Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 1861-1880 of 4530 listings.
Limmatquai
Limmatquai is the street along the right side of the river Limmat in central Zurich. On one side is the Rathaus, Zurich's Baroque parliament building.
Limmatquai is a vibrant shopping, dining and hotel area with many interesting buildings dating from the days of the rich Guilds which governed Zurich until 1789. It is the perfect place to start your exploration of the narrow, charming streets of the Old Town.
Practical Info
Limmatquai is not only easy to find, it is difficult to avoid. Many trams pass through the area or it's a short walk from the centre of town, or along the Limmat river.
Address: Limmatquai, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 26
Les Halles
Affectionately known as “the belly of Paris,” Les Halles was once the sight of Paris’s bustling central food market, where vendors sold fresh meats, fish, and vegetables. A focal point of Paris since the 11th century, the food stalls were dismantled in 1971 to make room for the new Forum des Halles shopping center and metro station.
The Basics
With an abundance of cafés, restaurants, specialty food shops, and kitchen supply stores, Les Halles remains a destination for food lovers. Take a guided food tour of Les Halles and immerse yourself in French food and wine culture. Stroll through the vibrant pedestrian area of Rue Montorgueil and discover some of Paris’ best patisseries and boulangeries. The Les Halles neighborhood is also home to the Centre Pompidou, which houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Les Halles is located in the 2nd arrondissement, walking distance from the Louvre.
- Les Halles is a must-see for foodies and wine enthusiasts.
- Rue Montorgueil is pedestrian-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
- The Centre Pompidou is a must-see for any first time visitors to Paris.
How to Get There
Les Halles is located in in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, within walking distance of the Louvre. Les Halles is easily reached via public transportation from nearly anywhere in the city. The Châtelet-Les Halles station serves several regional city and metro lines, and is considered the biggest underground station in the world.
When to Get There
Les Halles is a lively destination at all hours of the day. During the summer months, start your day early to avoid large crowds. Les Halles is known for some of the best jazz bars and nightclubs in the city making it a great place to explore in the evening as well.
Visiting the Centre Pompidou
Located between the Les Halles neighborhood and the Marais, the Centre Pompidou’s fascinating industrial facade is a work of modern art in itself. The center is home to the Musée National d’Art Moderne, which houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of modern art, including pieces by Picasso, Matisse, Léger, and others. Centre Pompidou is a popular sight, so book tickets and tours in advance to save time in lines.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 45
Lille M etropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art
Lille's Museum of Modern Art (now called LAM) was founded on the savvy eye of Roger Dutilleul, a collector who began picking up work by Picasso and other soon-to-become influential painters in the 1900s. His son inherited his collection and used it as a basis for today's museum.
As well as Picasso and Braque there are works by such luminaries as Modigliani, Miró and Léger, as well as a sculpture park (more Picasso!) and a noted collection of art brut.
Practical Info
The Museum of Modern Art is on the outskirts of Lille. To get there, take Line 1 of the metro to Pont de Bois station, then jump on bus 41 to the Parc Urbain-Musee stop.
Address: 1 allée de Musée, Lille, France
Hours: Closed Tues
From $ 29
Levi
As Finland’s most popular ski resort and host of the annual Alpine World Cup Race, Levi makes a top choice for winter sports, equipped with an impressive 43 slopes and 26 ski lifts. Set atop a 1,700-foot (531-meter) fell, this is one of the largest ski areas in Lapland. There are ample opportunities for both first-timers and seasoned skiers, including more than 124 miles (200 km) of cross-country trails, several black runs and the country’s largest snowboard park. Winter visitors can also take a Nordic walking excursion, ride a husky sled or visit the reindeer park.
Levi might be at its liveliest during the winter months, but the resort town is still worth a visit when the snow stops falling, with year-round activities including mountain biking at the Levi bike park, dry-slope sledding and zip-lining at the Levi Adventure Park.
