Things to Do in Europe

Things to Know Before You Go

• Come prepared with layers for Ireland's famously unpredictable weather.
• Prepare to wait in line if you’d like to kiss the stone.
• Stone kissing is best suited for those who are able-bodied, as the line winds up steep staircases to the castle’s top.

How to Get to Blarney Castle
Located only 6 miles (10 km) northwest of the city of Cork, the Blarney Castle and Gardens are easy to reach on a simple afternoon trip from the city. The castle is also often experienced as a stop on a trip from Dublin to Cork, or vice versa. Blarney is 385 miles (620 km) from Dublin.

When to Get There
The castle is open daily from 9am to sunset; as with most popular attractions, it’s best to get there early to beat the crowds. Although chilly, Christmas time is lovely at the castle, which is sumptuously decorated for the season.

Exploring Cork City
A Cork day trip often includes time in the city as well as a visit to Blarney Castle. Stroll down St. Patrick Street and stop for lunch at the English Market, which hosted a visit from Queen Elizabeth II of England in 2011, or do some tax-free souvenir shopping at Blarney Woollen Mill. The Irish countryside throughout County Cork is picturesque and makes for a lovely drive.

Bibury is a village in the Cotswolds of England and the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Gloucestershire. It lies along the River Coln, which is a tributary of the River Thames. Visitors can stroll down Arlington Row to admire cottages that were built in the late 1300s as monastic wool stores. In the 17th century, they were covered into the weavers' cottages you see today. Many of the ornate buildings have protection status, and this row of cottages is featured on the inside cover of all United Kingdom passports. It has also been used in television and movie filming, such as Bridget Jones Diary.

Bibury is also rich in natural and wildlife attractions. Rack Isle, which is named for where wool was once hung to dry on racks, is a water meadow that provides an important home for many plants and birds. Here you can see mallards, coots, moorhens, water voles, marsh orchids, flag irises, and marsh marigolds. 

Yes, Rome has a zoo. It is a zoological garden with more than 1,000 animals located on the original site of the Villa Borghese. Open since 1911, it began as a place to collect and display animals in danger of extinction. Paths winding through the park allow visitors to observe lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and giraffes, among others. There is also a small barnyard area with goats, pigs, cows, and other livestock. Most notably the bio-park is home to a rare Kleinmann’s tortoise, which was rescued from a smuggler's suitcase in 2005.

Bioparco has been renovated and renamed from its original construction to illustrate its commitment to ecological practices and scientific knowledge. There is a small lake with seating to relax as well as a children’s area. All in all there are more than 200 species on the 17 hectares of zoo land here. It is one of Europe’s oldest zoos still in operation.

Bicester Village is a luxury outlet shopping center just outside of London – the perfect destination for anyone looking to shop until they drop! Located midway between London and Birmingham, Bicester Village is hope to more than 30 luxury retailers, as well as cafes and restaurants such as Farmshop and the Villandry Grand Café. Shoppers can enjoy discounts up to 60% off retail price on brands such as MaxMara, Hugo Boss, DKNY and more. While shops do not accept foreign currency, a currency exchange is available that changes more than 40 currencies. The mall also features a children’s play area, free wi-fi, valet parking, worldwide courier service and a hands free shopping service.

Just a 15-minute walk from Bicester Village is the town of Bicester, where visitors can check out St. Edburg’s Church, the Market Square and the pedestrianized Sheep Street.

An interesting town to visit on Malta is known in Maltese as Birgu, and in Italian as Vittoriosa (“Victorious,” named as such after the Great Siege of Malta). Situated on the Grand Harbor, it has a lengthy maritime history and home to the popular Maritime Museum. But the Fort St. Angelo is the real draw here, an unrestored fortress that is largely credited with helping Malta beat back invaders. 

Other highlights include the Church Museum, which has a rag-tag collection of artifacts that gives visitors a sense of Birgu's past; the gorgeous St. Lawrence Church, a gorgeous structure with some astonishing art; and the main gate and walls of this previously fortified city. And Villetta is just across the harbor!

