Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Cannaregio
Cannaregio is the largest and most populated of Venice’s six central districts (sestieri). Home to the Jewish ghetto, the art-filled Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto, the Renaissance Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, and the restaurant-lined Fondamenta de la Misericordia, Cannaregio offers something for everyone.
The Basics
Cannaregio, bookended by the Santa Lucia train station and the Rialto Bridge, lines most of Venice’s Grand Canal. Strada Nuova, the district’s busy main street, teems with souvenir shops and tourists; however, meander off into the side streets and canals and you'll soon find peaceful squares (piazzas) and churches.
The best way to explore Cannaregio is by linking up with a walking tour led by a professional guide—someone who knows both the famous monuments and the hidden gems. The biggest attraction here is the Jewish ghetto; tours will also include the area's key churches, Ca' d'Oro Palace, Campo San Leonardo and Campo dei Mori squares, and Ponte delle Guglie (a historic bridge). You can pair small-group and private tours with a gondola ride or a tour of Venice highlights, such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours of Cannaregio include a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- The quiet backstreets of the Cannaregio are easier to manage with kids than the crowded areas around Piazza San Marco.
- Ponte delle Guglie has recently added ramps, making it one of the few Venetian bridges that’s wheelchair accessible.
- Venice has six districts: Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and San Polo. Cannaregio borders Castello and a tiny corner of San Marco; it’s situated across the Grand Canal from Santa Croce and San Polo.
How to Get There
To get to Cannaregio, take a Grand Canal water bus—vaporetto line 1 to the Ponte di Rialto stop—or walk from Santa Lucia train station across the Ponte delle Guglie bridge.
When to Get There
The December Hanukkah celebrations in Cannaregio’s historic Jewish ghetto are particularly beautiful, with live music, celebrations, and a traditional menorah-lighting.
Venice’s Jewish Ghetto
Venice is home to the world's oldest Jewish ghetto, established in 1516. Today, the area is still filled with historic synagogues, Jewish-run businesses, and Kosher restaurants.
Address: Venice, Italy
From $ 27
Canterbury Cathedral
Discover a national symbol and gain insight into England’s history at the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Canterbury Cathedral. Dating back to 597, the site has held religious significance for centuries, drawing pilgrims to the location of Thomas Becket’s murder and visitors interested in its medieval towers, chapels, and stained-glass windows.
The Basics
The cathedral’s distance from London makes it a prime stop on a tour of the South. Combine your visit with stops at other landmarks, such as Leeds Castle and Dover Cliffs, for a full day’s break from the capital, or take advantage of multi-attraction tours that allow you to explore London and beyond at your own pace. Opt for a guided cathedral tour for intimate insight, or be immersed as you explore the historic grounds independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Canterbury Cathedral’s historic significance makes it a must-see for history buffs.
- Some tours include admittance; otherwise, there is a charge to enter the cathedral and grounds outside of service hours.
- Built across several levels, some of the medieval structure—including the Trinity Chapel—is inaccessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The cathedral is a short walk from both Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations, with direct links to London. The Kent site is easy to access from the channel ports, ideal for Eurostar or ferry travelers. On-site parking is available only via prior arrangement, but the city offers plenty of affordable alternatives, including a park-and-ride service. Many tours from London include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Canterbury Cathedral is a sight to behold at any time of year, though December’s carol services certainly add to the magic. Spring and summer bring extended daylight hours and an ideal climate for outdoor exploring. If you’re curious about worship as well as sightseeing, entry to the cathedral is free during service times, making Sunday a popular day to visit.
The Significance of Canterbury Cathedral
As the home of the Church of England, Canterbury Cathedral holds a special relationship with English history and culture. The Kingdom of Kent was the first to convert to Christianity under Rome, and Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170 solidified the building’s religious and political importance. The cathedral has links to William the Conqueror and the Magna Carta, and was immortalized by the father of English literature, Geoffrey Chaucer, in his famous Canterbury Tales.
Address: Canterbury Cathedral, Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury, United Kingdom CT1 2EH, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 52
Canal St-Martin
The streets of Paris are filled with romance and excitement, but for travelers looking to escape the hustle of the city, a wander along the scenic Canal St-Marin, located near the River Seine, offers a welcome respite from the typical urban energy.
