Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Beethoven Pasqualatihaus
Built into Vienna’s old city fortifications, the Beethoven Pasqualatihaus was named after its 18th-century owner, Josef Benedikt, the Baron Pasqualati. The musical prodigy Ludwig von Beethoven was born in Bonn in 1770 but made his residence in Vienna for 35 years; for eight years from 1804 onwards, the fourth-floor apartment of this whitewashed townhouse was his home. The Romantic composer wrote several symphonies, his opera Fidelio and the famous piece ‘Fur Elise’ while living here. His light, airy suite of rooms have now been transformed into a museum of his life; highlights of the displays include copies of his instruments, various imposing marble busts, manuscripts from the Fifth and Seventh symphonies, personal papers and family paintings as well as the renowned portrait by German artist and musician Willibrord Joseph Mähler in 1804.
Practical Info
Mölker Bastei 8. Open Tue–Sun 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm; admission adults €4, concessions €3 (also for ticket holders to Haus der Musik and the Mozarthaus Vienna), free aged 18 or under. Take the Metro U2 to Schottentor.
Address: Mölker Bastei 8, Vienna, Austria
Hours: Open Tue–Sun 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm
Admission: Adults €4
From $ 68
Bedrich Smetana Museum
The much-feted Czech composer Bedřich Smetana is regarded as the father of Czech music and is best known for his opera The Bartered Bride. Born in 1824, he was precociously talented and gave his first public performance aged six. He studied music in Prague before moving to Gothenburg in Sweden, where he continued writing music. In the early 1860s, Smetana returned to Prague and in 1866 became principal conductor at the city’s Provisional Theatre, where his first two operas were performed. His health failed in 1874 and although he composed until his death, he died in an asylum in 1884.
The Smetana Museum was established in his memory in 1926 and moved into its current handsome home next to Charles Bridge on the banks of the Vltava River in 1935. The building itself is worthy of mention: it is the Neo-Renaissance former Old Town Water Works, built in 1884 by Antonín Wiehl. Its exterior is covered in elaborate sgraffito work illustrating a battle between Bohemia and Sweden, which was fought on Charles Bridge in 1648.
Once inside, the museum is crammed with Smetana’s furniture, photographs of his family, scores of his greatest masterpieces, copies of his letters and a couple of his pianos. There’s the chance to listen to his music at the point of an electric baton as well as occasional recitals. A vast reclining bronze of the composer stands in the museum’s riverside courtyard and Smetana fans can take in regular concerts held in the atrium of the Czech Museum of Music, at Karmelitská 2-4 nearby.
Practical Info
Open Wed–Mon 10am–5pm. Admission for adults is 50 CZK; seniors, students and children aged 6–15 is 30 CZK; less than 6 go free; family tickets are 90 CZK. Entry is free with Prague Welcome Card. For transportation, take Metro Line A or Tram 17 to Staroměstská.
Address: Novotného lávka 1, Staré Město 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Wed–Mon 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 50CZK; Seniors, Students, Children aged 6–15: 30CZK
From $ 35
Bebelplatz
The Bebelplatz is a public square in the central ‘Mitte’ district of Germany’s capital city, Berlin. Today it is best known for being the site where some 20,000 newly banned books were burned by bonfire in 1933 on order of Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, because they conflicted with Nazi ideology. The square is surrounded by notable historical buildings, including the German State Opera (Staatsoper); St. Hedwig’s Cathedral (built in 1747 and modeled after Rome’s Pantheon, it was the first Catholic church built in Germany after the Protestant Reformation); and the former Royal Prussian Library (Alte Bibliothek) which is now part of Humboldt University.
All of the buildings on the Bebelplatz were destroyed in World War II and reconstructed afterward. An easily overlooked monument in the center of the square simply contains a pane of glass, which the visitor can look through to see many rows of empty bookshelves underground. A nearby plaque quotes the 19th-century German poet Heinrich Heine with, ‘Where they burn books, at the end they also burn people.’