Practical Info
Levi is located in Finnish Lapland, about 105 miles (170 km) north of the Arctic Circle and a 2.5-hour drive from Rovaniemi. The ski season runs from late October to early May.
Address: Levitunturi, Kittilä, Finland 99130, Finland
From $ 114
Les Abattoirs Museum
A former slaughterhouse has been given a much more positive lease on life at the Les Abattoirs Museum, now a contemporary art showcase for Toulouse and the Midi-Pyrénées region. The Modern Capital collection centers on the World War II period and the 1950s.
The museum’s permanent collection includes a wall-sized work by Picasso, while its various exhibition spaces display contemporary artworks that promise to confront, challenge and inspire. This imaginatively restored space also hosts a wide range of cultural expositions.
Practical Info
The Les Abattoirs Museum is on the right bank of the River Garonne, near the Pont des Catalans bridge. The closest metro stop is St Cyprien Republique.
Address: 76 Allée Charles de Fitte, Toulouse 31300, France
Hours: Wed-Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: €7
From $ 16
Lilla Bommen
As Gothenburg’s principal marina, Lilla Bommen forms the focal point of the city’s waterfront and the scenic riverside stretch is home to a number of top attractions. The eponymous skyscraper, Lilla Bommen, takes center-stage, a 23-floor skyscraper alternatively nicknamed “The Lipstick” or the “Lego House” for its unusual white and red façade, and its top-floor café offers expansive views along the Göta River.
Additional highlights include the Barken Viking, an early 20th-century merchant ship permanently moored in the marina and now home to a floating hotel and restaurant, the grand Gothenburg Opera House (Goteborgsoperan) and the nearby Maritiman, a floating museum of around 20 restored ships. Lilla Bommen is also the launch-point for boat cruises to the island fortress of Nya Älvsborg.
Practical Info
Lilla Bommen marina is located opposite Gothenburg Opera House on the Göta River (Gota älv) waterfront and is reachable on foot from the city center (around 15 minutes walk from Avenyn).
Address: Lilla Bommen, Gothenburg, Sweden
Hours: Daily
From $ 26
Liberty Square (Szabadsag Ter)
Szabadsag Ter, or Liberty Square in English, is a public square in the Lipótváros neighborhood of the business district on the Pest side of Budapest, Hungary. The buildings on the square are a mix of business and residential. Some of the buildings found here include the United States Embassy, the headquarters of the Hungarian National Bank, and the Hungarian State Television building. The square is picturesque and peaceful, but Hungary's turbulent history has left its mark here over the past century, from the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to communism to the start of a new regime in 1989.
In the square there is a monument commemorating the Soviet liberation of Hungary in World War II from Nazi German occupation, which is the last statue from the communist era that is still in its original place. The Soviets ordered the monument to be built, though they made Hungary pay for it. The square also has monuments to Ronald Reagan and Harry Hill Bandholtz. Visitors will also enjoy the interactive fountain in the square in spring, summer and fall. Liberty Square is surrounded by a park where many people relax when the weather is nice. There are several restaurants, cafes, and hotels nearby.
Practical Info
To reach Liberty Square, take the M3 metro line to the Arany János utca metro station and walk two blocks towards the Danube River.
Address: Szabadsag Ter, Budapest, Hugary, Hungary
Hours: Daily
From $ 25
Lido de Paris
With a history dating back to the 1940s and a prime location on the glittering Champs-Elysees, Lido de Paris is one of Paris’ most famous and celebrated cabarets. The legendary show is a feast for the senses, with mesmerizing choreography, dazzling costumes, a medley of foot-stomping show tunes, the famous Bluebell Girls—and, in true French fashion, Champagne.
The Basics
Lido de Paris guests can expect to be truly wowed. Advance booking is essential, as tickets can sell out weeks in advance, especially during busy periods. Two 90-minute shows are performed each evening, with lunch and matinee shows held on select days. You can choose to enjoy a pre-show dinner and/or Champagne, opt for a private hotel transfer, or combine the show with a guided night tour of the City of Light.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a smart-casual dress code—shorts, sportswear, flip-flops, and sneakers are not permitted.
