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La Pedrera - Milà House (Casa Milà)
One of Antoni Gaudi's most intriguing creations, the spectacular Casa Mila"”also known as La Pedrera (The Quarry) because of its wave-like stone exterior"”caused some controversy among critics when it was first unveiled back in 1910. Today, however, Casa Mila is considered a masterpiece of Catalan Modernisme, with gaggles of visitors coming to see its surreal sculptural roof terrace, the re-created early 20th-century interiors of the Pedrera apartment, and the attic-level Espai Gaudi exhibit, which is devoted to the great Catalan architect's work.
The Basics
Designed to serve as apartments for some of Barcelona's more moneyed inhabitants, this remarkable residential building is now part of the Works of Antoni Gaudi UNESCO World Heritage Site. By day, visitors can explore part of the building with the aid of an audio guide (included in the ticket price). Alternatively, visit at night as part of the Gaudi's Pedrera: The Origins experience, when a mesmerizing light show takes place on the roof terrace. Casa Mila is visited on many architectural tours of Barcelona, alongside other Gaudi gems such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long entry lines at Casa Mila.
- For the ultimate crowd-free experience, opt for an early-access, small-group, guided tour that gets you in before the doors open to the public.
- The roof terrace provides little shade from Spain's summer sun, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
- The onsite Cafe de la Pedrera, serving hot and cold drinks as well as food, is located on the ground floor.
- All areas of Casa Mila are wheelchair accessible with the exception of the roof terrace, because of its uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Casa Mila is located in the Eixample district on one of Barcelona's most heavily trafficked thoroughfares: Passeig de Gracia. Take metro lines 3 or 5 to Diagonal station and walk two minutes from there.
When to Get There
Casa Mila is open daily year-round from 9am to 8:30pm and from 9 to 11pm. In summer, entry lines often go around the block. The biggest crowds congregate in the middle of the day"”avoid them by arriving soon after opening (9am) or in late afternoon (after 4pm).
Discover Other Gaudi Masterpieces in the Area
A five-minute walk south of Casa Mila sits Casa Batllo. One of Gaudi's boldest designs, this eye-catching structure is adorned with a mosaic of colorful ceramic tiles and stained-glass shards
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, Barcelona 08008, Spain
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am - 8:30pm and 9pm - 11pm
Admission: Adults: €22
From $ 16
Lapidarium of Kings (Kongernes Lapidarium)
In the vaults beneath Copenhagen's centuries-old King Christian IV's brewhouse lies the Lapidarium of Kings (Kongernes Lapidarium). Housing hundreds of royal sculptures, statues, and monuments amassed from all around the country, the collection serves as an impressive homage to Denmark's royal history.
The Basics
The Lapidarium of Kings displays almost 400 sculptures and busts of monarchs, mythological gods, and legendary heroes from Denmark's castles and gardens. You can explore the collection on a guided or self-guided tour. Entrance is free for holders of the Copenhagen card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lapidarium of Kings is a must for history buffs and fans of royal art.
- The lapidarium is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Lapidarium of Kings is located in the vaulted cellars of the King Christian IV's brewery on Slotsholmen Island in central Copenhagen. The nearest metro station is Kongens Nytorv.
When to Get There
The Lapidarium of Kings is open only 12pm to 4pm from June through August, and for two weeks in October. It is closed on Mondays.
The Collection
Gathered from royal palaces and gardens around Denmark, including Amalienborg, Fredensborg, and Rosenborg, highlights of the Lapidarium include the plaster version of French sculptor Jacques Saly's mammoth 18th-century equestrian statue of King Frederik V, which stands in the square outside the Amalienborg palaces, and a series of charming fishermen and farmers sculpted by amateur artist Jørgen Christensen Garnaas between 1764 and 1784. Also of note are two monumental statues of elegant women dressed in Classical Greek style by sculptor Johannes Wiedewelt and an energy-filled depiction of Hercules fighting the Nemean Lion, which King Frederick IV imported from Italy in 1709.
Address: Frederiksholms Kanal 29, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Varies
Admission: Adults 50 DKK; Students 40 DKK; Children aged 4"“17 25 DKK
From $ 62
Kindermuseum MachtMit
Designed for children, the Kindermuseum MachMit aims to offer kids various ways to discover, explore and learn in a playful way. Arts and crafts activities raise their awareness of the environment that is around them every day. Kids are encouraged to play as a way to experience and learn about complex ideas. The museum ties in all the senses for a fully hands-on experience which makes for a more enjoyable visit for kids.
