Things to Do in Europe

The Hill of Tarvit is an Edwardian era mansionhouse, first built in the 17th century and remodeled in 1906. With an exquisite collection of antiques, Chinese porcelain, furniture and paintings, it provides a glimpse of early 20th century Edwardian life. The Main Hall features Flemish tapestry, while the Dining Room displays fine English furniture and the Drawing Room is home to French furniture and Rococo-style plasterwork. The fireplace in the Smoking Room is made of a remnant of the nearby Scotstarvit Tower that dates to 1500.

One of the major attractions of the grounds is a nine hole hickory club golf course, which was added in 1924. Visitors can also try their hand at croquet, billiards and parlour games from the early 1900s. Alternatively enjoy one of the three marked walks around the grounds – the Woodland Walk, the Hilltop Walk or the Centenary Walk.

Perched high in the Vosges Mountains, overlooking the Alsatian plains, the striking pink sandstone towers of High Koenigsbourg Castle (Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg) are an unmissable sight. Built in the 12th century and extensively renovated in the 19th century, the fairy-tale fortress is a popular attraction along the Alsace Wine Route.

 

Aside from admiring the romantic spires and richly decorated façade firsthand, the highlight of a visit to High Koenigsbourg Castle is the impressive view from the hilltop. You'll spy the surrounding Vosges Mountains, Germany’s Black Forest region, and even the Swiss Alps on a clear day. Tours of the castle interiors are also available, where visitors can explore the windmill, wine cellars, living quarters, and medieval gardens, while learning about the castle’s long history of war, siege, and fire.

 

Tours run from nearby Strasbourg and Colmar, as well as from Basel in Switzerland, often combined with regional highlights, such as the medieval villages of Riquewihr, Colmar, and Eguisheim, or wine tasting in the Alsace wine region.

 

 

High Koenigsbourg Castle is located around 34 miles (55 kilometers) southwest of Strasbourg in France’s Alsace region. From March to December, shuttle buses run to the castle from Sélestat train station, which can be reached by direct train from Strasbourg (about a 20-minute journey).

 

The castle is open year-round, but it can get extremely busy in July and August. To avoid the crowds, get there before opening at 8am or after 3pm, when most of the day-trippers have already left.

 

Although originally built in the 12th century for the German Hohenzollern family, the majority of the current castle dates back to the 19th century, when it was extensively restored and renovated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The masterwork of architect Bodo Ebhardt, it’s a feast of medieval architecture, with a dramatic drawbridge and keep, the grand bastion artillery platform, and wooden galleries filled with collections of armory, weaponry, antique furnishings, and stunning frescoes.

With 14 outposts scattered across the city, Krakow’s Historical Museum (Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Krakowa) is headquartered at Krzysztofory Palace in the Old Town’s central square of Rynek Główny. This glorious 17th-century Baroque townhouse and its ornate stucco decor has been refurbished, and now houses a permanent exhibition on the urban development of the city. Look out for the portraits of civic leaders and a famous collection of traditional Krakovian Christmas cribs (called szopki in Polish). Another recent addition is the museum store full of beautiful coffee-table books and textiles.

Branches of the museum include the interactive displays of the Rynek Underground (Podziemia Rynku), also in the Rynek Główny; the Oskar Schindler Factory; the Barbican; the Old Synagogue in Ulica Szeroka and the Communist-built suburban town of Nowa Huta. There are several themed cycling trails— bikes can be borrowed from the museums—and walking routes uniting the venues across the city; the most popular of these is the Memory Trail, which incorporates the Schindler Factory, Eagle Pharmacy and the former Gestapo headquarters in Pomorska Street. Together these three permanent exhibitions unfold the story of Krakow during World War II and the subsequent Soviet Occupation.

Explore the museum on a two-hour guided tour of Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum or visit multiple branches at your leisure with a two-day hop on, hop off bus tour including museum admission.