- A coat check is available and is free for guests.
- Taking photos or videos is not permitted during the show.
- Lido de Paris is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Lido de Paris, on the Champs-Elysees in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, is a five-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. The closest metro stop is George V, and the nearest RER A train station is Charles de Gaulle–Etoile.
When to Get There
Lido de Paris has performances every day of the year. For last-minute tickets and deals, it’s best to visit in low season (November to March) or opt for a weekday show. The hottest tickets of the year are the special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve shows, accompanied by a six-course gourmet dinner and plenty of Champagne.
The Magic of “Paris Merveilles”
Over the years, stars such as Elton John, Elvis Presley, Edith Piaf, and Shirley Maclaine have performed at the iconic Lido de Paris cabaret, while in-house entertainers include the famous Bluebell Girls, the Lido Boys, and the Lido Orchestra. Franco Dragone’s “Paris Merveilles” show, a 90-minute extravaganza devoted to the wonders of Paris, features spectacular sets that include an ice rink, a gigantic chandelier, and water fountains, plus unforgettable acts with burlesque dancers, acrobats, magicians, and mimes.
Address: 116 Bis Avenue Champs Elysées, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Shows at 1pm, 3pm, 7pm, 9pm and 11pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 98
Les Saintes Maries de la Mer
Surrounded by golden beaches in the spot where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea sits the whitewashed town of Saintes Maries de la Mer. As the capital of the Camargue region in the south of France, Saintes-Maries is a popular summertime destination made famous by the imposing Church of the Saintes Maries de la Mer. Built as both fortress and refuge between the ninth and 12th century, its grand Romanesque steeple can be seen from miles away.
A 20th-century literary and artistic haven beloved by the likes of Hemingway and Picasso, Saintes-Maries has seen everyone from the Romans to the Vikings, Van Gogh to Bob Dylan. Today its narrow, winding streets and lively French restaurants bustle with summertime action.
Saintes-Maries is also a popular visit among pilgrims. Why? It’s all in the name. French for “Saint Maries of the Sea,” this is said to be where the Virgin Mary’s sister, Marie-Jacobe, and John the Baptist’s mother, Marie-Salone, washed up with their servant Sarah when they all fled from the Holy Land in a rudderless boat. In celebration, every May there is a lively Roma procession dedicated to Sarah, patron saint of the gypsies, and in October the two Maries get their own parade.
Practical Info
To get to Saintes-Marie you can take the 30-minute bus ride from Arles, 24 miles (38 km) north.
Address: Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, France
From $ 81
Liechtenstein
Landlocked in between the countries of Switzerland and Austria, the German-speaking, miniscule principality of Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s little-known treasures. Largely alpine, it is a winter-sports destination of increasing popularity but most of its considerable wealth comes from banking and its standing as an international tax haven.
Just 25 km (15.5 miles) long from north to south, the tiny state’s biggest town is Schaan, but quaint little Vaduz is the capital and this is where all visitors head. It is a micro-city of immense charm, with a photogenic jumble of medieval, Gothic and Baroque architecture; the best way to get the lie of the land is to take the twee little sightseeing train that chugs gamely around the streets. Vaduz’s post office is an important – if somewhat unusual – stop off on the tourist itinerary, as the principality’s stamps are highly valued by collectors.
The fairy-tale Gothic palace of the ruling Liechtenstein dynasty sits high on a hill in the middle of Vaduz but it’s only open on August 15, when Liechtenstein’s National Day is celebrated with fireworks and an invitation to drinks with Prince Hans-Adam II. Above the town, hiking trails fan out into the vineyards and lush forests that cloak the alpine foothills. The rural village of Malbun lies close to the Austrian border and by winter is Liechtenstein’s leading ski resort; in summer it transforms into a mountainous paradise for walkers and cyclists in the surrounding wildlife reserve.
