Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Ataturk House & Museum
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a revolutionist and the first President of Turkey. Atatürk's House & Museum is dedicated to his visits to Antalya; he stayed in this two-storey residence during official visits between 1930 and 1935. In 1986, Ataturk House had been rebuilt and restored, and opened to the public as a national
museum.
The distinctive Ottomanstyle, salmon-colored building still features the living room, bathroom, and kitchen. On the first floor, visitors can browse various artifacts from the time, including newspaper and photograph documentation of Atatürk's visits to the city.
There are seven rooms on the house’s second level, including one with a balcony and one with a collection of banknotes, stamps, and coins bearing Atatürks image. The most important room in the house, however, features Atatürk’s various personal belongings,
including his clothes and shoes, which were transferred from the Anıtkabir mausoleum.
Practical Info
The nearest bus stop to the Atatürk House & Museum is the Yenikapı police station stop. The museum is free to enter and is closed on Mondays.
Address: Isiklar Caddesi, Antalya, Turkey
Hours: April to October: 9am-7:30pm / November to March 8:30am-5:30pm
(Sunday to Tuesday only)
From $ 52
Atelier C ezanne
Nestled in the hills above Aix-en-Provence, the Atlelier Cézanne, or the Cézanne Studio, is a museum devoted to the life and works of its namesake. The studio, the upper floor of a Provençal country house, was commissioned by the artist in 1902 and remained his place of work until his death in 1906, a tranquil retreat with a blooming garden and expansive views over the surrounding countryside.
Since opening its doors in 1954, the museum has set to preserve the studio as left by Cézanne, with many of the artist’s personal effects and inspirational objects laid out around the room. Cézanne’s easel and paints lie in the spot where masterpieces like Les Grandes Baigneuses (The Large Bathers) and La Femme à la Cafétière (The Woman with the Coffee Pot) were created; elsewhere, vases, scarves and fruits are laid out into carefully construed still art creations. Fans will recognize many of the seemingly mundane objects, like the skulls from Cézanne’s iconic 1901 painting, Pyramid of Skulls, or the coffee pot that inspired La Femme à la Cafétière.
While art lovers may bemoan the lack of actual artwork on display at the studio, the museum’s allure lies in its simplicity – an evocative space that feels as though the artist himself could return at any moment. The effect is further dramatized by the use of the space for video screenings, most notably the atmospheric films shown in the garden during summer evenings.
Since opening its doors in 1954, the museum has set to preserve the studio as left by Cézanne, with many of the artist’s personal effects and inspirational objects laid out around the room. Cézanne’s easel and paints lie in the spot where masterpieces like Les Grandes Baigneuses (The Large Bathers) and La Femme à la Cafétière (The Woman with the Coffee Pot) were created; elsewhere, vases, scarves and fruits are laid out into carefully construed still art creations. Fans will recognize many of the seemingly mundane objects, like the skulls from Cézanne’s iconic 1901 painting, Pyramid of Skulls, or the coffee pot that inspired La Femme à la Cafétière.
While art lovers may bemoan the lack of actual artwork on display at the studio, the museum’s allure lies in its simplicity – an evocative space that feels as though the artist himself could return at any moment. The effect is further dramatized by the use of the space for video screenings, most notably the atmospheric films shown in the garden during summer evenings.
Address: 9, avenue Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence 13090, France
Hours: Oct-Mar: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 5pm (English tour at 4pm). Apr-Jun and Sep: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm (English tour at 5pm). Jul-Aug: 10am - 6pm (English tour at 5pm). Closed on certain Holidays.
From $ 81
Atarazanas Market
Atarazanas Market (also known as Mercado Central) is a Málaga landmark that served as a shipyard, warehouse, and barracks before becoming the city’s leading food market. The Moorish-influenced building has been refurbished, and it’s once more a warren of stalls set amid delicate wrought ironwork below a domed stained-glass window.
The Basics
The market interior is organized into three areas of neat lines—fish, meat, and fresh produce—and is awash with color, bustle, and the fragrance of spices and herbs. Tempting buys include Iberian pork, piles of ocean-fresh shellfish, and scented almonds farmed on Andalusian hillsides, as well as sweet Moroccan pastillas and local cheeses.