Visitors can stroll along the picturesque waterway where quaint storefronts and tiny homes nod to another era. Travelers can relax at one of the numerous café tables and sip on glasses of fine wine under a quiet city sky or float along the waterway in one of the city’s famous riverboats. Travelers agree that some of the best shopping is to be had along Canal St-Martin, making it an ideal place to spend a late afternoon in the open air.
Practical Info
The Canal is accessible using the Paris Metro. The closest stations are Stalingrad, Republique, Bastille, Jaures, Oberkampf, Goncourt, Richard-Lenoir, and Quuai de la Rapee.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 23
Campo Santa Margherita
The most famous square in Venice is that of St Mark, but if you're in the Dorsoduro sestiere, you should head for the Campo Santa Margherita—one of Venice's largest public squares.
The Campo was named for a church on the square, although that building is now used as a university lecture theater. It’s still worth a visit, though, and so is the “scuola” of Santa Maria dei Carmini. There is a regular outdoor market held in the square, as well as a supermarket that opens for visitors to wander through. But the Campo Santa Margherita is primarily known as a lovely place to relax during the day and as a hub of Venetian nightlife after the sun sets. There are several bars and cafes lining the streets.
Practical Info
The Campo Santa Margherita is in the Dorsoduro sestiere, a 10- to 15-minute walk from both the Piazzale Rome and the train station. To see the square at its most lively, visit in the evening for a pre-dinner drink.
Address: Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy
From $ 22
Canakkale
More than just a launching pad for visits to Gallipoli and Troy, Canakkale is a lively seaside port on the Dardanelles that’s an ideal destination for day trips from Istanbul.
The waterfront promenade is the place to be in summer, thronged with visitors enjoying the sunshine, outdoor bars and restaurants, and water views. The multistory clock tower near the harbor is a Canakkale landmark, built in 1897.
The town’s Military Museum includes Gallipoli exhibits, and Canakkale’s Cimenlik castle that was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452. The archaeology museum has prized displays from Troy and Assos, and the cannons dotted around town are from WWI.
You’ll also see a grand model of a Trojan Horse in Canakkale, left over from the 2004 movie Troy, and a model of the ancient city.
The waterfront promenade is the place to be in summer, thronged with visitors enjoying the sunshine, outdoor bars and restaurants, and water views. The multistory clock tower near the harbor is a Canakkale landmark, built in 1897.
The town’s Military Museum includes Gallipoli exhibits, and Canakkale’s Cimenlik castle that was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452. The archaeology museum has prized displays from Troy and Assos, and the cannons dotted around town are from WWI.
You’ll also see a grand model of a Trojan Horse in Canakkale, left over from the 2004 movie Troy, and a model of the ancient city.
Address: Turkey
From $ 381
Campo San Bartolomeo
Sitting at the southeastern end of the steps leading up to the Rialto Bridge, the lively Campo San Bartolomeo is named after one of the Apostles; at its southwestern end is the church of San Bartolomeo, which was formerly the place of worship for German traders in the city. The long, narrow piazza is dominated by a flamboyant bronze statue of comic Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni (1707–93), created in 1883 by sculptor Antonio Dal Zotto. Thanks to its location near the Rialto, it is nearly always crowded and is a popular meeting point for visitors and locals alike. It is lined with smart boutiques and restaurants fronting elegant, ocher-tinged Venetian townhouses and just a step away from the city’s upmarket shopping district of Mercerie, whose narrow streets link the Rialto Bridge with Piazza San Marco.
Practical Info
Campo San Bartolomeo, Castello, Venice. Ferry to Rialto.
Address: Campo San Bartolomeo, Castello, Venice, Veneto, Italy
From $ 30
Canary Wharf
At the heart of London’s historic Docklands, the waterfront district of Canary Wharf has transformed itself into a financial powerhouse in recent years, becoming, along with the City of London nearby, one of the capital’s most important business centers. The modern district is now home to the world or European headquarters of some of the biggest names in banking and media, and it certainly looks the part, with its gleaming skyscrapers and glass-fronted high-rises, including the 235-meter-tall One Canada Square, the tallest building in the UK until the arrival of The Shard.
It’s not all about work in Canary Wharf though – the revitalized docks now serve as an urban playground for the city’s most affluent residents, with a suitably elegant selection of bars and restaurants, and a thriving shopping district. Additional highlights include the unique Traffic Light Tree, an installation artwork by Pierre Vivant; the Centaur, a modern sculpture by Igor Mitoraj; and the Museum of the London Docklands.
