Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
ShowingFilter 341-360 of 4530 listings.
Belfast City Hall
The neo-Baroque Belfast City Hall is home to a memorial garden and visitor exhibition that provide insight into the city’s history. Built to commemorate Belfast’s new city status in the late 1800s, the building survived the Belfast Blitz, and was at the center of the 2013 dispute regarding its continued use of the Union flag.
The Basics
As a focal point in the Belfast landscape, most city sightseeing tours include a stop at City Hall, including round-trip day tours from Dublin. As you stroll the grounds of the Portland stone structure, you’ll see the copper dome, Queen Victoria statue, and controversial Union flag flying from the pediment. You can also book a politics-focused tour to gain deeper insight into the city’s complex past.
Things to Know Before You Go
- City Hall is a must for anyone interested in Belfast’s social history.
- Remember to bring a coat and umbrella during rainy months, as the memorial gardens and lawns are uncovered.
- The building is accessible for wheelchairs, with adapted toilets, a ramped entrance and exit, and a lift.
How to Get There
City Hall features on many guided walking tours of Belfast, which can be useful for orienting yourself in the city. Otherwise, Lanyon Place and Great Victoria Street stations are both a short walk from City Hall, and the 6A bus serves Donegall Square directly. Belfast is a typical capital city—lots of traffic—so it’s best to avoid driving because parking can be a challenge.
When to Get There
Belfast City Hall is open year round, though the building, grounds, gift shop, and exhibition all keep slightly different hours. In summer, you can picnic on the outdoor lawns or simply relax on the freshly kept grass.
History in Stained Glass
The building’s stained glass windows reveal the history of Belfast and pay homage to important community members. The Belfast Dockers Strike window, located on the northeast corridor of the ground floor, is a particularly powerful installation that demonstrates the power of a united Belfast.
Address: Donegall Square N, Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland BT1 5GS, Northern Ireland
From $ 19
Belogradchik Fortress
Also known as Kaleto, the Belogradchik Fortress is an ancient fortress standing on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria. One of the best-preserved fortresses in the country, it dates to Roman times and was expanded over the years by the Byzantines, Bulgarians and Turks. Covering 10,000 square meters and featuring walls over two meters thick and up to 12 meters tall, the fortress was last used for war during the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885. Set among spectacular rock formations that served as natural protection, the fortress almost blends in with its surroundings.
Today, the fortress is open to the public as an open-air museum. Visitors can wander through the three fortified courtyards, check out the defensive bunkers and climb up steep ladders to some of the highest rocks around the fortress.
Practical Info
The Belogradchik Fortress is just outside of the village of Belogradchik in northwestern Bulgaria. The village is nearly a three-hour drive from the capital of Sofia. From the center of Belogradchik, follow ul. Tsolo Todorov uphill for about one kilometer to the end of the street.
Address: ul Tsolo Todorov, Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Hours: June-September, 9am-6pm.; October-May, 9am-5pm
Admission: 6 lv
From $ 7
Bene Beach
Hidden away at the foot of Marjan Hill just west of downtown Split, Bene Beach makes a tranquil alternative to the busy city beaches. It’s a scenic spot, with its rocky shore bordered by pine trees and only accessible on foot, and makes a popular choice for families in the summer months thanks to its patrolled swimming area.
As well as cooling off in the ocean, Bene Beach is a starting point for kayaking tours, while the surrounding Marjan Forest Park offers tennis courts, football pitches and ample opportunities for hiking or cycling. The beach itself is equally well equipped, with a terrace restaurant, changing rooms and showers, plus children’s playgrounds and a water slide.
Practical Info
Bene Beach is located at the foot of Marjan Hill in central Split.
Address: Setaliste Martina Tartaglie, Split, Croatia
From $ 35
Benedictine Monastery
Founded in the early 11th century on the island of Lokrum 600 meters from the mainland and the city of Dubrovnik, the monastery came to be after monks fled the great fire that destroyed the capital in 1023, vowing to honor Saint Benedict should he protect their lives and the island that offered them shelter. They, later on, started to cultivate exotic plants and sour fruits there and continued to do so until the 19th century. Many locals like to think that the island is haunted; rumor has it that after having been forced out of their beloved monastery upon orders of the French army, the monks put a curse on anyone who would ultimately try to seek and claim it as its own. And indeed, future owners all ominously met severe misfortune and calamities, from tragic shipwrecks to bankruptcies.