Special exhibitions are varied and include paintings from well-known artists, themes around holidays such as eggs at Easter, soap, mirrors, typography and more. The museum also offers special workshops on porcelain painting, sewing, weaving, theater, and dance. Special exhibits and workshops change each month. Kindermuseum MachMit is also available for birthday parties and other special events.
Practical Info
The Kindermuseum MachMit is located at Senefelderstrasse 5. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: Senefelderstraße 5, Berlin 10437, Germany
From $ 114
Kunsthalle (Hall of Art)
Budapest's Hall of Art is a palace of contemporary artwork dating back to the 19th century. The eclectic, neoclassical style structure houses mostly temporary exhibits. Sculpture and painting are highly featured, rotating both the best in Hungarian and international contemporary works.
The hall was originally established as a part of Hungary's Millennial celebrations. it continues to be an important cultural and artistic hub for the city. Modeled on the pattern of Germany's Kunsthalles, the galleries serve both to showcase and inspire the artists of today. Both emerging and established artists are displayed side-by-side, in five to six major exhibitions each year. No matter who's on display, trends in contemporary art can be experienced with any visit.
Its interior is well lit by natural light from large windows, offset by stately columns. Special events also take place regularly, hosting both the Hungarian National Philharmonic and The Budapest Festival Orchestra.
Practical Info
Located on the south side of Heroes' Square, the Kunsthalle or Hall of Art faces the Museum of Fine Arts. To get there, take the Metro M1 to Hosok Tere. Guided tours are offered daily. The cost of entry is HUF 1400 for adults and HUF 700 for students and seniors, and it's open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Thursdays from 12 to 8 pm. Closed Mondays.
Address: Dózsa György út 37, 1146, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Tues-Sun from 10am-6pm, Thurs from 12-8pm
Admission: HUF 1800 for adults, HUF 900 for students and seniors
From $ 25
Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm)
Berlin's most famous shopping street, Kurfürstendamm is on par with New York's Fifth Avenue and Champs-Elysees in Paris. Affectionately referred to as "Ku'damm" by locals, Kurfürstendamm is an elegant tree-lined boulevard running through the heart of West Berlin and crammed with shops, cafeÃŒÂs, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
The Basics
The best way to explore Kurfürstendamm is by foot. On a guided walking tour, travelers can visit the best spots along the street, stop and browse through shops, admire the historic buildings, and enjoy coffee at the legendary Romanisches Cafe. Berlin city tours often include a drive along Kurfürstendamm, while Berlin hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at multiple attractions along the street, including the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Berlin Zoo, en-route to nearby sights such as Tiergarten Park and Charlottenburg Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kurfürstendamm is a must-see for avid shoppers and culture lovers.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located along the shopping street.
How to Get There
Kurfürstendamm is roughly two miles (3.5 kilometers) long and runs from Grunewald's Rathenauplatz square in the west, to Charlottenburg's Breitscheidplatz square in the east. At the eastern end of the street, the closest U-Bahn (metro) stations are Zoo and Kurfürstendamm.
When to Get There
Kurfürstendamm is one of Berlin's busiest streets and is a lively destination at all hours of the day and night. Shoppers should head there from Monday through Saturday and opt for an early start to avoid crowds, while those who want to enjoy Kurfürstendamm's nightlife should arrive in the evening hours to visit bars, theaters, and nightclubs. The holiday season is a particularly picturesque time to visit, when the street hosts some of Berlin's most impressive festive illuminations.
Shopping along Kurfürstendamm
Berlin's famous KaDeWe department store and the huge Europacenter mall are a must-see for shoppers, located a short walk from Breitscheidplatz near the remains of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Continuing west along Kurfürstendamm, you'll find everything from discount souvenir stalls to high-street favorites and flagship designer stores including Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Side streets such as Fasanenstraße, Knesebeckstraße, and Bleibtreustraße are also lined with designer boutiques.
Address: Kurfürstendamm, Berlin 10789, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Lake Zurich (Zürichsee)
Fed by clear glacial waters that flow down the Swiss Alps, the crescent-shaped Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) forms the scenic backdrop to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, which spreads along the western tip of the lake. Measuring 25 miles (40 kilometers) in length and 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) in width, this alpine lake offers an easily accessible escape to nature for those based in the city, with plenty of swimming spots, hiking routes, tranquil islands, and picturesque mountain scenery.