Practical Info
Zurich in Switzerland is the closest city and airport to Liechtenstein, at around 1.25 hours away by the A3 road. Visitors coming in from other European countries need to show passports, as the principality is not a member of the European Union.
Address: Liechtenstein, Europe
From $ 66
L'Escolania de Montserrat
Add listening to the ethereal choir songs of one of Europe’s oldest boys choirs to your list of reasons to explore the craggy Montserrat mountainside not far from Barcelona. The boys choir, which dates back to the 13th or 14th century, is not only historic but also world famous, having recorded albums and toured to countries around the globe.
The boys, who range from ages 9-14, go to school here at the monastery, and sing in the basilica, where the public can come to watch. The roughly 50 singers are carefully selected based on a handful of criteria, one of course being their musical ability. Lucky for Montserrat visitors, the choir usually performs twice daily, making a visit to the mountainside getaway just that much more magical.
Practical Info
Note that getting to Montserrat from Barcelona can be a bit tricky, as it requires coordinating times between the train from Barcelona and the cable car or rack railway to the monastery. To make planning easier, you may wish to consider an organized day trip.
Address: Passeig de l´Escolania, Montserrat, Catalonia 08199, Spain
Hours: The choir performs twice daily at midday (usually 1pm on weekdays), & at 6:45 p.m. They do not perform during Christmastime, during the month of July, or during various school holidays.
From $ 64
Lille Museum of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille)
Lille's Fine Arts Museum (Palais des Beaux-Arts) is giant—only the Louvre tops its size among France's museums—and its collection is suitably illustrious. Instituted in 1801 as part of Napoleon's push to bring art to the masses, the museum is housed in a splendid Belle Époque building dating from the late 1890s.
Stroll through the rooms and you'll find all the stars: Rubens and van Dyck, Picasso and Redon, Corot, Delacroix and David. Additionally, there is a wonderful decorative arts collection and a special curio: a selection of 18th-century models of fortified cities.
Practical Info
To get to the Palais, take Metro Line 1 to Republique station or bus 14 to place de la République.
Address: Place de République, Lille 59000, France
From $ 16
Les Invalides
Built under the orders of Louis XIV beginning in 1670, Les Invalides—formally known as the Hôtel National des Invalides—was created as a hospital and care facility for wounded war veterans. Today, the site still serves that purpose, though the sprawling complex also comprises several museums, numerous courtyards, and Paris’ tallest dome.
The Basics
Located in the seventh arrondissement, Les Invalides is one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks, and welcomes millions of visitors each year. In addition to its practical functions, the complex also contains three museums: the Musée de l’Armée (one of the world’s biggest collections dedicated to military history and art), the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (which contains historical models of fortified cities), and the Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération (a small museum that explores the French Resistance during World War II).
The jewel of Les Invalides is the Dôme des Invalides, which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Considered a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, the church’s gilded dome is, at 351 feet (107 meters) high, the loftiest in Paris. Within, the church houses the tombs of notable figures—most famously that of Napoleon Bonaparte. For those looking to explore further, Les Invalides is a frequent stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours; walking tour itineraries, meanwhile, make it simpler to navigate the enormous site, and also frequently include skip-the-line privileges.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Les Invalides ticket includes entry to the Dôme (and the Tomb of Napoleon), the Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Charles de Gaulle Monument, and all three museums.
- In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée de l’Armée also hosts temporary exhibitions.
- Les Invalides is a popular destination for architecture lovers and history buffs, particularly those who are fascinated by military history.
How to Get There
Visitors can take Métro lines 8 or 13, or the RER C, to the Invalides stop. Les Invalides is also easily accessible on foot from other nearby attractions, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
When to Get There
The Invalides complex is open daily from 7am–7:30pm (except on Tuesdays from April–September, when it closes at 9pm). Individual museums and on-site attractions have a range of visiting hours (and holiday closures), so be sure to research opening times in advance. Les Invalides also hosts and participates in a number of events throughout the year, including the International Automobile Festival, Nuit Blanche, Night at Les Invalides, concerts and film screenings, and more.