Practical Info
Canary Wharf is located in London’s Docklands, on the north bank of the River Thames, east of the City of London.
Address: London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 21
Canongate
The historic street of Canongate makes up the eastern section of the Royal Mile, leading up to the grounds of Holywood Palace and is home to many of the key attractions of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Taking its name from the canons of the neighboring Holyrood Abbey, modern-day Canongate is one of the most architectural diverse sections of the Old Town, with the strikingly modern Scottish Parliament building standing in contrast to the grand Holyrood Palace and the futuristic, tent-like structure housing the Our Dynamic Earth exhibition.
Canongate is also home to a number of significant 16th and 17th century buildings including the painstakingly preserved Canongate Tolbooth, dating back to 1591 and 17th century townhouses like Russel House and Queensbury house. In between browsing the many souvenir stores and sipping a pint in the legendary World’s End pub, be sure to visit the Museum of Edinburgh, the headquarters of the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust in the Acheson House and the churchyard of the 17th-century Canongate Kirk, where famous Scots like economist Adam Smith and poet Robert Fergusson are buried.
Canongate is also home to a number of significant 16th and 17th century buildings including the painstakingly preserved Canongate Tolbooth, dating back to 1591 and 17th century townhouses like Russel House and Queensbury house. In between browsing the many souvenir stores and sipping a pint in the legendary World’s End pub, be sure to visit the Museum of Edinburgh, the headquarters of the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust in the Acheson House and the churchyard of the 17th-century Canongate Kirk, where famous Scots like economist Adam Smith and poet Robert Fergusson are buried.
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 16
Canadian War Cemetery
The Juno Beach Center is Normandy's only Canadian museum, but there are two locations where Canada's heroes from the Battle of Normandy have been laid to rest: The Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, and the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. The former honors soldiers from earlier in the battle – on and just after D-Day - while the former is for soldiers who gave their lives later on.
Like many of Normandy's WWII battle sites and memorials, Bény-sur-Mer is about a half-hour from Bayeux, which many visitors make as their base from which to explore the region. Bretteville-sur-Laize is about 40 minutes away, just behind Caen. Both of them are considered in the “opposite” direction from most of the most important sites, and so can be ignored by those on a fast-track tour of Normandy. But both sites deserve to be given their due.
Both cemeteries are technically on Canadian territory, as France granted the lands to Canada in perpetuity so that they could have a permanent place to bury their heroes. The grounds are maintained by Veterans Affairs Canada.
At the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery there are over 2,000 grave sites, including one of a Frenchman who fought alongside Canadian soldiers and had no next of kin to claim his body. And at the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery are 2,700 graves. They are solemn places meant to remember the fallen; for learning about Canada's role in the Battle of Normandy, head to the Juno Beach Center.
Address: route de Reviers, Reviers 14470, France
From $ 81
Camp Nou
Football fans won’t want to miss Camp Nou Stadium, home turf for Lionel Messi and Football Club Barcelona. It’s also the largest stadium in Europe, with 99,354 seats. Inaugurated in 1957, the famous venue has hosted a number of key international games over the years, including the FIFA World Cup, European Champions Cup, and two UEFA Champions League Finals.
The Basics
There’s no better time to experience the atmosphere of the grand stadium than on a match day. If you’ve got tickets for a home game, you’ll see Barcelona’s enthusiastic football fans at their most animated. For the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience, opt for the Camp Nou Experience, which tours the 592,015-square-foot (55,000-square-meter) FC Barcelona stadium. Stops on the tour may include the players’ tunnel, the legendary field, the chapel, TV room, press room, and the sports medicine center, plus the team locker rooms and the luxury Presidential Box. Wrap up your visit with a stroll through club history at the Barça Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The stadium is a must-see for sports fanatics.
- Visit on game day, or go behind the scenes on a stadium tour.
- Stadium tours generally last between 90 minutes and three hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Don’t forget your camera; the stadium is loaded with photo ops.
- Audio guides are available for Camp Nou tours.