Atarazanas Market is lined with tasty tapas bars offering fried prawns, octopus, and boquerones (anchovies) fresh from the port. They’re all served up accompanied by glasses of local Alhambra beer, dry sherry, or rough local red wines. As one of the best places in Málaga to sample regional produce, Atarazanas market is a popular stop on many gourmet-oriented walking tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Atarazanas Market is a must-visit for foodies to try regional produce, prepared tapas, beers, and wines.
- Bring small denominations of euros if you plan to shop in the market.
- Some vendors don’t speak English, so it’s a good idea to pick up a few useful Spanish phrases before your visit.
How to Get There
The Atarazanas Market sits in the heart of the city of Málaga, making it easily accessible on foot from many other points of interest. Public buses traveling along Alameda Principal stop near the market.
When to Get There
The market is open Monday to Saturday throughout the year from morning to mid-afternoon. There’s not really a bad time to visit. Many seasonal ingredients pass through the market, like loquats in May, sweet figs in June, San Juan pears and custard apples in autumn, and purple carrots in December. The fish market tends to be quiet on Mondays.
Architecture of the Market
The horseshoe archway that serves as the main entrance into the market is the only remaining part of a 14th-century Moorish shipyard. In 1868, the government ordered the building to be torn down to clear space for a modern market. Joaquin Rucoba, lead architect on the project, helped to save this last horseshoe arch and incorporated it into his Arabic-style plans.
Address: Calle Atarazanas, 10, Malaga, Andalucia 29005, Spain
From $ 29
Aspendos Ruins and Theater
Aspendos was an ancient Greco-Roman city founded around 1000 B.C. It was located about 25 miles from the modern city of Antalya, and it's known for having one of the best preserved theaters from antiquity. Despite being built in 155, the theater is still in great shape and has remained mostly intact. A small portion of the theater was built leaning into a hill where the Acropolis stood, and the rest of it was built on vaulted arches. A sloping wooden ceiling that was over the stage area has been lost over time. Dozens of post holes are on the upper level, which at one time supported an awning to protect the audience from the sun.
Since the theater is still in such good condition, it is still a functional venue. The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival holds annual productions in the theater in the spring and early summer.
Spend some time wandering around outside the theater as well. Nearby you'll find the ruins of a basilica, the agora, a nymphaeum, and more than nine miles of a Roman aqueduct. You can also find the Eurymedon Bridge. This was a Roman era bridge that was rebuilt in the 13th century.
Practical Info
The Aspendos Theater is located approximately 25 miles east of Antalya along route D400. Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., April through October, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through March. The entrance fee is 20TL (about US $9).
Address: Turkey
Hours: Vary
Admission: 20TL
From $ 44
Atocha Train Station (Estacion de Atocha)
Atocha Train Station (Estacion de Atocha) opened as Madrid’s first rail station in early 1851. The steel and glass structure was designed by Alberto Palacio Elissague, the architect most famous for working on the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal).
Atocha continues to serve as Madrid’s main train station, but it now occupies a new building. Largely destroyed by fire, the original station was renovated and reopened in 1892, operated for 100 years, was decommissioned in 1992 and reopened as a shopping and entertainment complex soon after. A new modern terminal, designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, was built on adjacent land and now serves as Madrid’s primary station, servicing AVE and local commuter trains.
Practical Info
Much of the signage within the station is in English as well as Spanish, and it’s usually possible to find an English-speaking attendant if you need assistance purchasing tickets.
Address: Glorieta Carlos V s/n, Madrid, Spain
Hours: Daily 5am to 1am
From $ 88
Asklepion
This ancient medical center, honoring the Greek god of healing Asklepios, has existed since the 4th century BC. Built around a spring with waters that were believed to be sacred, the columns and walls still standing today once surrounded rooms for psychotherapy, massage, herbal remedies, baths, mud treatments and dream interpretation.
The Roman period brought the center its most notable patients, including emperors Marcus Aurelius and Hadrian. The influential physician Galen, who wrote about 500 works on medicine, practiced here in 2 AD.
Enter the structure as health seekers once did through the Sacred Way, a path that connects to the Akropol. In the first courtyard there is an altar featuring a serpent, the emblem of modern medicine, and other structures include a small theater, a library and the circular domed Temple of Asklepios.
