Things to Do in Europe

Smolny Cathedral is a cathedral and convent located on the banks of the River Neva in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was built in the mid 1700s in a Baroque style, and it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city due to its striking blue color. It was originally built to house Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great. Since being denied the throne, she intended to become a nun. However, once her predecessor was overthrown, she was able to take her place as the Empress of Russia instead. Work on the cathedral was stopped when Catherine II came to power, and it wasn't until around 1835 when work started again. Due to this, the interior was done in a neo-classical style.

The cathedral is laid out in the shape of a cross with four smaller churches in the corners. Visitors can also see the detailed church spires and the clock tower which stands at 308 feet tall. Today the cathedral is used primarily as a concert hall. The surrounding convent buildings are used as governmental offices as well as faculty buildings for St. Petersburg State University.

As a small walled village in the Veneto region, Soave has earned a reputation for producing some of the best white wine in Italy. Once a Roman hub on the road from Aquileia to Genoa, it is now a commune of only 7,000 residents. Three varieties of Soave wine are produced with DOC (the Italian mark of quality and tradition) using mostly Garganega grapes. The varieties include Soave classico, recioto di Soave and Soave spumante (sparkling). Wine tasting is available both within the city walls and just outside of them at the many area wineries.

Outside of its excellent food and wine, there is a well-preserved medieval castle high atop a hill overlooking the village that is worth visiting. The three courtyards of the castle contain original frescoes, and impressive, historic portraits are visible throughout the castle. It is also worth exploring the city's medieval walls, which date back to the 13th century and offer wonderful views of the Italian countryside.

The twin peaks of Grmada and Smarna Gora are both swathed with oak and beech forest and sit in northern Slovenia; their humps are clearly visible from its enticing capital city of Ljubljana, which spreads out into a giant basin below the mountain. Smarna Gora is the eastern of the two peaks and reaches up to 669 meters (2,194 feet); woven with 15 hiking trails, it is one of the most popular weekend destinations for the folks of Ljubljana. They flock out to the forest to enjoy walking, jogging, mountain biking, and climbing through narrow craggy limestone gorges and canyons; while in winter Smarna Gora becomes a snowy paradise for Nordic skiing and tobogganing. It is also a haven for wildlife, with foxes, martens, squirrels, buzzards and hawks commonly spotted; sightings of deer and brown hare have been recorded but are rare.

Depending on fitness, it takes between 45 and 60 minutes to climb Šmarna Gora, which is topped by the 18th-century Baroque church of the Virgin Mary – although a pilgrimage church has existed in this site since medieval times – from which there are spectacular views over the city to the Julian Alps. A popular restaurant shares the same spectacular panoramas, sells typically Slovenian treats such as puffy donuts called miske (mice) or stuffed dumplings, and gets rammed every summer weekend. Close by is an ancient bell, reputed to bring good luck to anyone who rings it.

This London neighborhood has it all: theaters, live music, eclectic nightlife, shopping, historical sites, and a quirky food scene. Located in the West End District popular with actors, artists, musicians, and fashionistas, Soho is also the epicenter of London’s gay scene. 

The Basics

Covering just one square mile (2.6 square kilometers), Soho is best explored on foot. Taste your way around Soho’s diverse food scene on chocolate tours, English tea and dessert tours, modern British food tours, or excursions featuring international cuisine. Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles on Abbey Road and learn about the city’s other rock ‘n’ roll legends, or visit the area’s best-loved pubs and brewhouses on a bar-hopping tour. If history is your thing, Soho walking tours offer an education on London’s hidden gems and historic artifacts. 

Set in Central London in the middle of the West End, Soho is easy to visit via guided tour or public transportation. Travel by bus or tube (subway) to any of these stations that are close to Soho: Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, or Tottenham Court Road. If you plan to stay in London for several days, it’s a good idea to pick up a visitor Oyster card. Driving is not recommended as this area is very busy and there can be limited parking.

Soho is thriving day and night. To avoid crowds, visit mid-morning on a weekday to miss commuters on the tube and beat the lunchtime rush at restaurants. The place comes alive at night, so be sure to check out some bars, comedy clubs, and live music venues like Ronnie Scott’s.

Soho is a bustling shopping district—the department store Liberty is a London institution and if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the famous toy shop Hamleys. For boutiques, go to Berwick Street, Carnaby Street and Kingly Court, and for flagship stores, go to Oxford Street and Regent Street. If you love chocolate, don’t miss the Paul A. Young store on Wardour Street.

With a stream of new bars, restaurants and nightclubs springing up along the waterfront, the island of Södermalm, or ‘Söder’ as it’s known to locals, is quickly earning a reputation as one of Stockholm’s hippest districts, popular among the city’s younger residents. Entering Södermalm from Gamla Stan, the lively areas of Slussen and nearby Medborgarplatsen are the center of island life, interlinked by the principal shopping boulevard of Götgatan, and further south the affectionately nicknamed ‘SoFo’ district is know for its fashion boutiques, vintage stores and atmospheric cafés.  