The Basics
Most everyone who visits Zurich will come across the lake at some point. Perhaps the best way to fully appreciate Lake Zurich's scenic beauty is on a boat tour; options range from leisurely sightseeing cruises to high-adrenaline watersports excursions. Some city tours incorporate a boat trip across the lake, as well as a ride on the Felsenegg cable car, which leads to a 2,624-foot (800-meter) viewpoint overlooking the lake. If you'd rather stay on solid ground, land-based tours from Zurich often combine stops at lake-edge villages, such as the medieval old town of Rapperswil, with trips to storybook mountain towns like Appenzell, or even Vaduz in the neighboring microstate of Liechtenstein.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a swimsuit to try out the lake's swimming spots (May through October).
- Water-based excursions range in duration, from short round-trip outings to leisurely half-day cruises.
- The Felsenegg cable car is wheelchair accessible. Private sightseeing tours can be customized to meet the needs of wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Lake Zurich is easily accessible by public transportation. To get to Zurich's Lake Promenade park, take the tram (5, 6, 7, 8, or 13), train (S, S8, S24, or SN8), or bus (161 or 165) to Zurich Wollishofen station, then walk the short distance to the waterfront. Alternatively ride the tram to Burkliplatz (2, 5, 8, 9, and 11) at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, or Bellevue (2, 5, and 9), which brings you to the edge of Lake Zurich where the Limmat river begins.
When to Get There
The best season at Lake Zurich is summer, when warmer temperatures make boating, swimming, and sunbathing feasible. Boats do not run during the winter months (mid-October to early April), though you'll find ice-skating rinks at the lake's edge during this time.
What to See and Do on Lake Zurich
Among the most popular spots to visit on the lake is Rapperswil, a small town famed for its medieval old center and its public gardens, where a bounty of roses blossom. For the sweet-toothed, there is the Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory in Kilchberg on the southern lake edge, not far from Zurich, while the sunny stretch along the northeast"”known as the Gold Coast (Goldkueste) is dotted with lakeside mansions owned by Europe's elite.
Address: Zurich, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Le Caveau de la Huchette
Transformed from a medieval cellar into an atmospheric music venue, Le Caveau de la Huchette opened its doors in 1946, and quickly became a mainstay of the city's post-WWII jazz scene, hosting some of the world's greatest jazz musicians over the years. Jean-Paul Amouroux, Wild Bill Davis, Sidney Bechet, Lionel Hampton, Memphis Slim, Duffy Jackson, Nancy Holloway and Marcel Azzola have all taken to the stage at Le Caveau de la Huchette, among countless others.
Today, Paris' oldest jazz club remains at the epicenter of the capital's still-thriving jazz scene, and it's renowned for its electric live shows, which draw an equal measure of locals and tourists, and are held almost every night of the week.
Practical Info
Le Caveau de la Huchette is located on rue de la Huchette in Paris' Latin Quarter and is open Sun-Wed 9:30pm-2:30am, and Thu-Sat 9:30pm-4am. Entrance fees start from €13.
Address: 5 Rue de la Huchette, Paris, France
Hours: Open Sun-Wed 9.30pm-2.30am
Admission: Entrance fees start from €13
From $ 208
Kröller-Müller Museum
Some 20,000 works of art can be found at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, The Netherlands. The art and sculpture museum (which opened in 1938) was founded by collector Helene Kröller-Müller, an early admirer of Vincent van Gogh. Although today Van Gogh is one of the world's most famous artists, he received little recognition while he was alive. Kröller-Müller regarded Van Gogh as a "˜great spirit of modern art' and was a prolific collector of his works. In fact, the attention she gave to his work contributed to his recognition as an artist. The Kröller-Müller Museum has the second-largest collection of Van Gogh's art in the world (around 90 paintings and 180 drawings). In addition to the large collection of works by Van Gogh, the museum is home to masterpieces by artists including Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondriaan. The museum also has one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe. This "˜outdoor gallery' measures some 25 hectares and is open year-round to showcase more than 160 sculptures by iconic artists like Aristide Maillol and Pierre Huyghe.
Practical Info
The Kröller-Müller Museum is located in the middle of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands. The entrance fee to the museum also includes the entrance fee to the national park, and it is lovely to see how the sculptures, the garden, and the park all integrate together "” which you may do by bicycle on one of the free loaner bikes available to visitors.