How to Get There
The Camp Nou is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the metro to Palau Reial or Les Corts stations (Line 3) or to Collblanc or Badal stations (Line 5) and make the short walk to the stadium. The stadium is also a stop on the west route of the double-decker hop-on hop-off bus.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Camp Nou depends on the experience you want to have. Nothing beats the excitement of game day (the season runs from late August to May), but if you’re interested in touring the stadium and seeing the museum, you’ll have to visit on a day the team isn’t playing at home.
The FC Barcelona Megastore
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a Barcelona fan back home or simply want to look the part while attending a match, the FC Barcelona Megastore outside the stadium has just about everything you could want, from official team jerseys and T-shirts to key chains, scarves, pint glasses, and bumper stickers.
Address: Carrer d'Aristides Maillol, Barcelona 08028, Spain
Hours: Open daily, hours vary. Closed 1 Jan and 25 Dec.
Admission: Tours: €25
From $ 12
Cannes Cruise Port
Enjoying a picturesque position on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the Cannes cruise port is a gateway to the cinematic glamour of Cannes and the rest of the beautiful French Riviera. Whether you're exploring the pretty town of Cannes or heading for glitzy enclaves such as Monte Carlo, St Tropez, or Eze, disembarking your cruise ship at the Cannes port provides a wealth of shore excursion options.
The Basics
If you're visiting outside of Cannes Film Festival, famed throughout France, Europe, and the world, Cannes is still a rewarding place to spend the day. Cannes city tours allow cruisers to enjoy a taste of Hollywood glamour at the Film Festival Palace (Palais des Festivals), where it's possible to pose on the famous red carpet; stroll the Boulevard de la Croisette to gaze into the windows of designer boutiques; and get lost in Le Suquet, the cityís historic center.
Travelers short on time can take advantage of Cannes shore excursions that head further afield to showcase the entire French Riviera. Typically covered are the medieval village of Eze, which boasts cobbled streets, the Fragonard perfume factory, and views of the Cote d'Azur, and Monaco, whose delights include the Princeís Palace, Monaco Cathedral, and the affluent casino of Monte Carlo. Other Cannes excursions tick off historic Antibes, where multi-million dollar yachts dock in Billionaire's Quay; the charming ProvenÁal village of St Paul de Vence; Grasse, whose lavender fields burst into bloom during summer; and Nice, whose Old Town and Cimiez neighborhood ooze tradition.
How to Get to Cannes from Cannes Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock in the bay before small tenders ferry passengers to Le Vieux Port (the Old Port). From here it's a short walk to the city center, where youíll find the Quai Laubeuf OUIBUS bus station and the Marine Railway Station (Gare Maritime). The train can be taken to Monaco.
Port Information
French is the main language in Cannes, but due to an annual influx of tourists for the film festival, many locals speak English. The currency is the euro, and many ATMs service the cruise port.
The Basics
If you're visiting outside of Cannes Film Festival, famed throughout France, Europe, and the world, Cannes is still a rewarding place to spend the day. Cannes city tours allow cruisers to enjoy a taste of Hollywood glamour at the Film Festival Palace (Palais des Festivals), where it's possible to pose on the famous red carpet; stroll the Boulevard de la Croisette to gaze into the windows of designer boutiques; and get lost in Le Suquet, the cityís historic center.
Travelers short on time can take advantage of Cannes shore excursions that head further afield to showcase the entire French Riviera. Typically covered are the medieval village of Eze, which boasts cobbled streets, the Fragonard perfume factory, and views of the Cote d'Azur, and Monaco, whose delights include the Princeís Palace, Monaco Cathedral, and the affluent casino of Monte Carlo. Other Cannes excursions tick off historic Antibes, where multi-million dollar yachts dock in Billionaire's Quay; the charming ProvenÁal village of St Paul de Vence; Grasse, whose lavender fields burst into bloom during summer; and Nice, whose Old Town and Cimiez neighborhood ooze tradition.
- Nearly all shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at Cannes cruise port.
- Cannes shore excursion tours generally range from five to nine hours including transportation times.
- Private tours allow you to customize your itinerary and handpick French Riviera highlights.
How to Get to Cannes from Cannes Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock in the bay before small tenders ferry passengers to Le Vieux Port (the Old Port). From here it's a short walk to the city center, where youíll find the Quai Laubeuf OUIBUS bus station and the Marine Railway Station (Gare Maritime). The train can be taken to Monaco.