Although home to a cluster of museums, including the Stockholm City Museum, Södermalm has comparatively few tourist attractions and the scenic island is best known for its cliff-top lookouts and seafront promenades which offer dramatic views over the neighboring islands. Additional areas of interest include the charming coastal area of Fjällgatan, dotted with 16th-century wooden buildings, the 17th-century Katarina Kyrka church and the beaches of Tantolunden.

The Sofia Synagogue is the largest synagogue in southeastern Europe and third largest in all of Europe. It is also one of just two functioning synagogues in Bulgaria. Construction began on the synagogue in 1905 and it opened in 1909. Built in a Moorish revival style with Viennese Secession and Venetian elements and an octagonal dome, it resembles the Leopoldstadter Tempel in Vienna, Austria. The interior of the synagogue is richly decorated, with marble columns, colorful Venetian mosaics, decorative wood carvings and a 1.7-ton chandelier that is the largest in Bulgaria. The synagogue has operated continuously since it opened, aside from a period during World War II. Although it can accommodate up to 1,300 worshipers, services today are sparsely attended.

Since 1992, the building has also housed the Jewish Museum of History, which was founded to preserve items related to Jewish culture in Bulgaria. The museum has two permanent exhibitions: The Jewish Communities in Bulgaria and The Holocaust and the Rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria. 

Located in the north of the Slovak Ore Mountains in the eastern part of Slovakia, the Slovak Paradise National Park is one of nine national parks in the country. The park includes more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails, many of which feature ladders, chains and bridges. The paths are marked by red, blue, yellow and green colors. More than 350 caves can be found within the park, but only the Dobsinska Ice Cave is open to the public. One of the largest ice caves in Europe, Dobsinska has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

While the park is 90 percent forest, it also contains several famous gorges, as well as a large water reservoir that is popular for water sports, swimming and fishing. At nearly 12 kilometers, Prielom Hornadu is the longest canyon in the park while Zavojovy vodopad is the highest waterfall at 70 meters tall. The park is also rich with flora and fauna, with 2,100 species of butterflies, 930 species of plants and 40 species of mammals, including bears, foxes, wolves, wildcats and deer. Overall, 95 endangered species call the park home.

A popular weekend refuge from Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Šolta is a heavily wooded island paradise just 19 km (12 miles) in length and five km (three miles) wide, with a scattering of charming rural villages and unspoiled pebbly beaches interspersed with rocky coves. Hilly, clad with maquis, olive groves and pine forest, and largely built of limestone, the island has a reputation for producing fine olive oils, honey and grappas as well as local wines, which can be sampled at several family-run restaurants in time-warp inland villages constructed from pale limestone such as Gornje Selo and Srednje Selo. 

The largest beach is at Necujam on the north coast, while the cove at Maslinica on the west coast provides sheltered swimming thanks to the protection of a string of tiny islets. This tangle of terracotta-roofed cottages has a palm-lined promenade and plenty of seafront tavernas. 

Laidback Šolta is also a popular stopover for yachties, with the sheltered harbor at Stomorska being a favourite haven; this is one of the island’s prettiest villages, with a morning fish market, a charming waterfront and low-key restaurants.

Designed by architect J.D. Felsko in a neo-Gothic style, the Small Guild of Riga stands in the center of the Old City on Livu Square. Built between 1864 and 1866, the building features Italian mosaic flooring and stained glass windows with portraits of craftsmen and benefactors. The doors and window boxes are embellished with sayings in gothic letters.

The Small Guild, also known as the Guild of St. John, was a fraternity of master craftsmen in Riga from the 14th to the early 20th century. The Small Guild building stood alongside the Great Guild Hall, which brought together Riga merchants and writers. The interior was restored from 1999 to 2000 based on photographs from the 19th century. Today, the building functions as a cultural and folk art center and is home to a variety of cultural organizations. It is used for concerts, meetings and other festive events.

Founded in the late 14th century, Snagov Monastery sits on an islet in Lake Snagov, just a couple kilometers north of the village by the same name.  The monastery is best known as the burial place of Vlad the Impaler, who provided the inspiration for the fictional Dracula. However, the island also once housed the coin minting facility of the medieval principality Wallachia and was considered one of the most important printing houses in southeastern Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. 

Whether or not he ultimately came to rest at the monastery, Vlad the Impaler was strongly connected to it, building fortifications around the monastery in the 15th century, as well as a bell tower, new church, a bridge to the mainland and a prison and torture chamber. The remains of the prison can still be seen behind the present day church and frescoes from that era are visible inside the church. Vlad’s alleged grave can be found inside the church toward the back.