The monastery was built and expanded over several centuries, which explains the presence of a variety of architectural styles. Nowadays, however, only ruins remain of the original Romanesque structure, with rubbles of the two original churches along with some frescoes and stone reliefs. The cloisters of a later-built Gothic structure still exist and give a better sense of what it must have been like to live in the monastery back in the Renaissance days. The ruins are open to visitors, and a day trip to Lokrum shouldn’t take more than a few hours as the islet is barely over a mile wide. In fact, there are no hotels on Lokrum and, therefore, it is not possible to stay overnight.
Practical Info
Fun bits of trivia: the monastery was used as a filming location for popular TV series Game of Thrones.
Address: 20000, Lokrum ul., Dubrovnik, Dalmatia 20000, Croatia
Hours: Open every day until 6 PM, except during poor weather.
From $ 32
Belfast Cruise Port
Belfast is known for its shipbuilding heritage, urban regeneration, and blossoming food scene. As well as providing easy access to attractions such as Titanic Belfast, Belfast cruise port also serves as the gateway to Northern Ireland’s other big-name sights, including the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
The Basics
Travelers docking at Belfast cruise port can choose between shorter shore excursions lasting just a couple of hours, such as hop-on hop-off bus tours of Belfast and city walking tours, or longer organized tours. Daylong shore excursions often combine guided tours of Belfast city with visits to other sights in Northern Ireland—most commonly attractions along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route such as the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. Some day tours also include visits to Game of Thrones filming locations such as Dunluce Castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Belfast shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the Belfast cruise port.
- Tours that venture outside of the Belfast area require some travel and typically last 6–8 hours.
- Belfast shore excursions that focus only on city center sights are usually shorter.
How to Get to Belfast City From the Belfast Cruise Port
Most large cruise ships dock at Stormont Wharf, which is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the city center. Many cruise operators offer shuttle buses into town for a fee. Taxis are also available for the 10- to 15-minute journey.
Port Information
A small tourist information desk is often available at the port, offering maps and information about shuttle bus departures. Shuttle buses typically depart from the cruise port and stop at Belfast City Hall, near the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre. The information center has currency exchange services and left luggage, as well as free information and advice on what to do and see in Belfast.
Address: Port of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
From $ 16
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Established in 1951, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve in the Scottish Highlands is Great Britain's oldest national nature reserve. It covers an area of more than 18 square miles ranging from lochs to mountains. The nature reserve is home to many rare plants and protected animals, including red deer, golden eagles, and pine martens. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty are available for exploring the area. Three paths that start near the visitor center are open all year. For those looking for longer hikes, there is a woodland trail that goes through the ancient pine forest, and a mountain trail that climbs into the mountainous terrain and offers a more strenuous excursion.
Beinn Eighe itself is a huge cluster of rugged mountains, ridges, and scree-covered slopes between Loch Maree and Glen Torridon. This area offers opportunities for more challenging trekking for more experienced hikers.
Practical Info
The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve visitor center is located outside of Kinlochewe and is open from Easter to October.
Address: Kinlochewe, Scotland
From $ 51
Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)
Built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the magnificent Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) is among the many treasures of Vienna’s Baroque era and a UNESCO World Heritage–listed monument.
The Basics
Guided tours of the Belvedere Palace include the main palace buildings—the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and Winter Palace (the Orangery)—as well as the Royal Stables and the lavish palace gardens. Opt to visit as part of a Vienna city tour; explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or using a Vienna Card; or combine it with a horse and carriage tour or candlelight dinner in Vienna.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan around two hours to visit the palace and gardens.
- Separate or combination tickets are available for the Upper Palace and Lower Palace.
- Visitor facilities include a gift shop, café, and restaurant at both palaces.