Practical Info
Be sure to pack your walking shoes, because like many city centers in Germany, the Bebelplatz is a pedestrianonly square. It is located on the south side of Unter den Linden boulevard, a major eastwest thoroughfare that traverses Berlin’s city center. The square also has its own stop on public transit. The underground lines that stop there are the U6 (Französische Str.) and the U2 (Hausvogteiplatz). The bus lines going to Bebelplatz are: 100, 147, 200, N2, N6, and TXL.
Address: Bebelplatz, Berlin 10117, Germany
From $ 29
Bay of Kotor
Working its way inland from Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast, the fjord-like Bay of Kotor—known locally as Boca—is one of Europe’s great natural beauties. Backed by rugged mountain peaks, scattered with sparkling blue coves, and dotted with medieval waterfront villages, this glittering inlet reveals a postcard-perfect scene at every turn.
The Basics
Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a common day-trip outing from Dubrovnik in Croatia. Organized tours from the Croatian resort town typically include round-trip road transport, boat rides out on the bay, and free time in the historic towns of Kotor, Buda, Purist, and Risen. For a more active day out, consider a hiking, biking, or stand-up paddle boarding tour of the bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bay of Kotor is a must for scenery-seekers.
- Day trips from Dubrovnik involve crossing the Croatia–Montenegro border, so be sure to bring your passport.
- Remember that while Croatia uses the kuna, Montenegro uses the euro, which can be withdrawn from ATMs across the border.
- The cobbled surfaces and steps common in the Bay of Kotor’s historic towns can be challenging for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The town of Kotor is about 59 miles (95 kilometers) from Dubrovnik. If driving, factor in extra time for the border crossing. Kotor-bound buses depart from Dubrovnik’s main bus station. Without a car or the dedicated transport provided as part of an organized tour, traveling around the bay can be time-consuming, with only limited bus services available.
When to Get There
During the busy summer months, delays at the border are not uncommon. Depart early in the day to avoid long lines. Kotor can be crowded on days when multiple cruise ships dock at port, so check the cruise ship schedule in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
Highlights of the Bay
Climb to the top of the fortifications of Kotor’s medieval Old Town for views of the bay. Purist is known for its Venetian palazzos and architecture, while the seaside Erceg Novi offers a pretty waterfront promenade and a picturesque old town. Our Lady of the Rocks is a church-topped artificial island and Svelte Stefan is a former medieval fishing village turned luxury hotel connected to the mainland by a small strip of land.
Address: Kotor, Kotor Municipality, Montenegro, Montenegro
From $ 12
Begijnhof
On a visit to the Begijnhof, an enclosed former 14th-century convent, you’ll discover a surreal oasis of peace, with tiny houses and postage-stamp gardens around a well-kept courtyard.
Contained within the hof is the charming Begijnhofkapel, a "clandestine" chapel where the Beguines were forced to worship after their Gothic church was taken away by the Calvinists. Go through the dog-leg entrance to find marble columns, wooden pews, paintings and stained-glass windows commemorating the Miracle of Amsterdam.
The other church in the Begijnhof is known as the Engelse Kerk (English Church), built around 1392. It was eventually rented out to the local community of English and Scottish Presbyterian refugees, and still serves as the city's Presbyterian church. Also note the house at No. 34; it dates from around 1425, making it the oldest preserved wooden house in the country.
Practical Info
You can visit the Begijnhof, accessible via tram to Spui, only during the day. However, keep in mind that senior citizens live in the houses, and their privacy much be respected. The Beguinage is private property and is not a public ground, and is also a place of silence. It's requested that guests respect the silence.
Access is on Gedempte Begijnensloot, an alleyway off Spui. If the weather is nice, you could easily linger for a couple of hours here. Combine a visit here with the nearby Amsterdams Historisch Museum (Amsterdam Historical Museum).
Address: Spui (north side), Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 9am - 6:30pm, opens 1pm Mondays
Admission: Free
From $ 10
Bealach na Ba Pass
Hairpin bends aren’t just for the Alps. At Bealach Na Ba Pass in the remote Scottish Highlands, you can drive along the greatest road ascent in Britain. Full of twists and turns through the remote Highland landscape, the historic road runs from the pretty coastal village of Applecross right through the mountains up to 2,054 feet, making it the third-highest road in Scotland.