Address: Houtkampweg 6, 6731 AW, Otterlo, Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday"“Sunday, 10:00 a.m."“5:00 p.m., closed Mondays and New Year's Day.
Admission: €18,30 adults; €13,75 students (with ID); €9,15 children 6"“12
From $ 172
La Cartuja Monastery (Monasterio de la Cartuja)
The church of the Monasterio de la Cartuja is where Spanish late-Baroque hits its lavish heights. It was begun in the 16th century and building continued for another three centuries; it was never completed.
The Carthusian monks that lived in the Monasterio de la Cartuja lived a humble life. They practiced silence, ate simple vegetarian fare and spent their time praying, studying, working and making rosary beads from rose petals (you can still buy these from the souvenir shop). But their low-key lifestyle must have been made up for by the wild profusion of their surroundings.
Practical Info
The exterior of the Monasterio de la Cartuja is plain enough, but once inside, the eye is fed on cream and brown swirls of edible-looking marble, a courtyard paved in patterned stone, ornate carvings and of course, gilt gilt and more gilt!
Address: Paseo de la Cartuja, Granada, Spain
Hours: Summer: 10am - 1pm, 4pm - 8pm Mon - Sat, 10am - 12pm Sundays
Admission: € 3.50
From $ 49
Kunstforeningen Gl Strand
An exhibition center given over to promoting contemporary art, Kunstforeningen GL STRAND is located in the center of Copenhagen on Gammel Strand, one of the city's busiest harbor-side streets. Tucked away in an elegant 1750s townhouse since 1952, the Kunstforeningen was renovated and expanded in 2010 by Danish architectural practice Vilhelm Lauritzen.
As well as hosting up to eight exhibitions per year from up-and-coming Danish talent and international big names (Mario Testino's celebrity photos featured in 2016) in its light and airy purpose-built galleries, the venue has an arts movie house and stages a packed schedule of talks and lectures. Facilities also include a well-stocked bookshop and a pleasant courtyard cafe; this is a lovely spot to while away an hour after visiting the museums around Christiansborg Palace.
Practical Info
The center is open Tue, Thur"“Sun 11am"“5pm, Wed 11am"“8pm. Admission for adults is 68 DKK; seniors are 58 DKK; students are 55 DKK; younger than 16 go free. If taking public transportation, take the Metro to Kongens Nytorv or buses 1A, 2A, 6A, 15, 26, or 29.
Address: Gammel Strand 48, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Tue, Thur"“Sun 11am"“5pm, Wed 11am"“8pm
Admission: Adults 68 DKK; Seniors 58 DKK; Students 55 DKK; younger than 16 go free
From $ 62
Les Ombres Restaurant
In the 7th arrondissement of Paris, Les Ombres restaurant is as famous for its view of the Eiffel Tower as it is for its menu designed by chef Jean-François Oyon. Set in a glass and iron-ceilinged atrium on the top floor of the Musee du quai Branly, the restaurant's outdoor patio looks out over the Eiffel Tower and makes for a popular place to enjoy contemporary French cuisine with a fusion twist.
Dishes depend on the season but can include combinations such as warm oysters with sabayon sauce and buttered leeks or escargot in wine sauce. Desserts range from Savarin cake in Limoncello to crispy chocolate fondants.
This destination restaurant is an ideal spot for a late dinner, over which visitors can enjoy seeing the Eiffel Tower light up and glitter gold every hour. Les Ombres is also open for lunch.
Practical Info
On 27 Quai Branly in the 7th Arrondissement, Les Ombres is open from noon until 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. until midnight daily. The restaurant is a few minutes' walk from Alma-Marceau metro station. Main courses cost between EUR 30 and EUR 50, while prix fixe lunch is EUR 38 and dinner costs EUR 82. Reservations are required.
Address: 27 Quai Branly, Paris, France
Hours: Daily, noon until 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. until midnight.
From $ 232
King's Garden (Kungsträdgarden)
The King's Garden, also known as Kungsan, is a popular park in central Stockholm. It hosts open air concerts and other events in the summer and is home to an ice rink in the winter months. First of May demonstrations by Sweden's left-wing parties also take place in the park each year. The park's space can be divided into four distinct areas: the Square of Charles XII, Molin's Fountain, the Square of Charles XIII and the Fountain of Wolodarski.