Practical Info
To walk to the Asklepion, head west from the Bergama city center. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk, much of it uphill. The Asklepion is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is 15 Turkish Lira.
Address: Bergama, Turkey
Hours: Daily 8:30 a..m.-7 p.m.
Admission: 15 Turkish Lira
From $ 140
Asinara National Park (Parco Nazionale Asinara)
The Italian island of Sardinia (Sardegna) is known for its stunning natural beauty, including a pristine coastline and tiny offshore islets. In 1997 one of these, the island of Asinara, became Asinara National Park—a nature reserve that is home to wild animals, historic ruins, hiking trails, and idyllic beaches.
The Basics
Asinara Island was closed to the public for over a century before becoming Asinara National Park (Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara). This uninhabited island, whose remote location was perfect for isolating prisoners, housed a prison camp during World War I and Italy’s maximum security prison beginning in the 1970s. Decades of limited human impact resulted in the preservation of the island’s pristine Mediterranean landscape, which today you can enjoy in the park. Asinara is home to several animal species, including the Sardinian albino donkey, mouflon sheep, wild boar, and a variety of birds. In addition, you can see the remains of a medieval monastery and the Castellaccio fortress.
Asinara National Park is visitable only with an authorized guide as part of a day tour. Most tours include a boat ride from Stintino (on the main island) around Asinara and a stop to explore the park by land—either by joining an off-road vehicle or bus tour or a guided hike or bike along the trails—before heading back to Stintino. Many day trips include stops in the tiny coves of Fornelli, Cala Reale, and Cala d'Oliva for swims.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Asinara is a great destination for the entire family, with beautiful beaches for swimming, easy trails for hiking, and the abandoned prison and fortress to explore.
- The former high-security prison complex houses one of the island’s visitor centers, where you can get park maps and information.
- The island has two restaurants and a snack bar, each near one of the three main beaches.
- Asinara can be very hot in the summer months, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
- If hiking, choose sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. If swimming, bring a suit and towel.
How to Get There
Asinara is part of the province of Sassari, just offshore from the coastal village of Stintino. The nearest large town is Porto Torres, which is connected by highway to Sassari and Alghero. You can take a private boat tour or water taxi to Asinara from Stintino, or the ferry from Porto Torres.
When to Get There
The park is open all year long, but the best seasons to visit are spring and fall. In the winter, choppy seas make the crossing difficult; in the summer, the heat can make visiting the park uncomfortable.
The White Donkeys
One of Asinara’s biggest attractions is its local breed of albino donkeys that graze the island’s countryside and make for memorable pictures. Remember to avoid approaching the animals, even if they seem friendly.
Address: (main office on Sardinia’s mainland) via Iosto 7, Porto Torres, Sardinia 07046, Italy
From $ 139
Art Pavilion
A flamboyantly Art Nouveau building originally constructed for Croatia’s art offerings in Budapest’s Millennial Exhibition in 1896, the Art Pavilion (‘Umjetnicki Paviljon’ in Croatian) was taken down piece by piece and transported back to Croatia. There it was rebuilt on the verdant ‘Green Horseshoe’ designed by Milan Lenuci in the late 19th century and encompassing a string of parks, squares and monumental buildings in Zagreb’s Lower Town. Overlooking the manicured formal gardens and fountains of King Tomislav Square (Trg kralja Tomislava), the Art Pavilion mimics the nearby Croatian National Theatre in style, and its glass-topped dome is now a symbol of Croatian culture and one of the best-loved landmarks of the city.
Painted in bright daffodil-yellow and adorned with stucco work and busts of Croatian artists and Renaissance Old Masters, the pavilion has a stately interior that was renovated in 2010 with ornate gilding, marble walls and floors and stained glass, with light flooding in from the central glass dome. Today it hosts a regular program of temporary art exhibitions, which can cover any medium from out-there Croatian video installations through to large-scale international exhibitions such as the works of Andy Warhol or the sculptures and lithographs of Alberto Giacometti.
