sits back from the coast and runs from east of Toulon to west of Cannes; the peninsula on which St-Tropez lies, roughly halfway between, is also a part of the Massif. Even casual hikers find its forests, vineyards, and rolling plains yielding wild orchids and strawberries a welcome change from the sometimes frenetic energy of the Riviera in high season.
The Massif des Maures roughly translates to "the Moorish Mountains," and its highest point (2,559 feet; 780 meters) is called Le Signal de la Sauvette. While its steep contours and isolated pockets leave much of the mountain range pristine, the villages of La Garde Freinet and Collobrieres can show visitors what life is like here. They're known mostly for their cork tree harvests and a wide variety of food made from local chestnuts; autumn sees several festivals in the area celebrating these longtime traditions.
Practical Info
La Garde Freinet is about 8 miles north of St-Tropez via the D558. It is accessible by train via Arcs-Draguignan and a taxi; from Saint Raphaël, there is a bus that arrives in town. Hikers can access the GR9, GR51, and GR90 hiking routes, depending on ability and available time, to explore the Massif des Maures.
Address: Sainte Maxime, France
From $ 832
Marine Museum
Marseille's connection to the sea goes back millennia, and even today the city has one of the largest, busiest ports in Europe. While perhaps not the hottest ticket in town, the Maritime and Commercial Museum of Marseilles (Musee de la Marine et de l'Economie de Marseille, or simply the Marine Museum) should still be a stop on any visitor's agenda, as it is dedicated to what Marseille is all about.
Housed in the Palais de la Bourse, the former Chamber of Commerce, the Marine Museum charges 2 euro per ticket, which is definitely within any traveler's budget. The exhibits focus mostly on modern maritime history, which spans the last 500 years or so, and provide a fascinating look into what has made Marseille a major player in the worldwide maritime economy.
The stars of this show are the to-scale boat models from centuries past, and the nautical maps are works of art in and of themselves. There are also items from the early days of scuba diving, which show modern divers just how much the equipment has changed.
Practical Info
The Maritime and Commercial Museum of Marseilles (Musee de la Marine et de l'Economie de Marseille) is located at Palais de la Bourse 9, in the Canebière neighborhood in the 1st arrondissement. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and entrance costs 2 euro per person.
Address: 9 La Canebière, Marseille 13001, France
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults €2
From $ 30
Marseille Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux Arts)
Marseille's Museum of Fine Arts is one of the city's main museums, and was opened in 1801 by the Consulate along with five other museums in the other large cities of France. Originally housed in the Couvent des Bernardines, it has been transferred to a wing of the lavish Palais Longchamp in 1869, a now historical monument built by architect Henry Esperandieu in 1862.
The Museum of Fine Arts' collection includes over 8,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings dating back from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Works are from diverse European schools, including the French (which are majorly represented), Italian, Spanish and Northern (Flanders and Holland). A large collection of sculptures by Pierre Paul Puget (1620"“1694) and Auguste Rodin's masterpiece "La Meditation", a gift from the artist himself, are among the best examples of the French school on display.
Practical Info
The museum is located on rue Edouard Stephan nearby Gare Saint-Charles. It can be reached by tram line 2 or metro line 1 at stop Longchamp. It is not recommended to get there by car as there is little parking in the area. Entrance to the museum's permanent exhibition costs €5 (full fare) or €3 (reduced fare). Temporary exhibits have different fees: €10 (full fare) or €8 (reduced fare) for Category 1 exhibits, €8 (full fare), €5 (reduced fare) for Category 2 exhibits and €5 (full fare) or €3 (reduced fare) for Category 3 exhibits. These also include access to the permanent exhibition. Guided tours are also available for €4 per adult, and €2 per child (5 to 13). Family activities and special rates are also available. Entry to the museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm, but it is closed January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, December 25 and 26.
Address: Palais Longchamp, 7 rue Edouard Stephan, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 13004, France
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm; Open Easter Monday and Pentecost Monday; Closed January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, December 25 and 26.
Admission: Permanent collection: €5
From $ 30
Michael Haydn Museum
The museum featuring the work of Michael Haydn, younger brother of the much-more-famous Baroque composer Joseph Haydn, is found in the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter, parts of which date back to 696 AD, making it the oldest abbey in Austria.