Port Information
French is the main language in Cannes, but due to an annual influx of tourists for the film festival, many locals speak English. The currency is the euro, and many ATMs service the cruise port.
Address: Services Plaisance et Commerce, Port de Cannes, Cannes, Cote d'Azur 06400, France
From $ 60
Campo Pequeno
Campo Pequeno, Lisbon’s, neo-Moorish bullring, was built in the last years of the nineteenth century. Inspired by the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid, Camp Pequeno features a red-brick façade with onion-shaped copulas crowning its towers.
Campo Pequeno reopened as a multi-event venue in 2006, and in addition to a retractable roof, the renovations included adding a shopping mall, cinema and restaurants beneath the stadium. The building also houses a small museum dedicated to the sport of bullfighting in Portugal and the history of the Camp Pequeno Bullring.
From Easter to mid-July, the 9,000-spectator stadium still hosts bullfights, though unlike in Spain, the bulls are not killed during the fight. Throughout the remainder of the year, the venue is used for live music events, shows and the occasional circus.
Practical Info
While bulls are no longer killed during bullfighting events, they are still speared in a manner that might be too graphic for some tastes.
Address: R. Chaby Pinheiro 11, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Varies
From $ 23
Camlica Hill
Just a few kilometers from Uskudar in Istanbul, Camlica Hill offers a different perspective of the city. Split into two hills – Big Camlica and Little Camlica – it is a popular destination for residents to picnic and barbeque on the weekends.
At 267 meters above sea level, Big Camlica is the highest point in Istanbul and, not surprisingly, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. From the top, you can see the Bosphorus Bridge, Eminonu Peninsula, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Island. On the clearest of days, you can also see as far as Mount Uludag near Bursa. Tea gardens, restaurants and a variety of vendors are also scattered around the hill.
Little Camlica is the quieter of the two hills. Despite its pleasant gardens and walking trails, it attracts fewer visitors than its counterpart.
The view from Camlica Hill at sunset is superb, with the silhouettes of Istanbul’s domes and minarets glowing in front of the colorful sky. Visiting in the springtime is also pleasure as tulips are planted ahead of the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival and wildflowers are in bloom.
At 267 meters above sea level, Big Camlica is the highest point in Istanbul and, not surprisingly, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. From the top, you can see the Bosphorus Bridge, Eminonu Peninsula, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Island. On the clearest of days, you can also see as far as Mount Uludag near Bursa. Tea gardens, restaurants and a variety of vendors are also scattered around the hill.
Little Camlica is the quieter of the two hills. Despite its pleasant gardens and walking trails, it attracts fewer visitors than its counterpart.
The view from Camlica Hill at sunset is superb, with the silhouettes of Istanbul’s domes and minarets glowing in front of the colorful sky. Visiting in the springtime is also pleasure as tulips are planted ahead of the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival and wildflowers are in bloom.
Practical Information
The best way to reach Camlica Hill is by car or by organized tour from Istanbul.
Address: Turkey
From $ 37
Campo San Luca
A bustling square at the heart of Venice’s historic center, Campo San Luca has long been a popular meeting point for locals, and its constant stream of visitors make it a lively hub both day and night.
Home to a cluster of shops, cafés and restaurants, Campo San Luca makes a good spot for people-watching, but it’s also an important navigational landmark, just a short stroll from the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, en route to Piazza San Marco.
Practical Info
Campo San Luca is located in central Venice, close to the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge.
Address: San Marco District, Venice, Italy
From $ 23
Camden Market
Made up of Camden Lock Market, Camden Stables Market, and Camden Canal Market, the area known as Camden Market is the largest collection of street vendors in the United Kingdom. In continuous operation since the 1970s, the market draws crowds of visitors who come to explore the huge variety of unusual stalls and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
The Basics
Long known as an alternative shopping destination to the chic boutiques of Central London, Camden Market’s 1,000 stalls offer vintage clothing, books, antiques, and much more—there’s even a store dedicated to vintage pianos. You can taste your way through the many different food stalls, pick up an artisanal coffee, browse the clothing booths, or retreat to one of the canalside pubs for a refreshing drink while you watch the action unfold. The fun comes in just soaking up the atmosphere around you.