- All the palace buildings are fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Belvedere Palace is located about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) south of Vienna’s historic center, just off the Ringstrasse. It’s easily accessible by tram (Tram D, Schloss Belvedere or Gusshausstrasse station), U-Bahn trains (Hauptbahnhof station), or S-Bahn trains (Quartier Belvedere station).
When to Get There
The palace is open daily year-round, but it can get busy during the peak summer months, so plan an early visit to avoid the crowds. To experience the palace at its most atmospheric, time your visit for the festive season, when a lively Christmas Market is held in the palace grounds, or look out for special evening openings and exhibitions, which offer a chance to admire the illuminated palaces by night.
Art Masterpieces at the Belvedere
The Belvedere houses one of Vienna’s most impressive collections of Austrian art, with the most notable collection on display in the Upper Belvedere. Highlights include the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including famous works such as The Kiss and Judith; an important display of Viennese Biedermeier art; and works by acclaimed artists including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Oskar Laske, Paul Troger, and Max Beckmann.
Address: Fasangasse 18, Vienna 1030, Austria
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm. Open until 9pm on Fridays.
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Bell Tower
One of the foremost landmarks of Dubrovnik’s atmospheric Old Town, the bell tower stands at the eastern end of Stradun, the main thoroughfare, and looms over Luza Square. The 31-m (102-ft) stone tower is topped with a stumpy dome and flanked by some of Dubrovnik’s most spectacular architecture, including the lovely Sponza Palace, St Blaise Church and Orlando’s Column. Constructed in 1444, the tower was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1667 and began to lean alarmingly; by the 18th century it had fallen into disrepair and it was not until the late 1920s that repair work began and the tower acquired its present shape and clock, the face of which resembles an octopus and also portrays the phases of the moon. Consequently, very little of the original tower has survived to the present day except the two-tonne bronze bell, which was cast by master metalworker Ivan Krstitelj Rabljanin from nearby Rab Island. The bell is bracketed by two bronze figures – now tinged green with age – known locally as the ‘zelenci’ or the ‘green ones’ and who strike the bell on the hour every hour – their much-restored originals are now on display in the Rector’s Palace along with the original clock mechanism.
Practical Info
Luza Square, Dubrovnik. Closed to the public. Best accessed on foot in the pedestrianized Old Town.
Address: Luza Square, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia 20000, Croatia
From $ 20
Belfry (Belfort)
Dominating the city skyline from all angles, the striking, 83-meter high Belfry (Belfort) is one of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks, standing proud over the central Market Square. Dating back to 1240, the historic bell tower has undergone a number of changes over the years, damaged by fire in the late 13th-century and hit by lightning twice. Today, the Belfort is both a UNESCO World heritage site and one of the city’s top tourist attractions.
A popular pastime for visitors is climbing the 366 spiraling steps to the top of the 83-meter-high tower, from where the panoramic views look out over the entire city and it’s possible to peek inside the carillon with its 47 bells and impressive clockwork mechanism. Along the way, a number of small rooms are also open to the public, including the old treasury, where the city’s rights and charters were once kept, and an exhibition on the tower’s bells.
Practical Info
The Belfry (Belfort) is located in the Market Square in central Bruges and is open daily from 9.30am- 5pm. Adult admission costs €8.
Address: Markt 7, Bruges, Belgium
Hours: Open daily 9.30am- 5pm
Admission: Adults: €8
From $ 12
Bel em Palace (Palacio de Bel em)
Belem Palace was the official residence of Portugal's monarchs, and since 1910 it has been the home of the country's Presidents. It is located in the Belem neighborhood on a hill near the banks of the Tagus River. It consists of five buildings and was constructed in the late 16th century. There are manicured gardens and a statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, the Viceroy of India, standing on a 20 meter high pedestal in front of the palace. The changing of the guard takes place at 11am on the third Sunday of each month near the Patio dos Bichos entrance.
Today the palace also houses the Presidency Museum, which examines the history of the Portuguese Republic and its presidents. It has a permanent exhibit that explains the history of the country's symbols, such as the flag and the national anthem. Another section looks at the role of the presidents through a collection of photographs. There are portraits of each the country's presidents in one section and gifts the presidents received from other world leaders in another part of the museum.