The drive can be a little scary at times, but just take it slow and be courteous enough to use the passing places. Local etiquette on Scotland’s single-track roads is to give the person who "gives way" a cheery wave or raise of the hand to say thanks.
When you get to the top of Bealach Na Ba, enjoy the views across the sea out to the isles of Skye, Rum and the Outer Hebrides. From the top car park, there are some great peaks to explore if you’re an experienced hiker, and as you’re already over 2,000 feet up, half the work has already been done for you.
Practical Info
Seventy-four miles west of Inverness, Bealach Na Ba Pass is often closed in winter conditions, and it’s unwise to take the trip in a big RV or with a caravan. Otherwise, you’re good to go.
Address: Applecross, Scotland
From $ 454
Beatles Story
This Beatles-centric museum is stuffed full of Fab Four memorabilia, from George Harrison’s first guitar to John Lennon’s orange-tinted glasses. Exhibits trace the journey of Liverpool’s hometown heroes and the rise of Beatlemania, and include a full-scale replica of the famous Cavern Club and a walk-in yellow submarine.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the Beatles Story exhibitions with the aid of a free Living History audio guide, which tells of the band’s rise, from their humble beginnings to the height of their dizzying fame. The venue’s Discovery Zone, which features interactive exhibits and a giant piano, is specially geared toward children.
Entrance tickets for the Beatles Story are often included on Beatles-themed tours departing from both from London and Liverpool, along with other Beatles attractions such as Penny Lane, the Cavern Club, and the Magical Mystery Tour bus.
Things to Know Before you Go
- Beatles Story is a must for music lovers and Beatles fans.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the on-site Fab4 Café.
- The Fab4 store sells Beatles merchandise and gifts, including posters, books, and T-shirts.
- The exhibitions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Beatles Story is situated on Albert Dock, part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site. The venue is about a 20-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street train station, and just 5 minutes from Liverpool One Bus Station. C4, C5, and CityLink buses all stop at Albert Dock.
When to Get There
The Beatles Story is busiest on weekend afternoons. The museum is quietest midweek. If you want to avoid the weekend rush, go in early morning (9 or 10am) or late afternoon (4 or 5pm) on Saturday or Sunday.
Beatles Sites in Liverpool
The Beatles Story is just one of many attractions in Liverpool with connections to the Fab Four. Fans may also want to visit the Cavern Club, where the young Beatles played gigs; the Casbah Coffee Club, where The Quarrymen—an early Ringo-free version of the band—played; and Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road, the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Beatrix Potter Gallery
For over a hundred years, characters like Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Peter Rabbit have made an indelible impression on children in Britain and beyond. Their creator, author Beatrix Potter, is intimately connected with the Lake District and this charming, compact gallery celebrates that bond with a display of original drawings showing the genesis of her books, which she wrote and illustrated herself.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is housed in a 17th century building which was once the office of Potter’s solicitor husband, William Heelis, and is situated in the town of Hawkshead. Exhibits also tell the life story of Potter herself and her commitment to conserving the natural beauty of the Lake District.
Practical Info
The village of Hawkshead is a picturesque 20-minute drive away from the town of Windermere. Once there, allow time to walk around this quaint market village, where the winding streets are closed to traffic. Apart from the Beatrix Potter Gallery, highlights include the Quaker Meeting House, known as the “Birthplace of Quakerism”, and the Old Grammar School once attended by poet William Wordsworth.
Address: Main Street, Hawkshead LA22 0NS, England
Hours: Closed Fridays, hours change seasonally
Admission: Adults: £4.40
From $ 65
Bayeux Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre Dame de Bayeux)
A National Monument of France and one of Bayeaux’s most eye-catching monuments, the Bayeux Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre Dame de Bayeux) is best known as the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry (now a UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ and displayed at the nearby Bayeux Tapestry Museum). Originally built in the 11th-century, the cathedral’s Gothic façade was reconstructed in the 12th century, but much of the Romanesque-style interiors remain intact, shown off by atmospheric lighting during the evening hours.
Consecrated in 1077 by Bishop Odo of Conteville in the presence of his brother and King of England, William the Conqueror, the cathedral’s strong English ties are portrayed in its vibrant frescos, which depict the life of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and of course, the iconic Bayeux Tapestry, said to have been commissioned by the Bishop to decorate its nave.