Visitors can choose to wander at will through the different areas of the market or take part in an organized walking tour to learn more about the area’s history and the many colorful characters the market has welcomed over the years.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Camden is famous for its live music venues, including The Dublin Castle and Jazz Cafe.
- Camden market is well-known for its excellent street food, so plan to enjoy lunch or dinner while you’re there.
- The area is always busy—keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpockets.
How to Get There
Camden Market is best accessed by public transport or taxi, as parking is very limited. The nearest tube station is Camden Town. Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent stations are also a short walk away. A number of buses from different parts of the city also serve the area.
When to Get There
Camden Market is open every day (including bank holidays) from 10am until late, except Christmas Day. The market can get very busy at weekends, especially on Sunday afternoons, so plan to visit on a weekday if you prefer a slower pace. To navigate the market stalls more easily, you can organize a private tour.
Take a Stroll on Regent’s Canal
After your fun market tour, head down to Regent’s Canal for a peaceful stroll through one of London’s most interesting neighborhoods, where elegant terraces line the canalside and narrow bridges take you back to a time when horses were the only form of transport. You can walk as far as Regent’s Park—one of London’s eight Royal Parks—complete with a lake, flower gardens, and tree-lined pathways.
Address: Camden High Street & Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH, England
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Cambridge Theatre
Opened in 1930, the Cambridge Theatre is one of the younger theaters in London’s West End. Standing on a narrow corner and made of steel and concrete, it provides an early example of a London theater adopting the modern, expressionist style that was popular in Germany in the 1920s. Inside, however, theater-goers will see bronze friezes depicting nude figures in a variety of poses, marble columns and concealed lighting. Red décor replaced the original gold and silver color scheme in the 1950s, while chandeliers and candelabras were added then as well.
The theater seats more than 1200 on three levels and has hosted both plays and musicals over the years, though it functions best as a musical venue due to its size. Matilda the Musical has been playing since 2011.
Practical Info
Theater tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. To reach the theater by the Tube, take the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden or Leicester Square or the Northern Line to Leicester Square. Bus numbers 14, 19, 24, 38 and 176 also run near the theater.
Address: 32-34 Earlham Street, London, England
Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or 15 minutes after the curtain has gone up on performance nights.
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 97
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Founded in 1835, Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is one of Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attractions. Located on the top floor, the Camera Obscura provides real-time views of the city, while the five floors below it are crammed with puzzles, optical illusions, and interactive exhibits that fool the eye and the mind.
The Basics
Many tourists taking sightseeing tours along the Royal Mile, a prominent thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, will see the historic 19th-century Camera Obscura building. To access the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, you’ll have to purchase tickets at the door on the day of your visit. World of Illusions exhibits include the Mirror Maze and the Vortex Tunnel. Tickets also provide access to the 15-minute Camera Obscura show, and the rooftop terrace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets are valid for the whole day so if you can, leave to get lunch or a coffee and return after.
- Bring your phone or camera to capture wacky, perspective-warping images.
- Allow around two hours to explore.
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is not wheelchair accessible.
- Camera Obscura show times are allocated at the time of ticket purchase.
How to Get There
Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is situated at the west end of Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Local buses stop at the nearby George IV Bridge, which is just a 3-minute walk away, while sightseeing buses stop on the Royal Mile, just a 1-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The best time of the year to come is during summer, when clear skies offer the best rooftop views. Note that Camera Obscura shows only run when there is sufficient light, so it’s important to come early, especially during short winter days. The attraction is also at its quietest in early morning.
History of the Camera Obscura
The 19th-century Camera Obscura, which has been used since 1853, was the height of technology back in Victorian times. Despite the advent of virtual reality, this device still manages to enthrall 21st-century visitors. The pinhole camera uses lenses and mirrors to cast real-time images of Scotland’s capital onto a table in a darkened chamber.
Address: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
In the Castello neighborhood of Venice is Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a lively piazza named after the 15th-century church that sits in the area. The structure has two facades, each representing two different architectural styles, with its more ornate Baroque façade opening up onto the square.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa also includes the 13th-century Palazzo Vitturi and the 17th-century Palazzo Ruzzini, both of which are now hotels that have largely kept many of their original elements. Visitors are likely to see locals shopping in the area, as well as children playing in the square.
Practical Info
Campo Santa Maria Formosa is located in the Castello district and sits to the northeast of St Mark's Basilica and only minutes from the Rialto Bridge.