Les Invalides and the French Revolution
Les Invalides played an important role in the French Revolution: a mob stormed the site and took thousands of weapons, including guns and cannons, before continuing onward to the Bastille.
Address: 129 rue de Grenelle, Paris 75700, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Liberdade Square
Lying at the southern end of Porto’s majestic Avenida dos Aliados, Liberdade Square (Praça da Liberdade) started its life in the late 18th century when the city began to expand beyond its medieval walls, which are now long gone. The geographical and social importance of the square grew in the early 19th century with the building of both the main railway station and the Ponte Dom Luís I across the Douro River.
The equestrian statue of King Pedro IV by French sculptor Anatole Calmels was placed in the center of Liberdade Square in 1866 and stands in direct eye-line of City Hall’s bell tower as the Avenida dos Aliados sweeps upwards. The wide promenade in the center of the avenue is a popular gathering place for evening strolls and was designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira, who also built the innovative Serralves Museum. The south side of Liberdade Square is punctuated by the gigantic façade of the Palácio das Cardosa, formerly a nunnery but now a luxury hotel.
Practical Info
Take the metro to Aliados or Trindade to reach Liberdade Square.
Address: Liberdade Square, Porto, Portugal
From $ 21
Lille Old Town (Vieux Lille)
It's in Vieux Lille, the Old Town of the city, that the Flemish dash to Lille's character can be most clearly seen. The red brick buildings and narrow cobbled lanes have a distinct Belgian feel.
The quarter had fallen into disrepair, but now it's been cleaned up and houses the regular Euro-old town collection of bars, boutiques, and restaurants.
This is where many of the city's premier sites are located: the town museum located in the 13th-century Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse, the Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Treille, and the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle. But sightseeing aside, this is a trés pleasant place to lose yourself on a sunny day, stopping only to test out another restaurant or ogle some designer fashion.
Practical Info
Lille Old Town is centred around rue d'Angleterre, place du Lion-d'Or and rue de la Monnaie.
Address: Lille, France
From $ 16
Life Under Communism Museum (Czar PRL)
Part of the Adventure Warsaw attraction — which runs Communist-themed tours of the city — at the Soho Factory in bohemian, grungy Praga, the Life Under Communism Museum highlights the mundane, cheerless quality of life under the Soviet regime in Poland.
The Poles and the extraordinarily powerful Solidarity freedom movement, led by Lech Wałęsa, voted the Communist system out in the 1989 elections, leading to the break up of the Soviet Union. Although there is no sentimentality in Poland towards the former Communist regime, this clever little museum allows younger generations to glimpse life behind the Iron Curtain as it was for 45 years.
Among the busts of Lenin and Marx are a scattering of Soviet uniforms, Communist-era radios and record player spinning vinyl from little-known Eastern Bloc bands. However, the highlights of the exhibition are the rudimentary rooms kitted out in typical Soviet style with austere furniture — some sourced from the former headquarters of the Polish United Workers’ Party (PZPR) and more donated from the general public. The sparse kitchen has a 1980s’ cooker and fridge; a rather depressing beige bedroom has a simple wooden bed and the walls of a party worker’s office are hung with portraits of Communist leaders. And this privately owned museum just keeps on growing, with the curators appealing for any artifacts that belong to the Communist era to use in their displays.
Practical Info
Soho Factory, 25 Mińska, Praga, Warsaw. Open Mon–Fri 10am 4pm; Sat–Sun 11am–5pm. Admission adult PLN 80; seniors, students & children younger than 18 PLN 5; guided tours PLN 80. Take tram No. 22 from the Centrum (city center) to Gocławska.