Practical Info
The Bayeux Cathedral is located in central Bayeux and is open daily between July and September from 8.30am-6pm.
Address: 4 Rue du Général de Dais, Bayeux 14400, France
From $ 100
Beauvais-Till e Airport (BVA)
Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA) opened in 1956 and is home to four budget airlines (Ryan Air, Wizz, Blue Air and Air Moldova) flying to and from 60 destinations in 21 countries throughout Europe—from Poland to Ireland—as well as North Africa. The airport has two terminals and handles nearly 4.5 million passengers each year.
Travelers can utilize transfer services to and from the airport with destinations such as Paris and Disneyland Paris. WiFi is available in both terminals, while most passenger facilities are in Terminal Two, including shops, restaurants, banks, currency change stations and ATMs.
Practical Info
Located in Tillé, 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Paris, Beauvais–Tillé Airport is accessible via car off the N1. TER Picardie runs a regular train service between Beauvais railway station and Paris Gard du Nord, taking about an hour and a half.
Address: Route de l’aéroport, Tillé, Beauvais, Picardy 60000, France
Hours: Daily 6am–11:15pm
From $ 24
Bavarian Alps
Stretching along the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps offer some of southern Germany’s most spectacular scenery. Think dizzying mountain roads circling vast lakes, forested peaks capped with fairy-tale castles, and picturesque medieval villages tucked away in alpine valleys.
The Basics
Most visitors explore the Bavarian Alps from Munich or on a day tour from Salzburg, Austria. Popular destinations include King Ludwig II’s magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle; Hitler’s legendary Eagle’s Nest retreat at Berchtesgaden; Oberammergau, where the world-renowned Passion Play is held each decade; and lively Füssen, at the start of the Romantic Road tourist trail. Day trips along the German Alpine Road are also popular, running from Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden and affording incredible mountain views.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can get cold in the mountains, even in summer, so pack plenty of layers and warm clothing for the evening hours.
- The mountain roads that connect the alpine villages can be steep and winding, so always allow extra travel time. In winter, road closures are common and cars should be equipped for driving in snow.
- Bavarian villages are great destinations for food lovers: Be sure to try dumplings (knödel), white sausages (weisswurst), noodles (spätzle), and, of course, Bavarian beer.
How to Get There
The easiest way to explore the Bavarian Alps is by private transport or by joining a guided tour, but trains and buses also connect Munich with many alpine resort towns, including Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bad Tölz, and Berchtesgaden. The closest international airports are in Munich and Salzburg.
When to Get There
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Bavarian Alps, and towns like Füssen, Oberammergau, and Berchtesgaden are busiest during July and August—make an early start if you want to avoid the crowds. For hikers, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, while the ski season typically runs December through March. In November and January, tours and accommodation are often cheaper, but many attractions, guesthouses, and restaurants may be closed.
Things to Do in the Bavarian Mountains
Whether you have a day or a week to explore, there are plenty of things to do in the mountains. Take the train or cable car to panoramic views at the top of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 9,718 feet (2,962 meters); visit hugely popular Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany’s highest ski resort; learn the traditional art of cheese making in the Allgäu region; or tackle one of the Alps’ many hiking trails.
Address: Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
From $ 52
Becherovka Museum
The Becherovka Museum, less than two hours west of Prague, is home to one of the Czech Republic's most beloved liquors, called Becherovka. At the museum, visitors can learn about the liquor as well as tour the distillery and the original cellars. While you're there, you can also taste this liquor that has been produced for centuries. It is made from Karlsbad water, alcohol, sugar, and a mixture of herbs and spices, although the exact recipe is said to be known by only two people today.
The company was founded over two centuries ago by Jan Becher, who came up with the recipe in a pharmacy that is now the museum. A visit to the museum also allows visitors to learn about the history of the company's beginnings and how the liquor survived during the communist regime when the company was forced to hand over the recipe.
Practical Info
The Becherovka Museum is located at T. G. Masaryka 57 in Karlovy Vary, which is about 79 miles west of Prague.
