Things to Do in Europe

The magnificent headpiece of Prague's historic Wenceslas square, the Prague National Museum (Národní Muzeum) is the largest museum complex in the Czech Republic, encompassing five specialized departments. The History and Natural History museums are the most sizable, housing an enormous permanent collection of prehistoric remains, archeological artifacts, rock specimens and other items from all over the world. The National Museum Library, Czech Music Museum and the National Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures, are also part of the complex.

It's not only the exhibitions that warrant attention "“ the museum itself is a glorious homage to the Czech National Revival, adorned with the busts of Czech historical figures and fronted by a commandeering statue of St Wenceslas on horseback. The inescapable domed structure is an elaborate feat of neo-Renaissance architecture, featuring over 10 adjourned buildings designed by famous Czech architect Josef Schulz and dominating the Prague skyline since it opened its doors in the 1880s.

Les Invalides was originally just what it sounds like "“ a hospital with nursing care for wounded war vets. It is now home to the Musee de L'Armee, with over half a million items on display; the star of the show, however, is the Tombeau de Napoleon - Napoleon's Tomb. It's located in St Jerôme's Chapel at Les Invalides, although to many it seems like a cathedral with its open space, gilded details and gleaming marble at every turn.

Interestingly, this is not the original resting place of Emporer Napoleon; he died in 1821 while in exile on the island of St Helena, and was buried in an anonymous tomb. It was not until 1840 that his remains were brought back to France, complete with a funeral procession down the Champs-Élysees before being interred at Les Invalides.

An enormous telescope-shaped tower perched 456 foot above sea level on the summit of Calton Hill; the Nelson Monument is one of Edinburgh's most instantly recognizable landmarks, dedicated to the revered Admiral Lord Nelson. Designed by Robert Burn to appear like Nelson's naval spyglass, the 106 foot tall monument was built in 1816 to commemorate his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Climbing the tower is a popular pastime for visitors, affording spectacular views over the city, but with a 170-step spiral staircase and a small trapdoor leading to the observation deck, it's a feat best left to those fit enough.

The tower isn't just monumental "“ it was designed to double up as a signal mast for ships coming into Leith harbor and in 1852 a 762kg mechanized time ball was installed to help ship captains reset their chronometers. Today, the ball still rises and falls at precisely 1pm each day, synchronized with the One O'clock Gun fired from Edinburgh Castle. Restored in 2009 as part of Edinburgh's Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, the Nelson monument is now a category A listed building and still flies the famous Trafalgar flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' each year to mark Trafalgar Day (21st October).

Guarding the mouth of the Göta River, the island fortress of Nya Älvsborg was built in the 17th century to protect the city against Danish invaders and boasts a long history of warfare, coming under siege several times during the 18th-century Great Nordic War. Acclaimed as one of Sweden's best-preserved castles, the sizable sea fortress has served a number of roles throughout the years, used as a prison in the 19th century and later as a storage facility during the First World War.

Surrounded by castles, beaches and west coast islands, the seaside town of Oban is bursting with visitors enjoying fish and chips and peeking into the town's tearooms and craft shops.