Fans of British TV will probably recognize Chatham's Historic Dockyard from shows like Mr Selfridge, Sherlock Holmes and Call the Midwife, and the vast naval complex is equally impressive both on and off screen. The 80-acre site is now an award-winning maritime attraction, including museums, restored vessels and exhibitions, and offers a fascinating 

insight into British naval history.

The star attractions of the dockyard are a series of three historic warships, the Victorian-era HMS Gannett, the WWII destroyer HMS Cavalier; and the cold war submarine HMS Cavalier, and visitors can get a glimpse into life at sea as they explore on-board. Additional highlights include the historic Ropery and Smithery; a collection of RNLI lifeboats; the aptly named BIG Space, which showcases the largest of the dockyard’s artifacts; and a series of exhibitions focusing on the dockyard’s history, its use by the Royal Navy and its role in WWII.

Hlavne Namestie is the main square in Bratislava, Slovakia. It is located in the center of the city in the Old Town. Throughout the year, vendors sell crafts and other souvenirs in the square, and during the Christmas season, this is the place to come for the city's Christmas markets. Other festivals, concerts, and outdoor events are also held in the main square. One of the most significant buildings on the square is the Old Town Hall. Though refurbished, it has been in use since 1434, and you can still see the preserved underpass that was built in 1442 to allow people to enter the building from the square. 

Visitors can also see a line on the Town Hall building marking the water level of the Danube River during terrible flooding in February 1850. The Bratislava City Museum has an exhibition of the history of the city inside the Old Town Hall building. The main square charms visitors with its Renaissance-style fountain and many outdoor cafes.

As the capital of Catalunya, Barcelona is the center of the region’s history; and there is no better place to take it all in than the History Museum of Catalonia. Catalonia has long struggled with preserving its culture and independence, and this museum seeks to raise awareness about the heritage and identity of the Catalan people.

In-depth interactive exhibits focus on the development of Catalonia from prehistory through the growth of various industries to present day. The exhibits focused on the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s rule are particularly well done. The museum explains the occupation of the region throughout the years by the Romans, the Moors, and others — each leaving their own mark on the culture. In addition to the permanent collection, there are consistently good temporary exhibitions as well as a library, restaurant, and open-air rooftop. The museum is housed in the Palau de Mar, which has a history and significance of its own.

It’s been said that music, rhythm, and dance are universal languages that can transcend borders, ethnicity, race, and time. This is certainly true at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, where ancient Turkish and Anatolian traditions are rhythmically weaved right before your eyes in an historic and intimate theater. The cultural center building itself was once an enormous Turkish bath dating back to 1470, and the building continued to serve as a bath up until 1988.

Today, however, this modern and captivating performance studio regularly hosts a variety of dance shows that manifest a spiritual beauty. Of the center’s three different dance performances, the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is the most traditional, and features Whirling Dervishes who hypnotically spin in a mystical ancient routine. Other performances—such as Rhythm of the Dance—are more modern, upbeat, and lively, and belly dancers and troupes of both male and female dancers perform tales of Anatolian folklore. Or, be captivated by the theatrical White Rose performance that tells the true love story of an Ottoman slave and a royal Dutch ambassador, which is then punctuated by a rousing harem dance just a few feet from your seat. 

With its lively piazzas, Gothic monuments, and well-preserved city walls, the historic center of Siena is one of Italy’s most impressive medieval cityscapes.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the old town is an open-air museum of striking historical architecture, including the Piazza del Campo and the Gothic cathedral.

The heart of Siena’s historic center is Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse races and landmarks such as the medieval Palazzo Pubblico (town hall), Fontana Gaia fountain, and Torre del Mangia tower. Nearby, the marble-fronted Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta, or Duomo di Siena) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of Siena’s most impressive sights. Additional highlights include the Fort of Santa Barbara (Fortezza di Santa Barbara) and Palazzo Salimbeni palace.