Practical Info
Belem Palace is located at Praca Afonso de Albuquerque. To get there take tram 15. The palace can be visited on Saturdays from 10:30am to 4:30pm. The Presidency Museum is open from 10am to 6pm daily except Mondays. Admission is 5 euros.
Address: Praca Afonso de Albuquerque, Lisbon, Lisboa 1300, Portugal
Hours: Palace: Saturdays 10:30am to 4:30pm; Museum: Open daily except Mondays 10am to 6pm
Admission: 5 euros
From $ 23
Ben Nevis
At 4,409 feet (1,344 meters), Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, a status which makes it a popular destination for climbers. The most frequently used route to the summit is via the Pony Track which begins at Achintee, just outside of Fort William, but even that takes up to nine hours for a round trip and is not recommended for complete beginners.
Thankfully the area also offers a huge range of less arduous activities, including fly fishing, golf, mountain bike riding, pony trekking, kayaking and lowland walking. Pick up a guide in Fort William and set out on one of the numerous well-marked paths, many of which will offer majestic views of Ben Nevis. There's also a popular cycling route along the Caledonian Canal.
Practical Info
Fort William, the closest town to Ben Nevis, can be reached from Glasgow via the scenic West Highland Railway.
Address: Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 52
Belgrade Fortress
Standing on a 410-foot (125-meter) cliff overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Serbia's Belgrade Fortress has beckoned visitors (and scared off enemies) for centuries. This 124-acre (50-hectare) vantage point served as a military outpost since the first century AD, but is now enjoyed for its history, enormity and spectacular sunset views.
Essentially a large park within fortress walls, the site contains two museums, two towers, a bunker and a Roman Well spread out throughout three main areas: Upper Town, Lower Town and Kalemegdan Park. Upper Town features preserved ramparts of the fortress, as well as the Military Museum, Victor Monument and Ruzica Church, which contains chandeliers made of ammunition casings and a chapel with an allegedly miraculous spring; Lower Town sits on the banks of the Danube River, and while it was the city center in the Middle Ages, only a few buildings have survived. The 18th century Turkish Bath now houses a planetarium.
Kalemegdan Park offers great river views, as well as walking paths, a zoo and an amusement park. Allow a few hours to visit the entire fortress and consider joining a tour to ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
Practical Info
Belgrade Fortress is a short walk from central Belgrade or the Belgrade train station. To get there using public transportation, take tram 2, bus 31 or trolleys 19, 21, 22, 28, 29 or 41 to Kalemegdan Park.
Admission to the grounds is free, and the fortress is open 24 hours. Museums, churches and specific attractions vary by price and opening hours, but you'll find most attractions open between 11am and 7pm.
Since the grounds are huge, it's recommended visiting by guided tour to ensure you see all the highlights. Food, drink and souvenirs are available at one of the many kiosks throughout the fortress grounds.
Address: Terazije 3, Belgrade, Serbia
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Bellver Castle
Set atop a wooded hill overlooking Palma, the 14th-century Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) is known for its distinctive circular design—it is supposedly the only Spanish castle to bear this shape. Built for King James II, the castle later served as a military prison and mint and now houses the City History Museum (Museu d'Història de la Ciutat).
The Basics
Many sightseeing tours of Palma de Mallorca (Majorca), including bike tours and boat tours, pass by the castle’s Gothic-style exterior. To fully appreciate the history of the fortress, it’s necessary to go inside. Visitors can explore history-focused exhibits and see graffiti left by former prisoners on the castle’s upper walls. Guided tours, lasting 30 minutes, are also offered. Alternatively, download the app beforehand and explore with the aid of an audio guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bellver Castle is a must for history buffs, architecture geeks, and sightseers.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the approach to Bellver Castle is up a steep hill.
- Bring a camera to capture the great views over Palma bay and the city afforded by the hilltop castle.
How to Get There
Bellver Castle is situated on Carrer de Camilo José Cela, about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) west of Palma’s Old Town on the island of Mallorca off Spain’s east coast. EMT Palma buses numbers 3, 20, and 46 stop at Place Gomila or Joan Miró 16, both of which are about a 20-minute walk from the castle proper. Hop-on hop-off buses and sightseeing tours with transfers will drop you closer to the castle entrance.