Address: T. G. Masaryka 57, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Admission: 120 CZK
From $ 101
Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry might be almost 1,000 years old, but it’s still one of the top tourist attractions in northern France. Housed in a purpose-built museum and depicting the infamous Norman invasion of England, its detailed needlework and impressive size draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world every year.
The Basics
A UNESCO “Memory of the World,” the Bayeux Tapestry is a very rare object, one of few textiles to last almost 1,000 years. The 230-foot-long (70 meter) embroidered frieze shows William the Conqueror invading England, and the subsequent Battle of Hastings told from the point of view of the victorious Normans.
Since 1983, the tapestry has been displayed behind glass in a purpose-built, climate-controlled museum called Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie), in central Bayeux. The colors and level of detail of the figures shown are remarkable when viewed up close, and make the tapestry a must-visit stop on guided tours of northern France.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the Tapestry Museum is by paid ticket.
- Discounts are available for students and seniors.
- Audio guides can be rented at the reception desk.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors can buy a combined ticket to see other museums in Bayeux.
How to Get There
The Tapestry Museum is located at 13B Rue de Nesmond in Bayeux, France. It’s accessible by car or as part of a guided tour that includes transport. Rail links join Bayeux with St.-Lazare station in Paris.
When to Get There
The museum is open seven days a week from February to December, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It closes for the whole month of January. From March to October, it is open from 9am–6:30pm (until 7pm in May–August). In November, December, and February, the museum closes every day for lunch, 12:30pm–2pm.
Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
Also found in Bayeux is the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum that details the events leading up to and including the Normandy or “D-Day” landings. With a collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, guns, and armored vehicles, the museum recreates the events of August 1944 in vivid detail and will be of interest to visitors who want to learn more about the history of the Second World War.
Address: Bayeux, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
Beatles-Platz
The city of Hamburg played a big part in Beatles history. The famous band made it big in Hamburg and spent their early days playing at a variety of clubs in Hamburg's St. Pauli neighborhood. In 2001 a radio program manager proposed the idea of having a square to honor the band's importance in Hamburg's history. Beatles Platz was finally finished in 2008.
The square has five metal silhouette statues to represent each musician who was at one point a member of the band: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, Ringo Starr, and Pete Best. The drummer statue represents both Ringo Starr and Pete Best, who was the drummer before Ringo. Visitors often stand in the life-sized silhouettes and pretend they are part of the band. The square is actually circular with a 95-foot diameter and was paved black to look like a vinyl record. There are also steel bands with the names of around 70 Beatles songs engraved on them.
Practical Info
Beatles-Platz is located at the intersection of Reeperbahn and Grosse Freiheit. To get there take the S1, S2, or S3 to the Reeperbahn station.
Address: Reeperbahn & Grosse Freiheit, Hamburg 20359, Germany
From $ 16
Beguinage (Begijnhof)
Bruges’ Beguinage (Begijnhof) or “Ter Weyngaerde" is one of the most famous and best preserved of Belgium’s Beguinages, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the town’s most-visited attractions, it offers a glimpse into the European Beguine movement of the Middle Ages.
The Basics
Most Bruges city tours include a stop at the Beguinage, and it’s a striking sight with its stark white buildings fronted by tall trees and looking out over a daffodil-filled courtyard. Visitors can wander around the historic buildings and gardens, explore the traditional crafts workshops, and peek inside the 13th-century church. The Beguinage Museum is also a highlight, providing insight into the Beguinage and the solitude of the Beguine lifestyle. Visit independently, ask part of a group walking tour, or even on a day trip from Paris.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the Beguinage is free, but there is an entrance fee for the Beguinage Museum.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking to the Beguinage—the area around the Beguinage is made up of flat cobblestones and narrow waterfront lanes.
- The Beguinage is mostly wheelchair accessible, although some parts of the historic buildings are not.
How to Get There
The Beguinage is located just south of the historic center of Bruges, an around 15-minute walk from the main market square. The easiest way to get there is on foot or by bike, but taxis will also drop you off just outside.
When to Get There
The Beguinage is open year-round, but it can get busy in the summer months of July and August, when it’s best to visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
History of the Beguinage
Bruges’ Beguinage is one of the most notable examples of a traditional Flemish beguinage, a secluded complex of houses, churches, and gardens set up to house Beguines—pious lay women who devoted their lives to God. Countess Johanna of Constantinople founded the Beguinage in Bruges in 1230. Until 1926, it housed a small community of Beguines. Today, the compound is home to around 25 Benedictine nuns, but remnants of its Beguine past still live on.