The origins of the park date back centuries. A royal kitchen garden was gradually transformed into an enclosed pleasure garden in the 17th and 18th centuries. The walls of the garden were demolished in the 19th century and, in 1821, most of the garden was replace by gravel, creating the square now named for Charles XIII. Molin's Fountain was added in 1866, when it was the centerpiece of a Scandinavian art and industry exposition. The entire park was redesigned in 1990 to its present form and in 2004, nearly 300 new trees were planted and new pavilions and cafes were added.
The park is surrounded by notable landmarks, including the Stockholm Synagogue on the east side of the park and the Royal Swedish Opera, Saint James' Church, the Matchstick Palace and Sverigehuset (home to the tourist information center) along the west side.
Practical Info
Located in central Stockholm, the King's Garden is accessible from the Kungstradgarden Metro station.
Address: Jussi Björlings alle 5, Stockholm 103 91, Sweden
From $ 20
Lake Mývatn
As Iceland's fourth largest lake, Mývatn is an important stop on any north Iceland road trip. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption over two millenniums ago, it is still geothermally active today and it is surrounded by surreal lava formations that are so characteristically Icelandic.
The lake got its name from the vast numbers of midges that gather on its shores, a witness to the vital role the lake plays in the region's avifauna. In fact, Mývatn is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world as far as ornithology (15 species of ducks, Barrow's goldeneye, red-necked phalarope, red-breasted merganser, gadwall, mallard, to name a few) and entomology (midges and black flies) are concerned, thanks to high biological productivity and the presence of numerous wetlands in the area.
The region surrounding Lake Mývatn doesn't lack in attractions and sights either, which are all more of less located along the well-known ring road. The Hverfjall Crater is a 2,500-year-old, 1,500-foot (460-meter) high and 3,400-foot (1,040-meter) wide tephra tuff ring volcano that is nearly symmetrical and accessible by two walking paths, while Dimmuborgir ("the dark castles") is a surreal, unusually shaped lava field composed of volcanic caves and rock formations resembling an ancient collapsed citadel, one of the most striking naturally-formed landscapes in Iceland. Even closer to Mývatn is the Lofthellir Lava Cave, which boasts the longest natural ice sculpture inside in a lava cave in Iceland at 1,213 feet (370 meters) long. Last but not least, the Mývatn Nature Baths are basically a less congested, less touristy version of the Blue Lagoon, and well worth a visit.
Practical Info
Lake Mývatn is located 90 kilometers (55 miles) southeast of Akureyri and can be reached via route 1 in just over an hour. It is also possible to circle the lake (36 kilometers or 22 miles) via bicycle; many stores in nearby Skútustaðir, Vogar and Reykjahlíð offer bicycle rentals for a day.
Address: Iceland
From $ 169
Kop van Zuid
What was once an abandoned port area has now been redeveloped into an urban, metropolitan neighborhood. Many of the disused buildings in Kop van Zuid "“ shipyards, headquarters, and plants "“ have remained and were recently given a second life, not without thanks to the completion of the now-iconic Erasmus Bridge that finally united the north and the south sides of the mighty Nieuwe Maas River. Along with new infrastructure and award-winning architecture (throughout their modernization, most buildings kept a lot of their original features to keep history alive), this duality and eclectic feel have helped Kop van Zuid reached an international reputation, and its business model has since been copied several times in other naval cities facing similar issues. If Kop van Zuid used to be exclusively for dockworkers and sailors, it is now filled with fashionable youngsters and local families wanting to experience a new side of their city. Visitors will now find a contemporary and inviting entertainment district that features hotels, cafes, restaurants, a theater, and many businesses "“ even an international cruise ship port, the Wilhelmina Pier.
Practical Info
Kop van Zuid is located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas River in Rotterdam. It is accessible on foot from the Leuhaven district by crossing the Erasmus Bridge, by metro via lines D and E (Wilhelminaplein stop), or by tram via lines 12, 20, 23 and 25 (Wilhelminaplein stop).
Address: Rotterdam, Netherlands
From $ 22
La Viña
Get to know the essence of Cadiz during a wander through one of its most beloved old quarter neighborhoods, La Viña. The name, which means "the vine," was inspired by its previous life when it served as land for vineyards. That was, of course, before buildings cropped up to accommodate the city's population, which grew due to increasing trade with the Americas in the 18th century.