Address: 25 Mińska, Praga, Warsaw, Mazovia 03-808, Poland
Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 11am–5pm
Admission: adult PLN 80; seniors, students & children younger than 18 PLN 5; guided tours PLN 80
From $ 42
Lesser Quarter (Mala Strana)
Malá Strana is the area that meanders down from the Castle Hill to the Vltava River. A literal translation of its name would be 'Small Side' but its most often called the Lesser Side. Unfair? Well, while it might not have the grandeur of the Old Town across the river, many find it more charming.
Because the area was razed by fires in the 16th century, the architecture here is mainly baroque. Its finest site is the Wallenstein Palace with its fabulous walled garden full of fountains and statues. There's also the Church of Saint Nicholas and, high on Petřín Hill, a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Practical Info
To get to Malá Strana, take tram number 23. If you're in the Old Town, just cross the Charles Bridge and there you are.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Free
From $ 10
Letná Park
Letná Park is a large urban park built on Letná Hill, offering commanding views of Prague’s Old Town, including the Vltava River. It’s a popular place for skateboarders, rollerbladers, and cyclists, although the park is large enough that visitors can also relax with a picnic on its grassy areas or tree-lined avenue in peace.
Those looking for refreshment can stop for a drink in the popular beer garden here, which is always teeming with visitors during the summer months. For coffee and cake, or perhaps an evening meal, head to the Hanavský Pavilion; this cast-iron, pseudo-Baroque building was constructed at the end of the 19th century and provides some of the best views of the city from its terraces.
The giant arm of the Prague Metronome has been swinging back and forth in Letná Park since its construction in 1991. This unique monument sits on the site where a large statue of Joseph Stalin was erected in 1955. The statue was destroyed in 1962, and now the Metronome takes its place upon a marble plinth that was used as the base for the original monument.
Practical Info
To reach Letná Park, take metro Line A to Malostranska station, or take tram number 5 or 17 to the Čechův most stop.
Address: Letenské sady, Prague 170 00, Czech Republic
From $ 12
Li Galli (Sirenuse)
According to folklore, sirens once inhabited this small group of islands known as Sirenuse. But today, it’s intrepid travelers who find their way through the placid waters and scenic coastal landscapes to the three major land masses of this archipelago: La Castelluccia, Gallo Lungo and La Rotonda.
Gallo Lungo is one of Li Galli’s most popular destinations, thanks to historical roots as a home to a monastery, and later a prison. In the mid-1990s, it became privately owned by Giovanni Russo and today, offers deluxe accommodations to travelers able to afford the steep price tag. Luckily the quiet waters that surround this iconic island are open to the public, which means even visitors who will never set foot on the shores are able to at least catch a glimpse of Gallo Lungo during a swim.
Practical Info
Li Galli is located between the Isle of Capri and the Province of Salerno’s Positano just off the Amalfi Coast. They are considered part of the Campanian Archipelago.
Address: Li Galli, Amalfi Coast, Italy, Italy
From $ 49
Limerick
Despite being Ireland’s third largest city, Limerick is a place that’s far removed from the typical tourist trail. Those who take the time to visit, however, will find a recovering riverside city that—although once depressed by economic downturn—has recently been renewed and reinvented as a burgeoning city of culture. In fact, Limerick was designated in 2014 as the “Irish City of Culture,” and is a place where Ireland’s rich history is fused with its prosperous future. Nowhere is this blend more evident than at the towering King John’s Castle, where 3D models and interactive displays help you envision what battles must have been like at this 13th-century castle. Take a walking tour through sites that inspired the book Angela’s Ashes, or shop for cheese, chutney, and produce at Limerick’s famous Milk Market. Dig deep into artifacts and rare fine art at the privately owned Hunt Museum, or, if your journey to Limerick is fortuitously timed, enjoy a rugby match at Thomond Park Stadium—home to the Munster Rugby team that competes with the best in the world.
Practical Info
Limerick is located only 20 minutes from the Shannon International Airport. It’s a 90-minute to drive to Cork or Galway, or 90 minutes to Dublin by train.
Address: Limerick, Ireland
From $ 6