One of the primary modes of public transportation in hilly Lisbon are funiculars, and the Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica) has been ferrying passengers up the hill along Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo between Rua de São Paulo and Calçada do Combro since 1892.

The Bica Funicular comprises two yellow and white cars traveling in opposite directions, both with sitting and standing space. For visitors in the lower parts of Lisbon, this funicular provides a wonderful way to save leg muscles on the way up to São Jorge Castle.

Those curious about the history of Lisbon’s funiculars (and other forms of public transportation) can learn more with a visit to the Carris Museum

With its startling blue light and luminescent waters, it's easy to see how the Blue Cave earned its name. The natural wonder is hidden in the sea cliffs along the coast of Bisevo Island and is made even more enticing by its remote, difficult-to-reach location. The effort is rewarded with stunning scenery and endless photo opportunities.

The only way to explore the Blue Cave is by boat, and the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour of the surrounding islands. Full-day speedboat tours leave from Split, Trogir, and Hvar, and often take in the five islands of Vis, Hvar, Bisevo, Ravnik, and Budikovac, stopping at attractions such as Stiniva Cove, Smokova Bay's beach, and the Green Cave. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private or small-group tour.

The Blue Grotto is located in Balun Bay on the Croatian island of Bisevo along the Adriatic Coast. The only way to reach the island is by small boat from the island of Vis. From Split, it's roughly a 2.5-hour journey by speedboat to Vis, followed by a short transfer to Komiza on the island's west coast, which is the departure point for official Bisevo boats. 

Weather permitting, it's possible to visit the Blue Cave year-round, but the most popular time is during the summer months of June to September. Visiting in high season means you will likely have a wait time of up to an hour to enter the cave. Low season visitors will probably be able to head straight inside, although fewer choices for tours and boat departures are available at this time of year. For the most spectacular views and photographs, plan your trip between 11am and 12pm, when the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle.

One of 26 natural caves dotted around Bisevo island, the Blue Cave was accessible only to divers until 1884, when an artificial opening was created to allow small boats to cruise through. At certain times of the day, the mesmerizing light, created by sunlight refracting through the water and bouncing off the white limestone floor, appears to coat the entire cave in iridescent blue.

One of the most dominant features of Genoa's enormous port is something that looks a bit like a space probe sticking out of the water. That multi-pronged white structure that resembles a many-armed crane is called the “Bigo,” and it's Genoa's “panoramic elevator.”

Bigo was designed by noted local architect Renzo Piano, the same man who designed Genoa's aquarium, in 1992 for the anniversary of Columbus' journey to the New World. From one of the arms, an elevator cabin can be raised, and then it rotates 360 degrees to give you a complete view overlooking the city. An audio-guide in the elevator cabin helps you make sense of what you're seeing.

Not surprisingly, Bigo's design was influenced by the many huge cranes that seem to be always at work in Genoa's port, lifting goods on and off of the massive cargo ships in the harbor.

Located in the northwest of the city, Bioparc Valencia is an immersion zoo, where the barriers between animals and visitors are hidden or removed, and animals of different species reside safely side by side. This creates the sensation of observing animals in the wilds of the savanna, equatorial forest, African wetlands, and Madagascar.

 

Explore Bioparc Valencia’s animal exhibits with a single-entrance ticket or visit the zoo as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Alternatively, glide by the zoo on a Segway tour of the city.

 

In addition to numerous animal exhibits, Bioparc Valencia offers several other ways to connect with the animal kingdom. A cinema screens two films: a short introduction to the park and a longer documentary on conservation. Throughout the day animal handlers demonstrate interesting animal behaviors and offer talks on how the animals are cared for.

 

 

Bioparc Valencia is located along the Turia Gardens. You can get there on foot, or by cycling along the bike path parallel to the Turia riverbed. Metro lines 3, 5, and 9 all stop near the park; get off at Nou d’October station. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses stop nearby.