Practical Info
Trg kralja Tomislava 22, Zagreb. Open Tue–Thur, Sat–Sun 11am 8pm; Fri 11am–9pm. Admission adults 30 KN; seniors & students 15 KN; children 10 KN; family ticket 60 KN. The museum is within walking distance of Zagreb central station; alternatively take trams number 2, 4, 6, 9 or 13.
Address: Trg kralja Tomislava 22, Zagreb, Central Croatia 10000, Croatia
Hours: Tue–Thur, Sat–Sun 11am–8pm; Fri 11am–9pm
Admission: Adults 30 KN; Seniors & students 15 KN; Children 10 KN; Family ticket 60 KN.
From $ 22
Atlantis Waterpark
The Atlantis Waterpark is an amusement park located directly on the seafront of one of Turkey’s largest resort towns, Marmaris. It features nine eye-catching and thrilling slides, like the Space Bowl, the Free Fall, the Black Hole, and the Wild River. It also comprises a massive wave pool, which entertains guests with a variety of waves from ultra-gentle rollers to six-foot-high waves. There is also a less extreme, more accessible space reserved for the little ones named Kidsland. The park can be enjoyed for a few hours or a full day, as it includes access to mini-golf, four restaurants, bowling and more.
Practical Info
The Atlantis Waterpark is located in southwestern Turkey in Marmaris. It is open every day from mid-May to mid-September roughly between 10 am and 5:30 pm. It is closed in the fall and in the winter. Operating hours may vary in accordance with the weather. Entry costs 43 TL per adult, 27 TL per child, and is free for children aged 6 years and under. The resort offers a free shuttle to guests staying at nearby hotels.
Address: 3 Siteler Mah. 212 Sok, Marmaris, Turkey
Hours: Open mid-May to mid-September roughly between 10 am and 5:30 pm. It is closed in the fall and in the winter. Operating hours may vary in accordance with the weather.
Admission: 43 TL per adult, 27 TL per child, free for children 6 and under
From $ 14
Arrabida Natural Park
With coves of golden sand and bright blue water hidden among pine-covered hills and vineyards, Arrábida Natural Park (Parque Natural da Arrábida) in Portugal is a hidden gem for nature lovers. The beaches are the main draw, but the park also attracts hikers and photographers, who come to explore the landscape and enjoy the panoramic views.
The Basics
About 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon, Arrábida Natural Park stretches along the Atlantic coast from the town of Sesimbra in the west to Setúbal in the east. The landscape is dotted with villages, vineyards, monasteries, and forts, as well as a number of unspoiled beaches. One of the most popular is Portinho da Arrábida, with its couple of beachside restaurants and calm waters ideal for swimming or paddleboarding.
A little harder to get to—it’s only accessible on foot—is pristine, uncrowded Galapinhos Beach, which means “little Galapagos” in Portuguese. For keen hikers, the town of Pamela is a popular setting out point for walks in the area. Many all-day tours from Lisbon combine a visit to Arrábida beaches with local wine tasting, and some include time on a boat or private yacht.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Several of the beaches in Arrábida Natural Park are only accessible on foot.
- There is no entrance fee to access the park.
- Parking can be limited on summer weekends and holidays.
- Hikes in the region are best suited to active travelers.
How to Get There
Arrábida Natural Park is located south of Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic Coast. Given the lack of public transit in the area, access to the park is by car, taxi, or as part of a guided tour with transport provided. There is parking at several of the beaches including Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha, and also in the town of Pamela, where several trailheads are located. Some beaches are only accessible by foot or boat, so check before you travel.
When to Get There
Arrábida Natural Park is open to visitors all year round. For hiking, the best times to visit are spring and fall, as the weather can get very hot in summer, while the beaches draw the most visitors in June, July, and August.
The Town of Sesimbra
A sleepy fishing village on the western edge of the park, Sesimbra transforms into a bustling resort in the summer months, welcoming visitors from all across Europe. With beachfront restaurants and cafés, and calm (but cold!) waters suited to both swimming and water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking, it’s a popular destination, and can be combined with a trip to Lisbon.
Address: Portugal
From $ 29
Arromanches-les-Bains
Arromanches-les-Bains, with a population of just under 600, is a village on the Normandy coast. But this tiny dot on the map has a huge legacy dating back to WWII, commemorated in the D-Day Museum on the site of the artificial Mulberry Harbor. It was here that hundreds of thousands of tons of equipment were brought to the shores of France by the Allies, and it served as one of the most important military bases of the time.