Address: Wijngaardstraat, Bruges, Belgium
From $ 12
Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera)
The Bavarian State Opera is one of the world’s leading opera houses, with over 400 performances and 600,000 visitors yearly. Its history spans over three centuries and helped shape Munich as we know it today, a culture-savvy metropolis with unparalleled elegance and flair. Thanks to a controversial yet deep friendship with King Ludwig II, Richard Wagner himself premiered many of his music dramas (including The Valkyrie, The Master-Singers of Nuremberg, The Fairies, The Rhinegold, and Tristan and Isolde) at the Bavarian State Opera, which at the time – and arguably still is to this day – was considered the limelight of music in Europe. Nowadays, over 30 different operas, recitals, ballets, and concerts are staged every season in the splendid original Rococo Cuvilliés-Theater, the largest of its kind in Germany and perhaps the most spectacular in all of Europe. This is also where the Munich Opera Festival, the most important and acclaimed opera festival in the world, takes places.
Practical Info
Guided tours of the Bavarian State Opera are available upon request in six different languages either before or after the show.
The Bavarian State Opera is located on Max-Joseph-Platz in central Munich. It can be reached on foot from many of Munich’s top attractions, like Marienplatz and Hofgarten. Visitors can also get there by tram and by S-bahn by alighting at stop Marienplatz. Ticket prices vary between €11 and €160 depending on the seat selection.
Address: Max-Joseph-Platz 2, Munich, Bavaria 80539, Germany
Admission: Ticket prices vary between €11 and €160 depending on the seat selection.
From $ 35
Bay of Arcachon
With 47 miles (76 kilometers) of seafront and lakeside beaches, idyllic resort towns fringed with pine forests and marshlands, and Europe’s tallest sand dune, the Bay of Arcachon is the retreat of choice for nature lovers heading to France’s Atlantic Coast.
The Basics
Just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, the Bay of Arcachon is perfect for day-trippers looking to climb the famous Pyla Sand Dune (Dune du Pyla) and gastronomes eager to sample delicious fresh oysters. You can gaze out across the Atlantic on a half-day tour from the city (perhaps combined with a wine tasting tour of Bordeaux), but to fully experience the bay, opt to spend a couple of days here. Stay overnight at the resort town of Arcachon or journey along the peninsula to Cap Ferret, taking plenty of beach breaks along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The best swimming beaches are those facing the Arcachon Basin, which are known for their calmer waters.
- The big waves of the Atlantic Coast beaches are great for surfing.
- Most towns around the Arcachon Bay follow standard French opening hours. Expect shops to be closed from noon to 2pm and restaurants to be open from noon to 2.30pm for lunch, and from 7pm to 10pm for dinner.
How to Get There
Arcachon Bay is located along the southwest coast of France in the region of Aquitaine and Gironde, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of Bordeaux. The closest international airport is the Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, and regular buses and trains run between Bordeaux and the town of Arcachon. Getting around the peninsula is best done by car, but ferries also connect the resorts of Arcachon, Cap Ferret, Moulleau, Andernos, and Le Canon.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit the Bay of Arcachon is in summer, but resorts can book up quickly during July and August. To escape the crowds but still enjoy the sunshine, visit during shoulder season (May to June or Sept to Oct), when prices for hotels and tours tend to be low.. Visiting in winter can be a bargain, but be aware that many hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities are closed in the low season.
Arcachon Bay’s Outdoor Activities
Along with swimming and water sports, adventurous travelers can hike and bike in the Landes forest, set sail for a fishing cruise around Lac de Cazaux, take a horseback ride along the beach, or tee off at one of the Arcachon Bay’s three golf courses. Bird watchers can also visit the Teich Bird Reserve or cruise out to the L'île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island).
Address: France
From $ 80
Bay of Naples
One of the most important gulfs in southern Italy, the Bay of Naples is home to the vibrant city of Naples, the resort town of Sorrento, and the lovely islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Mount Vesuvius looms over the coastline, a dramatic reminder that ruins of the ancient Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum are also located here.