Siena’s historic center is best explored on foot as part of a walking tour, and the town is a popular stop on day trips to the Chianti region of Tuscany from Florence and Rome. Tours often include either the city of Pisa or the picturesque villages of San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Castellina. Full-day sightseeing itineraries generally include a stop for lunch and wine tasting.

Siena is about 90 minutes directly south of Florence by car or train. The most convenient way to visit is by joining a small-group or private tour that includes transportation so you can also explore nearby Tuscan villages.

Home to one of the most famous and popular medieval festivals in Italy, Siena is either a destination to visit or to avoid during the annual Palio, held in July and August. The town offers little shade so is best explored in spring or fall when the temperatures are milder.

One of the most raucous historical festivals in Italy, the Palio di Siena focuses around a bareback horse race held in Piazza del Campo each year on July 2 and again on August 16. Ten horses and riders representing 10 of the 17 contrade, or historical town districts, race along a track through the screaming crowds for honor and glory. The celebrations also include pageants, banquets, and religious events.

 It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by Naples, a vibrant city that often seems about to boil over into chaos. Look past the streets teeming with scooters, vendors, and Neapolitans, however, and you’ll spot signs of the 2,500 years of history that makes its UNESCO-listed historic center one of the most fascinating in Italy.  

Naples’ historic center, or centro storico, is made up of more than 10 distinct neighborhoods that cover the hillsides encircling the Bay of Naples down to the water’s edge. To walk through is to stroll back in time, from the stick-straight Roman roads of the Spaccanapoli and imposing 13th-century Castel Nuovo to the graceful 18th-century Teatro di San Carlo (the oldest opera house in Italy) and 19th-century Piazza Plebiscito. Underneath the city's streets are the remains of both Roman and Greek settlements, and the National Archaeological Museum is home to most of the artifacts removed from the nearby excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Savor the culture and history of the historic center on a guided walking or Segway tour that includes famous sights like Piazza del Gesù, the Duomo, the Church of Santa Chiara, and Via San Gregorio Armeno. One of Naples’ most characteristic features is its cuisine, and many tours combine sightseeing with tastings of pizza and other local street food. The ruins of Pompeii are just outside the city, so consider a tour that includes combines a visit to this famous archaeological park with the historic center. 

The historic center of Naples is an easy walk from both the city’s port and main train station, and covers much of the downtown along the waterfront. Naples is a major transportation and cruise ship hub, with direct trains from major Italian cities as well as ferries from Salerno and Sorrento.

Much of southern Italy can be uncomfortably hot in summer, and Naples is no exception. Try to visit in spring or fall, or schedule your tour to begin in the early morning before the temperatures soar. Naples has a number of annual festivals, but perhaps the most famous is the Festa di San Gennaro (September 19), the feast day of the city’s patron saint that includes eight days of religious processions, markets, and other celebratory festivities.  

Pompeii, a thriving Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, is among the important archaeological sites in the world. Located just outside the modern city of Naples, this excavated city includes remains of houses, shops, restaurants, temples, and public buildings, many with original frescoes, mosaics, and other decorative features still somewhat intact.  

The Hipolit House is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, containing recreations of townhouse interiors from the 17th to early 19th century. The house represents a typical home in Krakow from this time period. The outside of the building has a grand facade with a central entrance hall. A narrow staircase takes visitors to the upper floors of the three story house. Visitors can still see carefully preserved stucco decoration by Baldassare Fontana from the late 17th century on the first floor. 

The permanent exhibition, Bourgeois House, shows how the interiors of the homes changed over the centuries. Visitors can see from this exhibition how the former wealthy citizens of Krakow lived. Furniture, paintings, fabrics, decorations, antique clocks and watches, and a variety of other objects show how the inhabitants arranged their homes. Through these details, visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like for the upper class during the 17th to early 19th century.