The museum itself is a must-visit for anyone honoring the heroes of WWII; from working models of vehicles to a panorama of what the its shores looked like at the time to remains of the war strewn about the harbor, it's an unforgettable look into just what an enormous undertaking D-Day was.
Practical Info
Arromanches-les-Bains is just a few miles from Bayeux, a popular base for exploring wartime Normandy. The museum itself has varying hours and opening times throughout the year, so it's best to go with a tour to ensure the best exposure.
Address: Arromanches-les-Bains, France
From $ 110
Ashmolean Museum
Not only Britain’s oldest public museum but also among the oldest in the world, the Ashmolean is more than just a museum – it’s an internationally renowned institution and one of Oxford’s most visited attractions. Founded in 1683, the esteemed museum is one of four of the University of Oxford, with a focus on art, archaeology and natural history.
Benefiting from a thorough renovation in 2009, the Ashmolean Museum now boasts a 21st-century redesign by award-winning architect Rick Mather, including a rooftop restaurant looking out over the university buildings. Highlights of the huge permanent collection include the world’s biggest collection of Raphael drawings, an array of pre-dynastic Egyptian jewelry and artifacts, manuscript copies of the Old and New Testaments, the Western World’s most important collection of modern Chinese Art and a significant assemblage of British and Western Art. If that’s not enough, there’s also a ceremonial costume worn by Lawrence of Arabia, Guy Fawkes’ lantern, the death mask of Oliver Cromwell and Uccello's iconic The Hunt in the Forest.
Practical Info
The Ashmolean Museum is located in the north of Oxford city center, a short walk from the main shopping streets and university buildings. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Address: Beaumont St., Oxford OX1 2PH, England
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
From $ 45
Athens Numismatic Museum
Now supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Athens Numismatic Museum first opened in 1834 and has been relocated several times during its lifetime; its present resting place is the Iliou Melathron (Palace of Iliou), a late 19th century Neo-classical mansion that was once home to German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who discovered Troy. The house, designed by Ernest Ziller in 1881, is as big an attraction as the museum and is surrounded on three sides by manicured gardens full of replicas of classical statues. Inside, a series of grand apartments are filled with highly patterned marble floors, elaborately painted ceilings and wall paintings reflecting Schliemann’s interest in ancient civilizations.
The museum itself is dedicated to rare coins, weights, stamps, medals and gemstones from across the world, mostly donated to the collection by wealthy Greek benefactors. Thematically displayed in a series of lavish apartments are rare and ancient coins from Hellenistic, Roman, medieval and Byzantine times, as well as modern coins from European states. With more than 500,000 artifacts in total, this is one of the most important numismatic museums in the world, with great rarities in the collections including gold coins dating back to Alexander the Great in 356 BC and to the Egyptian Pharaoh Ptolemy I in 305 BC. The library of some 12,000 books is also available for research purposes.
Practical Info
Iliou Melathron, Eleftheriou Venizelou (Panepistimiou) 12, Athens. Open Mon 1pm–8pm, Tue–Sun 9am–4pm. Adults €6, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €4. Special price for admission to National Archaeological Museum, Byzantine & Christian Museum, Epigraphic and Numismatic Museums: adult €15, concessions €8. Take the metro to Syntagma Square; from there the museum is a short walk.
Address: Iliou Melathron, Eleftheriou Venizelou (Panepistimiou) 12, Athens, Attica, Greece 106 71, Greece
Hours: Open Mon 1pm–8pm and Tue–Sun 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors, Students and Children younger than 18: €4
From $ 38
Artillery Bastion (Basteja)
The Artillery Bastion in Vilnius is one of the last surviving parts of the city’s old defensive wall. Built in the 17th century, it is a horseshoe shaped building with a tower and connecting tunnel. Damaged during the Russian occupation in the late part of the 17th century, the bastion gradually lost its defensive function. By the beginning of the 19th century, most of the defensive wall had been destroyed and the bastion was turned into a garbage dump for the city.