Johann Michael Haydn lived between 1737 and 1806; arriving in Salzburg in 1763 he was a close contemporary of Mozart but rather than leaving Salzburg for the bright lights of Vienna, he forged a successful career as a court musician by remaining in the city. He was incredibly prolific, composing more than 350 pieces of work, including 40 symphonies and 37 masses as well as 19 operettas and during his lifetime he was considered as bright a talent as both his brother and Mozart. Samples of Hadyn's melodies can be heard in the museum, which is a must-see museum for devotees of Baroque music and showcases manuscripts, sheet music and paintings reflecting his life and times. Chamber music performances of Hadyn's works take place in the evening at the abbey between July and September (daily except Wednesday) and he is buried in the Stiftskirche (abbey church).
Practical Info
Located at St-Peter-Hof, the museum is open Thursday through Tuesday from 10am to noon and from 2 to 4pm. Admission costs €2.50 for adults, while those under 18 can enter for €1. Buses 8 and 10 can be taken to the Rathaus (Town Hall).
Address: Salzburg, Austria
Admission: Adults: €2.50
From $ 29
Military Museum's Manege
Take a tour of Finland's military history from the 17th century to the present day at the Military Museum's Manege, housed in a former artillery storehouse at Suomenlinna fortress. Inside, the main exhibition "˜From Autonomy to Atalanta' offers a fascinating insight into the Finnish defense forces, Finland's WWI history, and the life of a Finnish soldier.
Highlights include an impressive collection of military uniforms, historic weapons and other equipment; artillery including 16th-century field canyons and a modern army tank; and some more unusual exhibits including a Soviet T-46 torpedo, a Somali pirate boat, and a torpedo tube from a Finnish S2-torpedo boat.
Practical Info
The Military Museum's Manege is located in the Suomenlinna fortress on Suomenlinna island and is only accessible by water. Regular ferries and waterbuses run from the Market Square in Helsinki and take around 20 minutes.
The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, but opening hours can vary during the winter months "“ check the website for the full schedule. Adult admission is 7€ or free with the Helsinki Card.
Address: Komendantintalo, Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm (hours vary in the winter months)
Admission: Adult 7€, Child 4€
From $ 56
Marianske Lazne
The spa town of Mariánske Láznā• (also known as Marienbad) is one of the Czech Republic's favorite getaways and easily accessible from Prague. With a balmy climate, panoramic mountain views, elegant architecture, and lush gardens, Mariánske Láznā• is the perfect place for a day trip or relaxing weekend away from the big city.
The Basics
Though spas are Mariánske Láznā•'s main draw, there are plenty more reasons to visit. Visitors can explore the Fryderyk Chopin Memorial Museum or wander quaint roads lined by coffee houses and turn-of-the-century apartments.
Full-day tours from Prague allow you to see the top sights of Mariánske Láznā•, as well as Karlovy Vary (or Carlsbad), another famous spa town around 30 miles (48 kilometers) away. Tours typically include lunch and allow time to explore the towns and sample their mineral waters.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mariánske Láznā• is a must-visit for architecture and history fans.
- The town is ringed by forest, offering excellent walking trails.
- If you are visiting specifically for a spa treatment, it is advisable to book in advance.
How to Get There
Mariánske Láznā• is around 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Prague, off Highway 21. If driving, take exit 128 toward Planá (and expect to pay tolls). The town is also accessible via express train from Prague. It takes around three hours, including making a transfer in Pilsen (Plzeň). Alternatively, skip the hassle by booking a day tour from Prague that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Summer brings warm weather and an annual festival dedicated to the Polish composer Chopin, but, as it is Mariánske Láznā•'s busiest tourist season, it also brings large crowds. Avoid the biggest crowds while still enjoying good weather in May or September.
The Singing Fountain
From the end of April through the end of October, the Singing Fountain (Zpívající fontána) puts on shows for visitors. Every two hours, on the odd hour from 7am to 10pm, the circular fountain dances to colored lights and recorded classical music.
Address: Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic
From $ 101
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
As the name implies, York's Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361.
It was ahead of the time, built before craft or trade guild halls were common in Britain. There are three rooms in the Hall, and each served a specific purpose. Business and social gatherings took place in the Great Hall, the Undercroft served as an almshouse caring for the sick and poor, and religious events were conducted in the Chapel.