The Basics
South of Naples and north of the Sorrentine Peninsula, “the Bay of Naples” refers to both this gulf in the Mediterranean Sea and its coastline area. The bay has been attracting Europe’s writers and artists since the 18th century, drawn by the stunning views and Roman ruins. By far the best way to explore is by sea, so consider joining a private boat trip or small-group cruise from Naples or Sorrento to bay highlights like the Island of Capri, beloved by Roman emperors like Tiberius and known for its famous Blue Grotto, and Sorrento, the main town on the Sorrentine Peninsula with its bustling Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia. By land, you can opt for a sightseeing tour of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum (Ercolano), touring these archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a local guide; a sightseeing tour of Naples and its world-class archaeological museum; or a driving tour along the coastline to the nearby Amalfi Coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boat trips are fun for adults and kids, so the Bay of Naples is perfect for a family-friendly tour.
- The Bay of Naples has some of the most breathtaking scenery in Italy, so be sure to bring your camera.
- Wear a hat and sunblock for both land and sea tours; if taking a boat tour, bring your swimsuit, as many private trips include stops for swimming.
- Many boats are not accessible to wheelchairs, so check before booking a boat tour.
How to Get There
The Bay of Naples is located along the coast of Italy’s southern Campania region, which can be reached by air or train from Rome or Naples.
When to Get There
The waters in the Bay of Naples can be choppy from November to April, and boat trips and cruises are frequently cancelled. It’s wiser to book a boat tour during the summer months, when the weather is mild.
The Amalfi Coast
Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast is located just to the south of the Bay of Naples, and popular driving tours from Naples and Sorrento on the Bay of Naples including highlights like Amalfi and its famous Duomo, the colorful houses of Positano, and Ravello’s famous scenic terraces over the Mediterranean Sea.
Address: Naples, Italy
From $ 31
Beethoven Wohnung Heiligenstadt
An apartment located in Vienna’s suburb of Heiligenstadt, away from the bustle of the city, holds special meaning for many musicians. Here, Ludwig van Beethoven composed many of his famous symphonies and sonatas. In 1802, the composer retreated to this apartment in the countryside and wrote a letter to his brothers. In the famous unsent document, called the Heiligenstädter Testament, Beethoven expressed his despair over his advancing deafness. In the letter, he describes what it was like to be going deaf, he dealt with feelings of deep anger, and ultimately he found a way to continue with his life and his music. Other exhibits at the Beethoven Wohnung Heiligenstadt take a look at the compositions he created in the summer of 1802, and show the visitor what the area of Heiligenstadt was like at that time. Another room in the apartment examines the composer’s last months of life – and his death in the Schwarzspanierhaus (which no longer exists). The apartment’s rooms remain intact, and visitors can really get a sense of why this place was a calm writing retreat for the famous classical composer.
Practical Info
The museum is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month.
Address: 1190 Vienna, Probusgasse 6, Vienna, Austria
Hours: Open Tues-Sun and holidays 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
Admission: Adults: 5 €; Children: Free
From $ 68
Bayir Village
Bayir Village is a small town on the Bozburun Peninsula in southwestern Turkey. It is built on top of the ancient city of Syrna, and it is believed that the town's mosque sits on top of the temple of Asklepios, the god of health, although there are no traces of the temple today. Just outside the village you will find ruins from the ancient city. There is an acropolis, pieces of the old city walls, some gravestones, and the remains of a few other structures. Another big attraction in Bayir is a 2,300 year old tree called Old Plane Tree. It is said to bring good luck and extend your life if you circle it three times. There are several cafes near the tree where you can sample the local food and drink some tea. There are also a few shops where you can buy local honey
Bayir Village is often included on jeep safari tours to various villages in the area. Bayir is located on top of a hill which provides spectacular views of the village and the surrounding peninsula. This small town will show visitors a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life.
Practical Info
Bayir Village is located about 16 miles south of Marmaris and can be reached by bus or boat. The nearest airport is the Dalaman Airport, which is about 76 miles away.
Address: Bayir Village 48000, Turkey
From $ 13