Since its vineyard days, this area has been known as a fishermen neighborhood given its easy access to the sea via La Caleta Beach. It should come as no surprise, then, that this is the ideal place in town to sample some of Cadiz's best seafood, particularly pescaito frito, a dish of fried local fish for which Southern Spain is famous. Apart from tapas hopping "” particularly along the main drag Calle de la Palma "” La Viña is also ripe with flamenco bars, and is the epicenter of Carnival celebrations, arguably the city's most important festival. At the end of the day, be sure to take a break from getting lost in the barrio's streets to make a sunset visit to the beach and neighboring San Sebastian Castle.
Practical Info
La Viña is located on the far western side of the city, steps away from La Caleta Beach and San Sebastian Castle. It is easily reach by foot from anywhere in the city's historic quarter, though you can get around to all the sights more easily on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Address: Cadiz, Andalucia, Spain
From $ 53
La Caldera
Pine trees, volcanic geography, and views upon views are what you'll find when exploring Tenerife's La Caldera and the region that surrounds it. A volcanic crater, La Caldera is situated in La Orotava Valley, which spans the northern part of the island's central coast. La Orotava is packed with more than just pretty scenery but also trails, including those around La Caldera and its recreation area.
Easily accessible, the La Caldera crater is where you'll find picnic tables and a playground, along with other facilities, including a restaurant. But it's the woodland wonderland that surrounds all of this that you may be more keen to explore, particularly the loop that circles the crater and ventures off into the mountainous landscape beyond. The roughly 3-hour excursion, which begins from the recreation area, passes through the region's mossy, fern-filled terrain, and offers impressive views of Tenerife, including El Teide.
Practical Info
La Caldera and its recreation park are located just off the TF-21, near the town of Aguamansa, which can be reached from Puerto de la Cruz by taking the 345 bus. If you wish to take the circular hike, note that it is relatively demanding. Be sure to bring water and food, as well as layers given that the weather can be unexpectedly damp and cold.
Address: Carretera TF-21, Aguamansa, Tenerife, Las Canarias 38300, Spain
From $ 72
Kvaløya
Kvaløya is Norway's fifth-largest island, covering 740 square km (285 square miles), and its name translates from Sami to "Whale Island" thanks to its cluster of central mountains. Lying west of Tromsø and connected by the elegant spans of the Sandnessund Bridge, the eastern shores of Kvaløya now form a suburb of the city, known as Kvaløysletta and home to a population of about 10,000.
Of its snow-capped peaks, Store BlÃ¥mann is the highest at 1,044 meters (3,425 feet) and can be scaled by intermediate climbers. Kvaløya is also indented by fjords and wild coastal scenery, with its western fringes hitting the untamed Atlantic, while the island of Sommarøy "“ famous for its glorious white sandy beaches "“ hangs off its southwestern coast. Humpback whales can be spotted offshore from late November until January, and the little settlement of Ersfjordbotn, dominated by the sheer cliffs of its fjord, is one of Norway's top destinations for spotting the Northern Lights during the winter months.
As well as Kvaløya's untamed alpine beauty, there are prehistoric rock carvings to discover at Skavberg and a clutch of traditional wooden houses at Hella, which were moved there from Tromsø city center for conservation. The farm of Straumen GÃ¥rd near Straumsbukta was abandoned in the 1960s and now serves as a museum, complete with tools and machinery dating from that period.
Practical Info
The island of Kvaløya is 20 km (12.5 miles) west of Tromsø and is easily accessible over the Sandnessund Bridge.
Address: Kvaløya, Norway
From $ 157
Koza Hani
The Koza Hani, also known as the Cocoon Inn, was a caravanseri commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II in the late 15th century. Constructed in the city of Bursa, it was intended to provide income for the sultan's mosque in Istanbul. As the final stop on the Silk Road from China, the han was a place where merchants could try to sell the last of their goods, particularly silk.
Intricate turquoise tiling adorns the entrance to the han, which soon gives way to a cozy garden setting in the center courtyard. In classical Ottoman style, the structure features two stories of galleries surrounding an inner courtyard, with nearly 100 rooms altogether. An absolution fountain and small prayer room sit in the middle of the courtyard and cells to the east of the han were built as stables and storage rooms.
The Koza Hani remains an active bazaar today and its tradition of being a center for the silk trade continues. Visitors can peruse a variety of shops and boutiques selling fine silk products and try their hand at haggling as prices are negotiable.