When to Get There
The castle is open Tuesday–Sunday and is busiest during the summer months, from June through August. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds. If you want to join a guided tour of the castle, come between Tuesday and Saturday, when guided English-language tours take place mid-morning.
Other Historical Attractions in Palma
After exploring Bellver Castle, you may want to visit other noteworthy historical attractions in Palma, such as the Palma La Seu Cathedral. Converted from a Moorish-era mosque by King James I, the magnificent Gothic-style structure is now one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Also worth seeking out is Almudaina Palace, a former Islamic fort that was converted after the arrival of the Christian monarchs in the 13th century.
Address: Calle Camilo José Cela, s/n, Palma de Mallorca 07014, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Belfry and Lakenhalle (Bell Tower and Cloth Hall)
Book-ending the square of Botermarkt with St Bavo’s Cathedral, the ornate UNESCO-listed Belfry and the Cloth Hall at its feet stand testament to the great wealth of Ghent in the 14th century; built with money from members of the wool and textiles guilds, they are in striking Brabant Gothic style. The Belfry is topped with a gilded copper dragon and holds a carillon of 54 bells that have rung for more than six centuries; take the elevator to the viewing gallery at 66 m (217 ft) above Sint-Baafsplein to see the bells and take in panoramic views of gabled facades, St Bavo’s Cathedral and the Gothic ornamentation of St Nicholas’ Church. A small museum displays models of the church, a few pieces of armor and the original dragon from atop the tower.
The Cloth Hall dates from 1425 and was built as the storehouse for textile produced in Ghent; every piece had to be inspected here for quality before it could be exported. The hall still has its original carved wooden ceiling and a Baroque extension added in 1741 served as the city’s prison until 1902. Like Graslei and Korenlei, the Belfry looks spectacular when floodlit at night.
Practical Info
Sint-Baafsplein. Admission €6 adults, €4.50 seniors, €2 students 19–26, free for age 18 and under. Open daily 10am–6pm.
Address: Emile Braunplein, Ghent 9000, Belgium
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults: €6
From $ 9
Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum competes with the Acropolis Museum and National Museum of Archaeology as one of the top three museums in Athens. It was established in 1930 by wealthy philanthropist Antonis Benakis in his neo-classical family mansion opposite the National Gardens, and he kick-started the collection by donating nearly 40,000 pieces of Byzantine and Islamic art to the museum. Further donations from private collectors over the decades swelled the exhibitions and resulted in the museum being extended several times.
Following a revamp in the early 21st century, the oriental and Islamic art was moved to thesatellite Museum of Islamic Art in Kerameikos and there is also an annexe on Pireos Street in the newly trendy district of Rouf, showcasing all that’s best on the Athens contemporary art scene. The Benaki Museum itself now concentrates solely on Greek history from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 through the formation of the Greek state in 1821 and on to the 1922, when the defeat of the Greek army in the Asia Minor Disaster led to the massacre of thousands of Greeks living in Turkey and the displacement of a million more. Showpieces among the museum’s fine collections are rare 17th-century embroidery from Cyprus, vivid traditional costumes from mainland Greece and weaponry from the independence struggles of 1821.
Practical Info
Benaki Museum: 1 Koumbari Street; open Wed & Fri 9am–5pm, Thur–Sat 9am-12am, Sun 9am–3pm, admission €7 (concessions €5 students and seniors); free on Thursday until March 2016. Take Metro line 2 or 3 to Syntagma.
The Museum of Islamic Art is open Thur–Sun 9am–5pm. Admission €7 (concessions €5 students and seniors); free on Thursday until March 2016. The new Benaki Musemat 138 Pireos Street is open Thur & Sun 10am–6pm, Fri & Sat 10am–10pm. Admission depends on exhibitions but is around €4.
Address: Koumpari 1, Athens, Greece
Hours: Wed & Fri 9am–5pm, Thur–Sat 9am-12am, Sun 9am–3pm
Admission: €7
From $ 10
Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico)
Each day at noon, a crowd gathers beneath the bell tower of Messina’s Cathedral to watch as the gilded statues on the astronomical clock seem to come to life. As the bells chime, the lion roars, the rooster crows, statues strike the hour, and mechanical figures replay biblical and allegorical scenes. It's a spectacle no tourist should miss.