The Hall has a number of collections; everything from paintings, to furniture and silver. The Company of Merchant Adventurers still use the Hall for meetings and events and hold services in the Chapel.
Practical Info
The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is located in the heart of historic York, between Piccadilly and Fossgate Streets and is fully accessible from Fossgate. The Hall is closed between Christmas and New Year's Day and every Sunday during the winter. It can also close occasionally for private functions or maintenance work, so calling in advance is always a good idea.
Address: Fossgate, York, United Kingdom YO1 9XD, England
Hours: March-Oct Mon-Thur 9am-5pm, Fri-Sat 9am-3:30pm, Sun 11am-4pm; Nov thru Feb Mon-Thur 10am-4pm, Fri-Sat 10am-3:30pm, Sun CLOSED
Admission: Adult £6, Over 60 & Students £5, 16 & under FREE (with adult)
From $ 19
Metropolitan Cathedral
Visit the modernist Metropolitan Cathedral and gain insight into Liverpool's religious history as you explore its crypts, treasury, and unique structure. As you take in its unusual circular design, learn about the Catholic cathedral's close relationship with its Anglican sister on the other end of Hope Street, or attend a service or concert for an immersive experience.
The Basics
The cathedral, completed in 1967, was based on design by Frederick Gibberd, but proposed designs date back to 1853. In 1933, building began on Sir Edwin Lutyens' vision for a massive church, but only the crypt, which remains today, was built. Visit for the architecture or to attend the annual Beer Festival. See the church and other Liverpool highlights via the hop-on hop-off bus, and combine a visit with one to the cathedral's Anglican neighbor.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is a must for anyone interested in Liverpool's social history.
- Entrance to the main building is free, but a donation is encouraged. There is a small charge to enter the crypt and treasury.
- The cathedral is wheelchair-accessible, with a sloped entrance and access to the crypt via a lift.
How to Get There
The Metropolitan Cathedral is about 10 minutes' walk from central Liverpool. Bus No. 25 stops at Brownlow Hill, next to the cathedral. The cathedral has a paid parking lot available to all visitors, with marked disabled spaces. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop nearby.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily, though as an active church it holds regular services throughout the day, which visitors are welcome to attend. It also hosts many concerts throughout the year, including carol concerts in December. The annual beer festival, held in the crypt, is a popular event.
Fish and Chips
Bishop David Sheppard and Archbishop Derek Worlock hold a special place in Liverpool's heart. The two religious leaders worked together during the sectarian divide of the 1970s and 1980s. Affectionately nicknamed "fish and chips" because they were "always together and never out of the papers," their work is commemorated via the Sheppard-Worlock Statue on Hope Street, the road that unites the two cathedrals.
Address: Hope Street, Liverpool L3 5TQ, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive took place towards the end of World War I, some 240 km (150 miles) east of Paris in northern France. In late 1918, Allied troops launched a 47-day offensive against the Germans, with more than 1.2 million Americans soldiers taking part, of which 26,000 were killed. Led by General John J Pershing, the US part in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive began on September 26, 1918, with nine American divisions moving through the Argonne Forest to the River Meuse, cutting off German rail communications and helping to trap the Germans on two fronts in northern France and Belgium. By October 11, US forces had penetrated the Hindenburg Line, and on November 1, Germany was in retreat across the entire front. The Armistice was called for 11am on November 11 and World War I was finally over.
The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery is near Romagne-sous-Montfaucon in the department of Lorraine, and pays tribute to the US troops who died in the last great offensive of World War I. Covering 130.5 acres (52.8 ha), it is the largest US cemetery in Europe and has eight sections swathed in neat rows of white crosses marking the 14,246 US servicemen who are buried there. Opposite a tranquil reflection pool stands a white marble chapel, its flanking walls bearing the names of US soldiers whose bodies were never recovered after the war.
Practical Info
Rue du General Pershing, Romagne-sous-Montfaucon. Open daily 9am"“5pm. Renovations are due to start at the cemetery in mid-September 2015 (mooted to last a year), which will affect only parking and accessibility to the visitor center. The TGV to Meuse from Paris Est leaves five times a day and the journey takes just under an hour; from there it is a 38.5 miles to Romagne-sous-Montfaucon by hire car or taxi. Otherwise the best way to reach Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery from Paris is by organized tour or private car.