 

Plan to visit the Bioparc on a weekday morning in spring or autumn to enjoy the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds. If you’re visiting in August—vacation for many Europeans—expect long lines and high temperatures. Check the park calendar before your visit for the latest schedule of animal behavior demonstrations and feedings.

 

Valencia is one of Spain’s most family-friendly destinations, thanks to attractions such as Bioparc Valencia. If you’re looking for other things to do with little ones while in town, consider heading over to the City of Arts and Sciences to tour the oceans at the L’Oceanografic aquarium or explore outer space at the L’Hemisferic planetarium. On a hot summer day, grab some towels and spend some time splashing in the sun at Patacona Beach.

Brasov’s monumental Black Church (Biserica Neagra) soars heavenwards at the southwestern end of the city’s focal Council Square (Piata Sfatului) and is the largest Gothic church in central Europe. Afloat with flying buttresses and a landmark tower, construction on the church began in 1383 and it was completed almost a century later in 1477; along with several other prominent buildings in the city it was all but destroyed in the great fire of 1689 and takes its present name from its blackened, smoke-damaged walls. Repairs took more than 100 years and even today only one of the two proposed towers is complete, standing 215 feet (65.6 meters) above the Council Square. 

The Black Church’s Gothic vaulting remains but the interior now shows touches of Baroque in its styling; the flamboyant, 4,000-pipe organ is one of the best in Romania, designed in 1839 by the famous German organ-maker Carl August Buchholz and there are weekly organ concerts at 6 p.m. each Tuesday (tickets cost 10 lei). The church also has a priceless collection of 17th- and 18th-century carpets from Asia Minor, which provide a welcome splash of warmth and color against its austere walls.

Often referred to as the “ship that never sailed,” Blackness Castle is a 15th century fortress sitting on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, not far from Edinburgh. With a long, narrow shape resembling a ship, the castle has been used as a residence, prison, artillery fortification and fortress over the centuries. Technological innovations were made in the 16th century and a cast iron pier with a gate and drawbridge was added in 1868. When the castle was restored between 1926 and 1935, most of the 19th century additions were removed and the medieval era features of the castle were restored.

Though most of the buildings are empty today, the castle is open to the public as a historic monument. An exhibition provides insight into the history of the castle, including information about the powerful Crichton family, for whom it was built. Visitors can also climb the towers or the curtain wall of the castle for sweeping views of the Firth of Forth; the best views are from the central tower. The castle has also been featured in the “Outlander” television series and is a stop on many “Outlander” themed tours.

The Bishop’s Palace is one of the three museums known as the Waterford Treasures located in the Viking Triangle in Waterford, Ireland. It was designed in 1741 by architect Richard Castles, one of Ireland’s greatest architects. The front of the palace overlooks the town wall, which forms part of the palace’s terraced garden. The ground floor and first floors of the palace are furnished as an elegant 18th century townhouse and feature period furniture, beautiful fireplaces and rare paintings.

The museum tells the history of Waterford from 1700 to the mid-20th century, with an entire floor dedicated to stories about Waterford’s Home Rule story, World War I in Waterford and the War of Independence in Waterford.  It also displays unique pieces such as the Penrose Decanter, the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal, dating to 1789, and the only surviving Bonaparte “mourning cross,” one of just 12 crosses produced upon Napoleon’s death in 1821.

Visitors flock to the ruined 15th-century Blarney Castle to bend over backwards from the battlements and lay their lips on the famous Blarney Stone. According to local legend, the stone, which is embedded high in the castle walls, imparts those who kiss it with the “gift of the gab,” making them more eloquent, articulate, and convincing.

The Blarney Stone is lodged high in the castle walls. While the act of kissing it may appear perilous—visitors must lay down and lean their head backwards over the edge of an elevated walkway—it is safe. There’s a guard rail to hold on to and an attendant on hand.