Address: Castello District, Venice, Italy
From $ 29
Cantacuzino Castle
The sprawling Cantacuzino Castle was completed in 1911 to plans drawn up by architect Grigore Cerchez; it was designed as a hunting lodge for Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, who was twice Prime Minister of Romania in the 1900s. Surrounded by forested hills, the mansion has an ornate stone-and-brick façade adorned with colonnaded loggias and towers in an exotic style known Neo-Romanian; it is open for guided tours of the decorative interior, where flourishes of Art Nouveau, patterned marble floors, stained glass, mosaics and embellished carved wood abound. A rare collection of Cantacuzino coats of arms is on display and the castle is host to occasional art exhibitions as well as summertime musical concerts known as Prahova Classic Nights.
After exploring the inner courtyard, the Cantacuzino family church and the hunting tower, there are grottoes and fountains to discover in the gardens and views towards the Bucegi Mountains. Family activities available at the castle include horseback riding, archery, zip lines and an adventure course for young kids. Costs for these sports are additional to admission prices but full instruction and safety gear are provided. Visiting Cantacuzino can be combined with a tour of fairytale Peles Castle in nearby Sinaia.
Practical Info
Strada Zamorei 1, Busteni. Admission adults RON 20; seniors & students RON 15; children younger than 18 RON 10; children younger than 12 RON 6. Open Mon–Thur 10am–7pm, Fri–Sun 10am–8pm. Busteni is off the motorway between Brasov and Bucharest, 83 miles (134 km) north of the capital city. There is free parking just outside the main entrance to the castle.
Address: Strada Zamorei 1, Busteni, near Prahova, Muntenia 105500, Romania
Hours: Mon–Thur 10am–7pm, Fri–Sun 10am–8pm
Admission: adults RON 20; seniors & students RON 15; children under 18 RON 10; children under 12 RON 6.
From $ 72
Campo de' Fiori
One of the mainstays of daily life in Italy is shopping at the market, and the market, for many Romans ,means Campo de’ Fiori. This historic square in the city center hosts one of the largest and most famous outdoor food markets each morning,, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to rub elbows with locals.
The Basics
The name Campo de’ Fiori, or “field of flowers”, harks back to a time when this space was a meadow, but it also hints at its main attraction: the daily open-air market with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, and flowers. The Campo de’ Fiori, open daily from the early-morning hours, also has a lively nightlife, with young locals and visitors filling the square’s many cafés and bars.
Private Rome walking, electric bike, and Segway tours, as well as hop-on-hop-off tours, generally include a stop in Campo de’ Fiori, and often offer skip-the-line access to highlights like the Colosseum, Vatican (and Sistine Chapel), and Trevi Fountain. The square is best seen, however, as part of a food and wine tour that allows you to walk through the market stalls and sample local specialities. Many food tours pair a stop at the Campo de’ Fiori market with a walk through the Trastevere neighborhood and the historic Jewish ghetto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The square is pedestrian only and crowded with lively vendors hawking their wares, making it an interesting diversion for kids.
- If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Campo de’ Fiori, wear comfortable shoes and a hat.
- Campo de’ Fiori is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, although the thick morning crowds may make the market difficult to navigate.
- In addition to the stands themselves, there are plenty of cafés and gelato shops in or near the square, making the area perfect for a snack.
- Shoppers are discouraged from touching the food; instead, point to your selection and the vendor will bag it for you.
How to Get There
Campo de’ Fiori is located in the historic city center of Rome between Piazza Navona and the Tiber River. To reach the square by public transportation, take one of several buses to the Argentina stop on Largo di Torre Argentina—it’s just a short walk from there.
When to Get There
To get a real feel for Campo de’ Fiori, visit in the early morning, when the market is at its busiest, and then again in the late evening, when the market is closed but the cafés and bars lining the square fill up with revelers.
The City of Markets
Campo de’ Fiori may be the best-known market in Rome, but the city is full of permanent and weekly food markets where you can stock up on seasonal produce and local specialties. The most beloved are Testaccio, which recently relocated from Piazza Testaccio into a modern facility; Piazza San Cosimo, a small market in the lively Trastevere neighborhood; and the Piazza dell’ Unità Market in the upscale Prati quarter.
Address: Piazza Campo De Fiori, Rome, Province of Rome 00186, Italy
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