Beatrix Potter’s love affair with the English Lake District is practically as famous as her children’s tales. Her numerous and extensive holidays in the bucolic North West England region included stays at the Hill Top Farm, which she bought in 1905. The celebrated author spent as much time as she could in her beloved house, where she found inspiration in the farm and neighboring villages. She even used the exterior of Hill Top Farm as the setting of some of her original tales such as The Tale of Samuel Whiskers. 

 

As a major and longtime supporter of the National Trust, it was natural for Potter to bequest the six-room farmhouse and its flourishing grounds to the organization upon her death, with the condition that it be kept exactly as she left it, including china, furniture and decorative items. It has since been open to the public, with over 1.5 million visitors hailing from around the world since 1946. 

 

The traditional cottage was built in the early 17th century. It is now the most famous literary shrine in the Lake District and offers an immersive, time-capsule type of look at how Beatrix Potter led her creative life within its walls.

With an impressive 18 underground bunkers linked by trenches and reinforced by barbed wire fences and minefields, the Hillman Fortress was once an important German WWII command post and the headquarters of the German 736th Regiment. Known as Hill 61 by the Germans and codenamed ‘Hillman’ by the British, the strategic bunker complex was attacked on 6 June 1944 as part of the D-Day Allied invasion and finally liberated by the Suffolk Regiment the following day. 

Today, the hilltop bunkers have been preserved as an open-air museum, run by volunteers, and visitors are free to explore the 24-hectare site, including the kitchen, bunkers, command posts and well. A memorial museum is also located on-site, where visitors can learn more about the Hillman Bunkers and the Suffolk Regiment.

Hill 60 was a World War I battlefield in the Ypres Salent battlegrounds of Flanders named for its height at 60 meters (197 feet) above sea level. It was the site of intense fighting between British and German troops in April and May 1915. The British attack on April 17, 1915, began with the explosion of three mines which blew the top off the hill. Hundreds of soldiers died, and because of the continued fighting in this area, it was not possible to identify or even recover many of the bodies. Tunneling and mining operations were carried out here throughout the war by French, British, Australian and German troops. If tunnels caved in, soldiers who died underground were often left behind because of the difficulty of retrieving them. The remains of many soldiers from both sides of the war are still at this site. 

At Hill 60 is a memorial to the 1st Australian Tunneling Company. Its plaque has bullet holes from World War II when this area was briefly fought over again. Near this memorial is the 14th Light Division Memorial. The site also holds the remains of several concrete bunkers which were used by both sides. Several other memorials and monuments are located at Hill 60 to honor soldiers who fought here during World War I.

The Historic Center of Vienna is the beating heart of Austria, and the home of top attractions such as Vienna’s city hall, Parliament, and the lively Museum Quarter. Also known as the First District or Inner City and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is rich with baroque castles and gardens, as well as the 19th-century Ringstrasse, a beltway of grand buildings, monuments, and parks that encircles most of the inner city. There are enough landmark sites here to keep you snapping photos all day long. 

Visitors can shop along Karntnerstrasse or Kohlmarkt, sip coffee in one of Vienna’s famed coffeehouses, and peruse the area’s rich architecture and numerous museums. For a closer look into the storied history of attractions such as Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, explore the maze-like alleyways of Vienna’s First District on a small-group walking tour with an expert guide. Alternately, a 3.5-hour coach tour can give you an overview of city highlights, plus skip-the-line access to Schönbrunn Palace and discounted entry to Belvedere Palace, home of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, The Kiss. 

Vienna International Airport is located just outside the city limits of Vienna, roughly 12 miles (20 kilometers) or 20 minutes by road from the Historic Center. If you’re arriving by train, the Vienna Central Train Station is just a 10-minute subway ride from the First District. A slew of international bus services arrive at the Vienna International Bus Terminal, also a 10-minute subway ride from the city center. 

Summer is the most popular time to visit, so if you’re visiting between June and August, make sure to book accommodations ahead of time. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Although winter can be cold, with temperatures around 32°F (0°C), Christmas markets abound in Vienna’s holiday season (think cheerful lights, seasonal treats, and handcrafted goods).