Dominated by a 700,000-year-old glacier-topped stratovolcano, Snæfellsjökull National Park embodies Iceland’s moniker, the land of fire and ice. Covering an area of more than 65 square miles (170 square kilometers), the park has lava fields, basalt sea cliffs, black- and golden-sand beaches, caves, and peculiar lava formations.

Most visitors explore the park on day trips or multi-day trips from Reykjavik. Organized day trips typically include other sites within the park, such as Mt. Kirkjufell, the Lóndrangar rock pinnacles, Sönghellir cave, Skarðsvík beach, and black-sand Djúpalónssandur beach, as well as towns and villages on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula such as Hellnar, Arnarstapi, Stykkishólmur, and Grundarfjörður. On 2-day tours of the region, visitors may have the chance to hunt for the elusive Northern Lights after dark. 

Snæfellsjökull National Park is situated at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on Iceland’s west coast, about 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Reykjavik. As attractions within the park are dispersed, it’s best to go by car or as part of an organized tour. 

The best time to visit is during the summer months, when daylight lasts longer, temperatures are typically warmer, and services are operating. Get there in the morning to maximize your exploring time. 

Snæfellsjökull has long been known to literary-minded Icelanders, having been the setting for the legendary Icelandic saga, Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss. The glacier also famously featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, where it served as the entrance to the center of the Earth. 

Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Now a creative and cultural hub offering shows and activities year-round, the building is also known to have appeared in the Sherlock Holmes and James Bond films, among others.

 

Follow in the footsteps of movie stars on a cinematic tour, or visit on a walking or hop-on hop-off tour, according to your schedule. Travelers with more time can explore the grounds on a historical tour and gain insight into the royal, governmental, and public uses of the building over the years, or check out one of the events held here for an immersive experience of culture in the capital.

 

 

Somerset House is a 5-minute walk from Temple underground station, and 10 to 15 minutes from Covent Garden, Charing Cross, or Waterloo. Many local and hop-on hop-off buses serve the Strand, Waterloo Bridge, or Aldwych, while river bus and hop-on hop-off cruises serve nearby Embankment Pier.

 

Special events at Somerset House are popular with residents and visitors alike. In winter, the outdoor ice skating rink and Christmas arcade provide festive fun in the city, while film screenings, concerts, and DJ sets are enjoyed during warmer months.

 

Conclude your visit to Somerset House with a walk across Waterloo Bridge and head into one of London’s cultural districts. Wander east along the river and discover prime Thameside views, as well as unique architecture, theatres, galleries, and English pubs to boot.

Cradled in an orange grove-covered valley, the Balearic village of Sóller serves as a refreshing inland respite during a visit to Mallorca. The river-cut town is crisscrossed by a maze of old world streets that surround the main Plaça de Constitució, where you’ll find cafés, City Hall and San Bartomeu Church, whose original construction dates back to the 13th century. 

 

Other attractions include the Railway Station, with its exhibitions dedicated to works by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. Then there’s the Jardi Botanic, a botanical garden that blooms with native flora and fauna and is also home to a Modernist mansion now occupied by the Museum of Balearic Natural Sciences. 

 

Perhaps the town’s most notable attraction, however, is the vintage train and tram system, which has been making the journeys to and from Palma and the port of Sóller for about a century. The train carves up and over the mountains to Palma, while the tram–nicknamed the Orange Express–chugs through the many fruit-filled orchards that blanket the fertile valley.

Known as the Emerald Beauty thanks to its sparkling green waters, the Soca River in western Slovenia is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Flowing from the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps, the river connects 12 cities as it makes it way to the Adriatic Sea. The river is best known for water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting and fly-fishing. The fly-fishing season stars in April and rafting is popular April through October. The valley surrounding the Soca River offers a wealth of activities for visitors, from hiking and mountain biking to paragliding and canyoning. It is also home to the Walk of Peace, a well-marked hiking trail that follows the heritage of World War I and includes stops at several outdoor museums along the way.

One of the most popular towns along the Soca River is Bovec, which has been called the adrenaline capital of Slovenia. It is the perfect jumping off point for your active vacation in the mountains, but especially white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking.

Today one of the largest wholesale meat markets in all of Europe, Smithfield Market has been buying and selling meat and poultry for over 800 years. Also known as London Central Markets, this is the largest historic market still standing in the City of London.

Early risers can still witness some of Britain’s finest meats being hand-picked by London restaurateurs, or purchase their own meats, poultry, olive oils and cheese. The structure itself is known for its bright colors and Victorian architecture, and many visitors combine their visit to the market with a stop at one of the trendy Farringdon-area restaurants.

Stretching from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica in Slovenia, the Soca Valley is home to the outdoor adventure hotspots of Bovec and Kobarid. Bovec in particular is known as the adrenaline capital of the country, serving as a base for white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking. It is also home to a zip line that lets visitors soar at speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour more than 50 meters above the ground. Other options include mountain biking, bungee jumping, canyoning, fishing, horseback riding and, in the winter months, ice climbing.