Intricate turquoise tiling adorns the entrance to the han, which soon gives way to a cozy garden setting in the center courtyard. In classical Ottoman style, the structure features two stories of galleries surrounding an inner courtyard, with nearly 100 rooms altogether. An absolution fountain and small prayer room sit in the middle of the courtyard and cells to the east of the han were built as stables and storage rooms.
The Koza Hani remains an active bazaar today and its tradition of being a center for the silk trade continues. Visitors can peruse a variety of shops and boutiques selling fine silk products and try their hand at haggling as prices are negotiable.
Practical Information
The Koza Hani is located in the center of Bursa and is open daily from 8:30 to sundown. Admission is free. The city of Bursa is about a four hour bus ride from Istanbul, with buses leaving the main bus station frequently throughout the day. However, you may find it more convenient to join a day tour from Istanbul that will allow you to see many of the main sights of Bursa, including the Koza Hani.
Address: Turkey
From $ 120
Kiscelli Museum
The Kiscelli Museum presents an eclectic array of exhibitions from Budapest's history, dating back to the early 1700s. The Baroque Sculpture Hall features sculptures from the Holy Trinity group erected outside the Matthias Church in Buda Castle in 1712. Another exhibition focuses on the press and newspapers in Budapest, with a substantial collection of printing machines, equipment and tools. It includes a printing machine known to have played a role in the Revolution of 1848, as well as the type collection of the old University Press dating back to the 18th century, book-binder's presses from the 19th and early 20th centuries and nearly 200 printing places from the 17th to the mid-20th centuries.
The Public Places and Private Spaces, 1780-1940 exhibition presents a combination of art and everyday objects from three different periods: the period of unification of Pest, Buda and Obuda (1873-1896), the period from the millennium to 1918 and the period from 1918 to 1940. The Antiquity of the Capital exhibition invokes the old Municipal Museum, presenting displays of chests, paintings, clocks, cutlery, jugs and architectural plans as thy were set up at the turn of the century.
Two final exhibitions showcase an 18th-century pharmacy and old trade signs, mostly from the 19th century.
Practical Info
The museum is open April through October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from November to March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. Admission for adults costs 1000 HUF. From Batthiany Square in Budapest, catch the 160, 260 or 260A bus to the Margit Korhaz stop and then walk about ten minutes to the museum along Becsi Street to Kiscelli Street. Alternatively, take bus 165 from Kolosy Square to the Remetehegyi ut stop and then walk about five minutes down Kolostor Street to the museum.
Address: Kiscelli utca 108, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: April - October: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. November - March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults: 1000 HUF
From $ 25
La Zisa
La Zisa is yet another remnant of Moorish reign in Sicily. The Norman castle was built in the 12th century, and it's worth a visit although the interior has long since been cleared of its original decoration.
The palace of La Zisa was originally designed as part of an extensive park that served as a royal summer retreat. The grounds were stocked with wild animals (and fenced), giving the royals something to hunt. The park, known as the Genoard, also included another Norman-era palace that still stands in Palermo, La Cuba.
There were architectural alterations made in the 14th century, and by the 16th century the building had fallen into disrepair - it was even being used to store items contaminated with the plague. In the 1970s, city officials in Palermo acquired and began to restore La Zisa, a project that took more than 20 years. Today, the palace houses a Museum of Islamic Art on the second floor. The most impressive room is called the "Fountain Room," a two-storey chamber into which you enter from the main doors, which contains some of its original Moorish decorations.
The palace of La Zisa was originally designed as part of an extensive park that served as a royal summer retreat. The grounds were stocked with wild animals (and fenced), giving the royals something to hunt. The park, known as the Genoard, also included another Norman-era palace that still stands in Palermo, La Cuba.
There were architectural alterations made in the 14th century, and by the 16th century the building had fallen into disrepair - it was even being used to store items contaminated with the plague. In the 1970s, city officials in Palermo acquired and began to restore La Zisa, a project that took more than 20 years. Today, the palace houses a Museum of Islamic Art on the second floor. The most impressive room is called the "Fountain Room," a two-storey chamber into which you enter from the main doors, which contains some of its original Moorish decorations.
Practical Info
La Zisa and its adjacent garden are open daily, with hours varying from weekdays to weekends.
Address: Piazza Zisa, Palermo, 90135, Italy
Hours: Sun-Mon 9am-1:30pm, Tue-Sat 9am-7pm
From $ 10