The Historic Center of Vienna is characterized by its intricate architecture, from medieval remnants like St. Stephen's Cathedral to the grand Imperial Palace, which represents the golden age of the Habsburg Empire. The 19th-century Ringstrasse is also lined with iconic buildings, including City Hall’s Gothic towers, the neoclassical columns of Vienna’s Parliament, and the Renaissance-inspired Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper).

Explore an iconic naval vessel and gain insight into maritime history onboard the HMS Caroline in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. The only survivor of the Battle of Jutland, the decommissioned barge has a restored bridge, captain’s quarters, engine rooms, and decks. Here, visitors can learn more about life at sea and Northern Ireland’s vital role in World War I and II.

Avoid disappointment by pre-booking admission tickets to ensure full interaction with the exhibit; or, if you’d rather absorb views of the striking ship from the water, opt for a sightseeing cruise that sails past the vessel. Maritime enthusiasts can make the most of their time with a walking tour of the entire Titanic Quarter, while travelers looking to explore the wider county landmarks can combine a visit to the HMS Caroline with a tour to top rural attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway.

Located in the Alexandra Dock, the HMS Caroline is a short walk from the Titanic Quarter Station and is served directly by the 26, 26B, and 26C buses. There is free parking beside the ship.

The attraction is open daily, though weekends and school holidays tend to be more crowded.

At the time of her decommissioning in 2011, the HMS Caroline was the second-longest serving Royal Navy ship. Just ahead of her was the HMS Victory, the famous flagship of Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The HMS Victory can still be visited today at her retirement home in Portsmouth.

Located in the Þjórsádalur Valley with a spectacular backdrop of volcanic Hekla in southern Iceland, Hjálparfoss is unique among Iceland’s scores of dramatic waterfalls as it has a double fall shooting over 10-m (31-ft) basalt cliffs into a bubbling plunge pool below. Divided by a rocky lava outcrop, the waters race from the confluence of the rivers Þjórsá and Fossá amid bizarre rock formations, all surrounded by relatively fertile grasslands where Icelandic ponies still roam in summer. The lava-strewn landscape is the result of long-term activity by Hekla, which the island’s most active volcano. A visit to Hjálparfoss is often combined with tours of the volcanic uplands of the Landmannalauger, where hot springs form natural thermal pools that are perfect for bathing – even in the middle of winter.

Built in the third century, the Hippodrome was the home of now-named Istanbul’s sporting entertainment during the Byzantine era, with a wide track for chariot racing. Today, the route of the old track is covered by Sultanahmet Square, a wide open space in the center of the old city, punctuated by ancient obelisks.

The current Hippodrome traces the course of the ancient race track, though the actual remains are still underground. The square contains the Obelisk of Theodosius, a pink, Egyptian-made granite column that was brought to Istanbul in the fourth century and is one of the oldest monuments in the city. Also here are a spiralled obelisk that came from the temple of Apollo, the Walled Obelisk, and the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm in the early 20th century.

Some small-group and private tours combine a visit to the Hippodrome with other sights in Sultanahmet, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. 

 

The Hippodrome is in Istanbul’s bustling Sultanahmet neighborhood, between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia and close to Topkapi Palace. It is minutes away from the Sultanahmet tram stop and is also easily accessible by taxi. Parking is limited in the area, so driving is not recommended.

The Sultanahmet area and the Hippodrome can get very busy, so it’s best to arrive early in the day or after the main sights have closed. Weekends and sunny days during the peak season are the busiest. The Hippodrome is now a public square, so it is open every day, all day.

Much of the historical Hippodrome is still underground. It’s possible to see part of the original level of the racecourse at the base of the ancient obelisks that dot the square. Some of the Hippodrome’s original statues and seats have been uncovered over the years, and are now housed in the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.