Address: Rue du General Pershing, Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France
Hours: Open daily 9am"“5pm
From $ 284
Military Museum
Finland has plenty of wartime history and it's the job of the Military Museum in Helsinki to preserve the collection of over 200,000 artifacts, including equipment, medals, flags, uniforms, photographs and more. The red brick building, which was used as barracks in the 1880s, not only honors the defense forces of Finland, but is also part of the Finnish National Defence University.
While the museum's permanent exhibition displays military history from the 15th century to the present day, the focus lies on the 19th century. During that time, just after a bloody war between Sweden and Russia over control of the Baltic, Finland ended up as a Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire. Other interesting parts of the exhibition are the occupation by Sweden, the war of independence as well as Finland's involvement in the Second World War. Apart from the main museum in Helsinki, the Military Museum also supervises the operation of a number of smaller special arms museums throughout Finland, such as the Tank Museum, the Aviation Museum or the Infantry Museum.
Practical Info
The Military Museum in Helsinki opens Tuesday to Thursday from 11am to 5pm and Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. It is closed on Mondays. The closest bus stop is Liisanpuistikko, which is located right in front of the building and is serviced by bus number 16.
Address: Elisabetsgatan 1, Helsinki, Finland
Admission: Varies
From $ 56
Mijas
Sprawled across a mountain slope some 1,475 feet (450 meters) above the Mediterranean Sea, the whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo still looks much the same as it would have centuries ago. While the historic center retains its old-fashioned air, the Mijas Costa coastal area is dotted with golf courses and modern hotels.
The Basics
Mijas offers a taste of traditional Andalucian life on the Costa del Sol. Stroll the streets independently or join a guided walking tour, which typically covers the town's top attractions, such as the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock (Capella Virgen de la Peña) and the Plaza de Toros (bullring).
Many experiences offer optional extras such as wine tastings, traditional tapas snacks, and live flamenco shows, while some tours include round-trip transportation from Malaga or Marbella. Save yourself the effort of walking the steep streets by opting for an electric tuk-tuk tour or a donkey taxi instead.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mijas is a must for anyone who wants to experience authentic Andalucian flavor.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as you'll spend a lot of time on your feet.
- Because of its elevation, Mijas can be a little cooler than resorts at sea level. Even so, it is usually hot and dry in summer, so bring plenty of water, as well as sunscreen and a hat.
- The streets of Mijas can be hilly in parts and are better suited to those with electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters than manual wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Mijas is 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Marbella and about the same distance from Malaga. The best way to get here from Marbella is by car, taxi, or organized tour. From Malaga, take the M112 bus or the train to Fuengirola, then transfer to bus M122 or M221.
When to Get There
The busiest time in Mijas is usually July"“August. If you're coming during these months, avoid visiting between 11am and 3pm as the heat and sun can make strolling difficult. Late afternoon is a good time to explore the village, as the midday heat wanes.
Malaga's Pueblos Blancos
Mijas is just one of many pueblos blancos (white villages) in Spain's Andalucia region. If you want to visit more towns and villages that have retained their rural Spanish character, consider taking a day trip to Ronda, a mountain village that straddles the El Tajo Gorge, and Casares, which sits dramatically atop a sheer cliff, about 9 miles (15 kilometers) inland from the Malaga coast.
Address: Spain
From $ 429
Micropia
Micropia is a unique museum in Amsterdam dedicated to microbes and microorganisms. These microscopic organisms make up two thirds of all living matter. As soon as you enter the museum, you'll start to learn about the invisible organisms living all around us. An animation in the first elevator tells you about the mites that live on your eyelashes and the bacteria and viruses that live on those mites. Other exhibits include a body scanner that tells you what type of microbes live on your body and a Kiss-o-meter that counts the number of microbes transferred during a kiss. There are Petri dishes with bacteria in them that show you what lives on everyday household objects.
Another exhibit shows a collection of animal feces and a preserved human digestive system. There are also films showing different animals decomposing. In a real-life working laboratory, visitors can view technicians preparing the exhibits through a window. Other displays teach visitors about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. This museum will also teach you how microbes are essential for life, from supplements to food and more.