Blarney Castle is a common stop on bus tours from Cork city. A day tour from Dublin or Killarney will typically include stops at Cork city attractions, such as the English Market, and at other sights en route, such as the ruins of the Celtic cathedral at the Rock of Cashel (aka St. Patrick’s Rock) in Tipperary or the seaside town of Cobh. The Blarney Stone can also be visited as part of organized multi-day tours that cover large parts of the west and south of Ireland, including Galway and County Cork. 

Blarney Castle is just 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Cork city center. The 215 bus departs from Cork bus station and stops in the village of Blarney, which is less than five minutes’ walk from the castle. 

During peak season (May–September), lines form for the Blarney Stone and you can expect to wait, though the attractive views of the Irish countryside from the upper parts of the castle help pass the time. Come first thing in the morning when the wait is shortest. 

Though the stone is the star attraction at Blarney Castle, there’s a lot more to see at the estate. Explore the evocative ruins, including the underground dungeons, and the surrounding grounds, where you’ll find a lake, a poison garden, woods, caves, and several eye-catching rock formations and ceremonial stone structures in an area known as Rock Close. 

Blackfriars Bridge is the busiest of the four bridges located in central London. It crosses the River Thames bringing both road and foot traffic from one side to the other. The bridge has been updated several times, but the current bridge is 923 feet long, 105 feet wide, and has five wrought iron arches. Stone carvings decorate the piers of the bridge. On the east side the carvings show marine life and seabirds, and on the west side the carvings depict freshwater birds. This reflects the tidal turning point in the river. Most river boat tours along the River Thames will sail underneath the Blackfriars Bridge along with Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge, and London Bridge.

In 1982 the bridge gained international notoriety when the body of Roberto Calvi, a former chairman of Italy's largest private bank, was found hanging from one of the arches of the bridge. Five bricks were attached to his body, and around $14,000 in three different currencies was found in his pockets. It was concluded that he was murdered by the mafia. 

A ‘tekija’ is a Muslim Dervish monastery and the one found near the rural settlement of Blagaj near Mostar has probably the most spectacular location of any religious building in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built between 1446 and 1520 while the country was under Ottoman rule, Blagaj Tekija is tucked in under a sheer, 200-m (656-ft) limestone cliff face overlooking the emerald-green source of the River Buna. It was constructed for a sect of soldier-monks somewhat akin to the Christian Knights Templar called the ‘bektašije’, and is a striking mixture of Bosnian and Oriental architecture, a whitewashed, half-timbered four-story structure leaning over the water’s edge. Today monks from the Naqshbandi order inhabit the monastery and Dervish ceremonies still take place there; the remains of two 15th-century Dervishes are interred under ornately carved wooden roofs and are the subject of Muslim pilgrimages. This lovely spot is backed by spectacular rock formations and a complex of caverns that lead well underground; boat trips make the journey to explore the subterranean  passageways. During snowmelt in spring, 43,000 gallons of water per second shoot over the weir in front of the monastery, sending spray high into the air; several open-air restaurants linked by wooden bridges peer over the river from under colorful awnings.

Reflecting more than 700 years of Scottish history, the 13th century Blair Castle is a must see for anyone visiting Scotland. Spread out over 30 rooms, the castle’s collections provide a broad overview of Scottish life over the centuries. Displays include furniture, artwork, arms and armor, porcelain, embroidery, lace, relics and various family treasures.

Visitors touring the castle learn about the history of the building and its owners, the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The Picture Staircase is home to the family portrait gallery, while the Tapestry Room features tapestries that once belonged to King Charles I. The 18th century Dining Room showcases local landscape scenes and ceiling plasterwork depicting the four seasons and the Ante Room commemorates the life of the 10th Duke, who gave the castle and grounds in trust to the nation of Scotland. The largest room in the castle, the Ballroom remains unchanged from when it was completed in 1876 and is still used for balls, wedding receptions and private dinners.

The castle grounds are well worth a stroll as well. Laid out in the 18th century, they include a walled garden, a wooded grove, and an adventure playground for children.