The Basics
The Cathedral’s original 200-foot (61-meter) bell tower was built in the late 16th century, but after being destroyed by an earthquake, it was rebuilt and, in 1933, an astronomical clock was added. Designed by the firm Ungerer of Strasbourg, it is said to be the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world.
One of the biggest draws in Messina, the 12-minute show is a highlight of any Messina city tour. In addition to watching the midday spectacle, you can also visit the inside of the bell tower, climbing the staircase to see the bronze statues up close and the complex internal mechanism of weights and gears behind their movements. At the top, take in the beautiful view over the city of Messina and the strait between the island of Sicily and Italy’s mainland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bell tower is closed to visitors inside when it rains.
- Due to small spaces and steep stairs, the clock tower is not accessible to wheelchair users; the square below is accessible to watch to the noon show.
- Walking tours of Messina involve a significant amount of time on your feet, so choose comfortable shoes and clothing.
How to Get There
The bell tower and astronomical clock are located adjacent Messina’s Cathedral (Duomo di Messina) in Piazza del Duomo in the historic center of the city, an easy walk from the ferry terminal or train station.
When to Get There
The opening hours of the bell tower are very complex and change almost weekly. Check times carefully if you want to climb to the top to avoid disappointment.
The Clock Tower Features
At the top of the tower, there are mechanical clock faces on all four sides. Down one side are the perpetual calendar, mechanisms to track the phases of the moon, and the planetary movements; down the front are the numerous gilded statues that move each day as the clock strikes midday.
Address: Piazza Duomo, Messina, Sicily, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Belleville
With its diverse mix of ethnicities and burgeoning art scene, Belleville has made a name for itself as one of Paris’ most fashionably eclectic districts, drawing a hip crowd of young locals, students and creative types. Integrated into Paris in 1860, Belleville started life as a hilltop village, famed for its lively guingettes and surrounding vineyards, and the vibrant neighborhood still retains much of its original character.
Today, Belleville is renowned for its sprawling Chinatown and abundance of international restaurants, quirky bars, independent art galleries and small music venues, while the hillside Belleville Park offers spectacular views over Paris. Additional landmarks include the churches of Saint Jean Baptiste de Belleville and Notre Dame de la Croix, the old aqueduct, the site of the old Belleville funicular and the birthplace of iconic French singer Edith Piaf.
Practical Info
Belleville is located between the 19th and 20th arrondissements in northeast Paris and is reachable by metro from the central sights.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 54
Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve
The Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve encompasses nine mountains within the southern slopes of the Ben Lawers and Tarmachan ranges in Scotland. The mountain ranges stretch for nine miles and seven of the mountains are Munros – mountains more than 3,000 feet high. Ben Lawers itself is Scotland’s tenth highest Munro and the highest in the Scottish highlands, standing nearly 4,000 feet about Loch Tay. Inaddition to the mountains, the nature reserve is known for its arctic-alpine flora, including many rare and endangered species and more than 500 types of lichen. Visitors can also spot wildlife such as red deer, ravens, black grouse and ptarmigan.
One popular route through the nature reserve is the circular Edramucky Trail that goes around the lower slopes, while another, more challenging route heads up to the tops of Beinn Galas and Ben Lawers. Great views are possible, of Ben Lomond and Glencoe to the west and Cairngorms to the north. Guided walks are available during the summer months and the best time to see alpine plants and colorful wildflowers is between June and August.
Practical Info
The Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is open daily all year round. It is not accessible by coaches; infrequent buses can take you as far as Killin, but none go to the reserve itself. The nearest train stations are at Crianlarich, Pitlochry and Stirling.
Address: Lynedoch, Main Street, Killin, Scotland
Hours: Year round, daily
From $ 54
Belgrad Forest
Located at the easternmost point of the Thracian Peninsula, the Belgrad Forest is about 15 kilometers outside of Istanbul. Covering about 5,000 hectares of land, the forest is home to a variety of plant, bird and animal species. Shaded by birch, elm, oak, pine and spruce trees, it is also a popular recreational area for residents of Istanbul.