Practical Info
Micropia is located at Plantage Kerklaan 36-38 and can be reached by taking tram 9 to Plantage Kerklaan. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 9am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday. Admission is 14 euros.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 36-38, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open 9am to 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 9am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday
Admission: 14 euros
From $ 24
Märkisches Museum
Doubling as the HQ of the many-stranded Stadtmuseum Berlin, the Märkisches Museum stands on the banks of the River Spree and backs on to the pretty Köllnischen Park. It is housed in a Neo-Gothic collage of monastic buildings designed by famous German architect Ludwig Hoffmann and opened in 1908. Inside the ecclesiastical theme continues with airy, light-filled interior punctuated with arched windows and a sprinkling of religious statuary. The displays showcase the history of the city and the Märkisches has several thoughtful permanent exhibitions, including "˜Here is Berlin!', which takes a chronological look at the evolution of the city, and "˜Wall | Pieces' exhibits several graffiti-ridden pieces of the Berlin Wall. Temporary displays might cover black-and-white images of the destruction of Berlin in World War II, while kids can have fun with the collection of automated pianos and organs, puppets, the 3D 19th-century camera and the mock-up of a barber's shop.
Practical Info
Am Köllnischen Park 5. Open Tue"“Sun 10am"“6pm. Admission adults €8; concessions €3. Free for under 18s and for everybody first Wed of the month. Entrance to the Märkisches Museum is also free with the Berlin Pass. Take the U-Bahn Line 8 to U Heinrich-Heine-Strasse.
Address: Am Köllnischen Park 5, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Open Tue"“Sun 10am"“6pm
Admission: Adults: €8
From $ 114
Marmolada
The highest mountain in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Marmolada has five peaks, all standing between 3,000"“3,343 m (9,842.5"“10,968 ft); of these Punta Penia is the highest. The northern slopes of the mountain are covered in the only sizeable glacier in the Dolomites, the Ghiacciaio della Marmolada.
Known as the "˜Queen of the Dolomites' and famous for its summer hiking and winter ice climbing, Marmolada forms part of the Dolomiti Superski area, with 1,200 km (750 miles) of groomed pistes. The Bellunese is its longest run at 12-km (7.5-mile) and heads down to Malga Ciapela in the Pettorina valley; this resort is the starting point for the legendary Sellaronda ski tour through the valleys of Arabba, Fassa, Gardena and Badia. From Malga Ciapela a cable car goes up to the peak of
Marmolada's Punta Rocca at 3,309 m (10,856 ft) for glorious views over the jagged, snow-capped summits of the Dolomites and "“ on a clear day "“ even to Venice.
Marmolada and the Dolomites formed the natural barrier that divided Italy from the last fragments of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and was location of much military action during World War I, when Austrian soldiers dug far in to the cliffs of its
northern slopes and resisted Italian attack. The Museum of the Great War up at Serauta is the highest museum in Europe and showcases photos, uniforms, weapons and medals from the conflict; caves and tunnels dug out by the warring factions can
be explored close by.
Practical Info
Dolomites. Malga Ciapela is two hours 20 minutes from Venice by car along the A27.
Address: Trentino 32020, Italy
From $ 127
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a bit of a hidden treasure, located only about a mile (2 km) outside of Inverness along the shore of Beauly Firth. As the only nature reserve in the highlands, it is the perfect area to observe the diverse wildlife of this sparsely populated region and enjoy a day outdoors. There is a visitor center, once used as a ferry ticket office, where you can delve into small exhibitions and also pick up maps or hire a guide for a walk around the area. Animal spotters will also find a logbook detailing the latest wildlife sightings and can then set out to spot the highlands' biodiversity themselves.
Looking over the Beauly Firth shoreline, you can watch steel blue barn swallows catching insects, buzzards sitting tall atop tree branches, pheasants with bright gold and brown plumage, shy curlews probing the waters for crabs with their extremely long curved beaks and the big grey herons stalking their prey. If you're lucky, you can even see bottlenose dolphins coming up for air, common seals and the more active European otters. They all live in and around tidal pools and both salt and freshwater marshes, some of which are partially connected to the sea.
Practical Info
It's possible to walk to the reserve via Kessock Road toward South Kessock or to save time by catching bus 14. There is also a small parking area at the entrance. The site is open all year-round, while the visitor center is open only on weekends from April to September.
Address: 4 Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BL, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 13