Reconstruction of the bastion began in 1966 as the tower was rebuilt and the tunnel and interior rooms were renovated. A museum opened within the bastion in 1987 and there visitors can see weapons and armor from the 15th to 19th centuries, as well as cannons and stone cannon shells. A viewing platform also offers a nice view of Vilnius’ Old Town.
Practical Info
The Artillery Bastion is within walking distance of Vilnius’ Old Town. The nearest bus stop is at Ausros Vartai, where buses 13, 31, 34, 74, 88 and 102N stop. From there, it is just a couple blocks to the bastion. Guided tours are available in the Lithuanian, Russian and English languages, but tours in a foreign language must be ordered in advance by phone or e-mail.
Address: Bokšto gatvė 20/18, Vilnius, Lithuania
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 2 Euro
From $ 5
Arthur's Seat
One of several peaks in the long-extinct volcanic ridge that towers behind Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat offers hill walking in the heart of the city. Set within the 640-acre (260-hectare) Holyrood Park, it’s also the site of a 2,000-year-old hill fort. On a clear day, the summit promises spectacular views of the cityscape.
The Basics
At just 823 feet (251 meters), Arthur’s Seat isn’t exactly Everest, but it is an uphill climb. Climbing the peak is a great way to get some exercise while sightseeing. Choose between several easy ascents that typically take 30 to 60 minutes. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours and private sightseeing tours of the city usually stop near the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Queen’s Drive, with visitors continuing on foot from there. The path from the Holyrood side of the park is scenic but also one of the longer routes to the summit. If you’re tight on time, park near Dunsapie Loch and walk from there instead. Radical Road, which runs along the base of the Salisbury Crags, also offers excellent city vistas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic city views from Arthur’s Seat.
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip as the rocky, uneven terrain can be slippery—particularly after rain.
- Visitors often become hot during the hike, and it can be cold and windy at the top. Wear layers that can be easily removed/added as needed.
- Arthur’s Seat is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
A parking lot is located on Queen’s Road near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the east end of the Royal Mile. The lot is a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley railway station. The No. 6 bus runs from Edinburgh Old Town to Queen’s Drive.
When to Get There
Arthur’s Seat is busiest during the summer season, when vacationers flock to Scotland’s capital. Go in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds and witness the city springing to life. It can be bracingly cold between November and April, so dress in warm clothing.
Exploring the Rest of Holyrood Park
While you’re in the park, seek out the romantic ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel, which stands on an outcrop near St. Margaret’s Loch and is visible from Arthur’s Seat. Little is known about the chapel’s origins, except that it has existed since at least the 15th century. Nowadays, just the north wall of the crumbling gray stone structure remains standing, bearing more resemblance to a castle than a chapel.
Address: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Army Museum Zizkov
Located at the bottom of Vítkov Hill in the gritty, 19th-century district of Žižkov, the Army Museum Žižkov (Armádní muzeum Žižkov) is one of four museums tended under the auspices of the Military History Institute Prague. Housed in an austere gray building constructed in the 1920s near the dramatic National Liberation Monument — itself completed in 1938 and featuring the biggest equestrian statue in the world — the exhibitions have been transformed several times, according to the political movement holding supremacy in Prague; during WWII the building was occupied by the Gestapo and during the 1950s, many of the displays were reinstalled to reflect Communism ideology.
Today, the museum is divided into three segments from 20th-century Czech history: the events of World War I (1914–18) and the lead up to an independent Czechoslovak Republic; the formation of the Czechoslovak Republic between the world wars; and finally, World War II (1939–45) and the national resistance movement as its heroic members worked to restore the independence of Czechoslovakia from Nazi and Soviet occupation.
A battle-scarred tank guards the entrance to the museum, which is crammed with a wealth of military uniforms, weaponry, platoon banners, medals and models depicting battle scenes. Highlights of the collections include personal artifacts donated by various Czechoslovak presidents and army leaders as well as harrowing images taken in concentrations camps during the Holocaust.
Practical Info
Open Tueday–Sunday 10am–6pm. Admission is free. For transportation, take bus 133, 175 or 207 to U Památníku from Florenc Metro station.
Address: U Památníku 2, Žižkov, Prague 3, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
From $ 35
Atalaya Castle
This iconic castle known as the Watchtower in English has a long history of strength and resistance, since Muslim residents held off three different sieges by James I or Aragon. It wasn’t until 1240 that defeat was admitted and the picture-perfect castle was taken by the Kingdom of Castile.