The World War II warship HMS Belfast, moored on the south bank of the Thames, is an iconic symbol of British history. Discover interactive displays and preserved spaces across the vessel’s nine decks and learn about life on the naval ship, as well as its role in D-Day, the Arctic Convoys, and the Battle of North Cape.

The ship has become a fixture of the Thames landscape, with river cruises offering premier views of the vessel. For a closer look, skip the lines with a prebooked ticket, leaving plenty of time to explore the ship’s quarters, including the engine rooms, sick bays, and flag deck. Some city passes offer access to HMS Belfast along with other top city attractions, while flexible hop-on hop-off tours allow time to explore at your own pace.

The ship is moored on the south bank of the Thames, just a few minutes’ walk from London Bridge station. It is also easily accessed by river boat, with London Bridge City Pier next door.

HMS Belfast is open daily throughout the year, except Christmas. The ship is popular with school trips, but you can miss the crowds with a morning or later afternoon visit. Admire panoramic views of the city from the flag deck, with winter offering a particularly festive vista.

HMS Belfast is operated by Imperial War Museum, a museum group with five branches, two in London. The IWM London, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from HMS Belfast, houses a Holocaust Exhibition as well as a number of war artifacts from across the century, while the underground Churchill War Rooms on King Charles Street provide insight into wartime London.

A neo-Gothic masterpiece, Highclere Castle is best known for doubling as Downton Abbey in the much-loved TV series of the same name. The turreted, sandstone mansion was created by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind England’s Houses of Parliament. The site upon which it stands has been in the hands of the Carnarvon family since the 17th century, and the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon now welcome the public to explore the lavishly decorated interior, the Egyptian Exhibition, and the 1,000-acre (405-hectare) Capability Brown–designed grounds.

 

Highclere Castle is a popular day trip from London. You can go as part of a group tour by bus, in a small-group tour by minivan, or on a private tour by luxury vehicle or even black cab. Afternoon tea is offered in the castle’s tea rooms in the coach house, though you must book in advance. Some full-day tours from London incorporate stops at other Downton filming locations, such as the charming Cotswolds village of Bampton, which is used to portray Downton in the show. Other tours include non-Downton destinations such as Oxford, home to the esteemed university.

 

Trains from London Paddington station depart approximately every hour and bring passengers to Newbury station, situated about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of the castle. From Newbury, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to Highclere Castle. Newbury-bound National Express buses depart from London Victoria.

Highclere Castle is open to the public for about 65 days a year: for two weeks around Easter, during the two May bank holiday weekends, and from early July to early September. Entry is ticketed, with morning and afternoon time slots available. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to book well in advance. Walk-up tickets are also sold at Highclere; arrive early to ensure you get one.

 

Highclere Castle hosts various seasonal events throughout the year including special castle tours, concerts, and parties. During the holiday season, the estate is the setting for festive fairs and carol services. In summer, the castle’s events program includes garden parties, during which guests don period dress and enjoy picnics and Pimm’s on the grounds.

Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Belgium. It's one of Belgium's best preserved cities, and its medieval architecture escaped destruction from both World Wars. More than 1,000 years ago, Brugge was an important trade city due to its location near the coast. But in the 11th century, waterways that had direct access to the sea began to silt up. Although the walls of the city no longer stand, four old gates mark the boundaries of the old town and what is today the city center. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a series of canals add to the charm of this small city. 

Start your visit in the Grote Markt, Brugge's main square. Here you'll find the Belfry with its 272-foot tall tower, which you can climb for fantastic views of the city. Another great way to enjoy the city is from a boat tour of the canals. At the Basilica of the Holy Blood, you can see a vial of what is said to be the blood of Jesus. For museum lovers, Brugge has several museums, such as the Gruuthusemuseum, the Groeninge Museum, and the Brugge Museum, that have on display art and historical items from centuries ago through modern day works. Brugge is also well known for beer, chocolate and fries.