Beyond the adventure activities, the Soca Valley is home to several historical sights, mostly relating to World War I, when millions of troops fought in the surrounding mountains. Those interested in the heritage of World War I can follow a well-marked hiking trail known as the Walk of Peace through the valley past several outdoor museums.

The Sopelana Beach area is known for its rising cliffs, fine golden sands, and surf—just a quick 20 minutes from urban Bilbao. Also known as Arrietera-Atxaribil Beach and at 800 meters in length, it’s one of the longest beaches on the Bizkaia coast.  

Though the waters are usually calm and great for swimmers, winds often pick up in this area. Waves sweep both left and right, making this a popular surf spot. Availability of rock climbing, hang-gliding, and surfing also make this an ideal place for those seeking adventure in the Basque Country. If you’re not up for surfing, rent a hammock or an umbrella and relax on the beach, or take a stroll along the sand. There are several terraces and bars on the beachfront area to stop for drinks or tapas along the way.

The bustling port of Sorrento is a popular stop for cruise lines exploring Italy's southern coast of Campania. Sorrento, perched high on the clifftop above the Marina Piccola port below, is a charming resort town and destination in its own right, and also serves as a transportation hub and jumping-off point for excursions to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and other destinations on the Bay of Naples.

Sorrento is a popular departure point for shore excursions by land or sea to the most famous towns along the Amalfi Coast—Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Shore excursions usually depart directly from Marina Piccola, though some may depart from Piazza Tasso in the center of Sorrento. Sorrento has an old town of picturesque lanes lined with artisan workshops and boutiques, historic churches such as the Basilica di Sant’Antonino and the Church of San Francesco, and shady piazzas crowded with outdoor cafe tables. Corso Italia is the main thoroughfare, home to stores selling everything from designer fashions to limoncello, the coast’s traditional lemon liqueur. At the foot of the zigzagging stone staircase down the cliffside, the tiny fishing village of Marina Grande is known for its excellent waterfront restaurants.

From Marina Piccolo, you can either walk up the hill to the center of Sorrento or take a local bus or taxi. The city's transport hub is in the main square—Piazza Tasso—where buses and trains depart for the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Naples.

Sorrento is a tender port, meaning it’s too shallow for ships to dock right next to the shore, so allow a little extra time getting to and from your cruise ship. Sorrento is a popular tourist destination and English is widely spoken. The currency is the euro.

Built in 1611, Amsterdam’s South Church (Zuiderkerk) was the city’s first Protestant church and remains one of its most memorable landmarks. The church’s striking facade and distinctive bell tower have been painted by Monet, while Rembrandt reputedly painted The Night Watch there. 

Amsterdam walking tours often make a stop to admire the South Church and the quintessential photo spot is looking out across the Groenburgwal canal—the same angle from which Monet painted his Zuiderkerk painting. After admiring the 17th-century church from outside, continue your sightseeing tour to nearby attractions including the Rembrandt House, the Royal Palace, Waterlooplein Market, and the Red Light District.

The South Church sits just south of Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt, within the central canal loop. The closest metro station is Nieuwmarkt, and the church is just a short walk from Waterlooplein and many of central Amsterdam’s attractions.

For photographers, the most flattering light can be found at dusk, but for a crowd-free shot, aim to get there early in the morning. 

The South Church is one of a series of ecclesiastical masterpieces constructed by Dutch Renaissance architect Hendrick de Keyser, who helped shape the face of the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring) by designing the West Church (Westerkerk) on Prinsengracht and the North Church (Noorderkerk) in the Jordaan district. The church’s architectural highlight is its ornamental wooden spire, which looms 246 feet (75 meters) above the surrounding gabled houses and stands out thanks to its ornate gilding and balustrading. De Keyser died in 1621 and is buried in the church along with three of Rembrandt’s children and Ferdinand Bol, who was the artist’s most famous pupil. 

Solfatara is a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, not far from Naples. Likely the most interesting of the 40 or more volcanoes that comprise the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, the Solfarata first formed about 4,000 years ago and last erupted in 1198. While dormant today, it still emits jets of steam with sulfurous fumes. Solfatara’s thermal waters were once believed to cure a variety of medical ailments and the crater was once home to a volcanological observatory, built in the year 900 by a German volcanologist. Ruins of the observatory can still be seen today.

Solfatara is now a popular tourist attraction with two unique phenomena to witness: the condensation of steam and the rumble of the ground when a rock is dropped just right. A walk around the crater floor takes you past the main fumarole known as Bocca Grande and the mud pit known as the Fangaia, as well as a variety of other fumaroles, mofettes and typical Mediterranean vegetation.