The historical importance of the forest cannot be understated. In the 16th century, Suleyman the Magnificent resettled the area with Serbian prisoners-of-war so they could manage the many reservoirs that supplied water to Istanbul. Several reservoirs remain today, some dating as far back as the 15th century. On the fringes of the forest, sparse remains of the village of Belgrad can also be found.
The forest is also home to the Ataturk Arboretum, an expansion of the first nursery ever founded in Turkey, in 1916. Containing almost 300 hectares of land, the arboretum boasts over 2,000 foreign and native plant species. The most exotic plants can be found along a lake trail that takes about ninety minutes to walk.
A visit to the forest can be a great way to escape the tourist crowds of Istanbul and enjoy a bit of fresh air, although it can get crowded with picnickers on the weekends.
The historical importance of the forest cannot be understated. In the 16th century, Suleyman the Magnificent resettled the area with Serbian prisoners-of-war so they could manage the many reservoirs that supplied water to Istanbul. Several reservoirs remain today, some dating as far back as the 15th century. On the fringes of the forest, sparse remains of the village of Belgrad can also be found.
The forest is also home to the Ataturk Arboretum, an expansion of the first nursery ever founded in Turkey, in 1916. Containing almost 300 hectares of land, the arboretum boasts over 2,000 foreign and native plant species. The most exotic plants can be found along a lake trail that takes about ninety minutes to walk.
A visit to the forest can be a great way to escape the tourist crowds of Istanbul and enjoy a bit of fresh air, although it can get crowded with picnickers on the weekends.
Practical Information
Located about 15 kilometers northwest of Istanbul, the best way to reach Belgrad Forest is by car. If you would rather go by public transport, you can take the 42T bus from Taksim or the 153 bus from Sariyer to Bahkecoy and walk from there. If you are a runner, there are running groups in Istanbul that sometimes arrange car pools to the forest for group runs on the weekends.
The Ataturk Arboretum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
The Ataturk Arboretum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Turkey
From $ 168
Bel em Tower (Torre de Bel em)
A mighty medieval fortress perched on the banks of the Tagus River, Belem Tower is one of Lisbon’s most visited landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), it’s a lasting symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage, dating back to the early 16th century.
The Basics
Belem Tower is a popular inclusion on sightseeing tours of Lisbon and can be visited on a walking tour or as part of a full-day private tour of Lisbon, Sintra, or Arrabida. Visitors can view the tower from the waterfront steps or enter to take in the views from the bulwark terrace, peek into the Governor's Room and King’s Room, and climb to the top of the tower. Its stately face can also be viewed on a river cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Combined tickets are available for the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the National Archeological Museum.
- The tower is closed on Mondays.
- The tower is only partially wheelchair accessible; those with limited mobility will only be able to explore the exterior and the lower battery.
How to Get There
Belem Tower is located in the Belem district of Lisbon, about four miles (six kilometers) west of the city center. The easiest way to get there is by tram—take the No. 15 from Praca da Figueira in central Lisbon toward Alges, and get off at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (one stop beyond Belem). From there, it’s a short walk through the monastery gardens to the riverfront park, where you will be able to see the tower.
When to Get There
Belem Tower is open all year round but it can get crowded during the peak summer months, so you may want to arrive early (and opt for a weekday visit if possible). For the most atmospheric photo opportunities, visit at sunset or sunrise to admire the dramatic facade.
A Walking Tour of Belem
One of Lisbon’s most picturesque districts, Belem teems with historic monuments. After marveling at the tower and visiting the Jeronimos Monastery, take a stroll through the riverside gardens, visit Belem Palace, or browse the exhibits at the Maritime Museum or the National Coach Museum. Be sure to sample local delicacy pasteis de Belem (sweet pastries) while you’re in the neighborhood.
Address: Avendia da India, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Oct - Apr: 10am - 5pm, May - Sept: 10am - 6:30pm. Closed Mondays, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25
Admission: Adults: € 6
From $ 10