Today, travelers can visit this historic site and wander the interior courtyard framed by sky-high walls and wander the second floor where a reproduction of a khamsa—a well-known Muslim and North African image of an open hand—is on display.
Practical Info
The castle is located in the north-western part of Alicante between Castile and the former Kingdom or Aragon.
Address: Calle Primera Manzana, Alicante, Spain
Hours: Vary
Admission: € 3
From $ 527
Atletico de Madrid Museum
Soccer, or football as it’s known in Europe, is at the center of modern European athletics and, more often than not, conversation. Home to one of Spain’s premier teams, the Atletico de Madrid Museum grants access to the famous Vicente Calderón Stadium and training facilities — all while learning about the history of the sport.
Collections of athlete memorabilia, a projection room, interactive zone, and other exhibitions present the hundred year history of the club itself and show the progression of and changes to football in Europe. There is also an impressive display of trophies won by the Club Atletico de Madrid team, including 9 Copas del Rey (King’s Cups), 1 Supercopa de España (Spain Supercup), an Intercontinental Cup, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. Entertaining for fans and educational for all, the museum expertly presents a greater understanding of this piece of modern European life.
Practical Info
Located in the Arganzuela district, the Atletico de Madrid Museum in the Vicente Calderon Stadium. To get there, take the metro to the Puente de Vallecas stop. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, and closes during match times. Admission is €6 for adults and €3 for children.
Address: Paseo De Los Melancólicos, 67, Madrid 28005, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sun 11am-7pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Children: €3
From $ 31
Assumption Cathedral (Uspensky Sobor)
One of several churches in Cathedral Square inside of Moscow’s Kremlin, the Assumption Cathedral is arguably the most important. Constructed between 1475 and 1479 at the request of Grand Duke Ivan III of Moscow, it is regarded as the mother church of Muscovite Russia.
It was long the place of coronation for the Romanov tsars, and it was the burial place for Moscow metropolitans and patriarchs of the Orthodox Church. Designed by an Italian architect, the cathedral was built with five domes and became a model for other churches throughout Russia with its colorful frescoes that dominate the interior and its impressive iconostasis that dates back to 1547. The tsars often added icons to the iconostasis from the cities they conquered, and the oldest of those, from the 12th century, was brought to Moscow from Veliky Novgorod after it was captured in 1561. Near the south entrance to the cathedral, you can see the throne of Tsar Ivan IV.
Practical Info
To visit the Assumption Cathedral, you must buy a ticket to visit Cathedral Square inside the Kremlin. This includes admission to all museum-cathedrals inside the square and costs 350 rubles. Tickets can be purchased from a booth near the Kutafiya Tower in the Alexander Garden outside of the Kremlin. The Kremlin grounds are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, except for Thursday. The nearest Metro station is Biblioteka imeni Lenina or Borovitskaya. Photography is not permitted inside the cathedral.
Address: Moscow, Russia
Hours: Friday-Wednesday 10am-5pm
Admission: 350 rubles
From $ 71
Art Nouveau Museum
Located in the apartment where Latvian architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns once lived, Riga’s Art Nouveau Museum opened in April 2009. The building housing the museum was built in 1903 and features ornamental reliefs on the exterior and a spiral staircase and decorative ceiling paintings on the interior. The staircase is considered one of the most impressive in Europe. It is one of the highlights of Alberta iela, a street well known for its Art Nouveau-style architecture.
The museum’s current exhibition showcases typical furnishings of a Riga apartment in the early 20th century, including an entrance hall, living room, fireplace hall and an almost completely restored Art Nouveau apartment. A digital exhibition is scheduled to debut in 2016.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Riga’s famed Alberta iela, just a short walk from the Old Town. Entrance costs 6 euro from May 1 to September 30 and 3.50 euro from October 1 to April 30. Guided tours of the museum are available for 14.50 Euro or an audio guide is available for 7 Euro. Photography is welcome, and a shop sells souvenirs.
Address: 12 Alberta iela, Riga, Latvia
Hours: Daily except Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 3.50-6 euro
From $ 58