Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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East End
Renowned throughout Victorian times as the home of the working class, the birthplace of Cockney Rhyming Slang and the stomping ground of the notorious Jack the Ripper, London’s East End has long been associated with the grittier side of the capital. But despite its rough-around-the-edges image, the East End remains one of Londoners’ favorite haunts and its high population of young and immigrant residents has made it one of the city’s most cosmopolitan and ever-evolving districts, teeming with fashion-forward nightclubs, vintage emporiums and modern art galleries.
Since the Olympic Games took over the city in 2012, East London has undergone a 21st-century makeover, with the vast Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park now sprawling over Stratford and a cluster of glitzy shopping malls and chic eateries springing up around it. Locals needn’t worry though – the East End hasn’t lost its grassroots vibe and whether you’re looking to explore the vibrant Bangladeshi communities of Brick Lane, discover London’s hippest bars and live music venues in Shoreditch or hunt down bargains at the legendary Spitalfields Market, there are plenty of good reasons to set your compass east.
Address: London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 16
Dusseldorf Old Town
The traditional heart of the city and one of Germany’s most famous nightlife districts, Dusseldorf’s Old Town (Altstadt) is where visitors spend the majority of their time, home to many of the city’s top attractions. As well as the scenic Rheinuferpromenade running along the waterfront and the famous Königsallee shopping boulevard just a couple of blocks east, highlights of the Old Town include the Burgplatz, with its landmark castle tower and unique City Monument; the Neander-church and Old City Hall (Rathaus), two of the only buildings still standing after WWII; and a number of museums, including the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen and the Filmmuseum.
The historic district is at its most atmospheric in the evening hours when locals and tourists gather to drink and dance at “the longest bar in the world” – the nickname given to the almost 300 bars, bier-halles and pubs that stretch throughout the area, built so close together that the bar counters are said to run from one venue to the next. There’s a huge range of nightclubs, music venues and cocktail bars to choose from, but be sure to head to one of the traditional brew pubs to sample local specialty, Altbier, a dark beer brewed in Dusseldorf since the 19th century.
Practical Info
Dusseldorf Old Town is located along the east bank of the Rhine River in central Dusseldorf, a few blocks west of Königsallee.
Address: Dusseldorf, Germany
From $ 12
Edinburgh Old Town
The historic heart of Edinburgh, UNESCO-listed Old Town, is home to the city’s most visited sights. Its central artery is the Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and is lined with top attractions including St. Giles Cathedral, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and the Scottish Parliament Building.
The Basics
Most every visitor who sets foot in the city of Edinburgh will spend some time in Edinburgh Old Town, as it’s where many of the must-see landmarks and historic sites are located. Walking tours of the city typically begin on the Royal Mile and cover a wide array of themes, from history, mysteries, and photography to ghosts, Sherlock Holmes, and Harry Potter. Other sightseeing tours of Scotland’s capital, including tours by car, rail, and bus, also stop at Old Town attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Canongate Kirk.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Edinburgh Old Town is a must-visit for all first-time visitors, especially culture lovers, sightseers, architecture aficionados, and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable shoes as most of Old Town’s streets are cobbled.
- Though steep streets, steps, and uneven surfaces are common, smooth sidewalks and curb cuts—including those on the Royal Mile—and accessible black cabs make large parts of Edinburgh Old Town navigable for wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Getting to Old Town is simple: take the train to Edinburgh Waverley. From Edinburgh Airport, the Airlink 100 carries passengers to Waverley Bridge, which connects the Old Town and New Town.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Edinburgh Old Town is in summer (June through August), when the Edinburgh Festival, Fringe Festival, and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo take place. Summer evenings are buzziest, as bars fill and people pour onto the streets. If you’d prefer smaller crowds and don’t mind bundling up for the cold, go in winter instead.
The Closes and Wynds of Edinburgh Old Town
Visitors strolling down the Royal Mile can’t fail to notice the narrow alleys, known as closes, and side streets, known as wynds, leading off from the main thoroughfare. The darkened cobbled closes typically lead to private courtyards and would once have had gates, allowing access only for those with keys. Look out for Brodie’s Close, named after William Deacon Brodie, a respected 18th-century craftsman and notorious thief. Mary King’s Close, situated under the Royal Mile, is now a popular visitor attraction.
Address: Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 12
Dunure Castle
Peeking out from the rocky seashore of Ayr Bay, the dramatically situated Dunure Castle was once the seat of the Kennedys of Carrick and the notorious site where the last abbot of Crossraguel was roasted on a spit.
Today, the castle’s bloody legacy is all that remains and the once-mighty stronghold lies in ruins, but it’s none-the-less an enchanting spot, with elements of the stone-brick 13th-century castle still clearly visible. It’s none-the-less an enchanting spot, especially at sunset, with the crumbling guard-tower framed by rugged coastal cliffs and the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
Practical Info
Dunure Castle is located by Ayr Bay on Scotland’s Firth of Clyde coast.
Address: Ayr, South Ayrshire, Scotland
From $ 45
Eden Camp
Housed in a former World War II prisoner-of-war camp, the Eden Camp museum is an artifact in itself and contains several items from its period of history. Real tanks, aircraft, artillery, military equipment and hardware, submarines, and even shelters are all on display. The interactive experience is designed to recreate the feel of the home front and the front line using sounds, smells, and animatronics. Exhibits spread out in 33 huts detail the stories of the Battle of Britain and World War I and II, among other conflicts since 1945.
Eden Camp has won many awards for its immersive displays, which remind visitors of what it felt like to live in wartime Britain. It is recognized as one of the most comprehensive museums of 20th century British military forces, and is an essential stop for history enthusiasts when in York.
Practical Info
Eden Camp is found just outside the North Yorkshire town of Malton. It’s best reached by car off the A169/A64 Junction, and parking is free upon arrival. There are picnic facilities and an on-site cafe. There’s lots to see, so plan on a few hours to a full day to explore the many exhibits.
Address: Malton, North Yorkshire, England
Hours: 10AM–5PM
Admission: £8.50 for adults, £7.50 for children (ages 5-16)
From $ 13
Edam
With its distinctive wheel-like shape and fire-engine red rind, Edam is one of Amsterdam’s most famous exports, although the cheese looks a little different in its home town - here, the cheese has an uncharacteristic yellow rind. Edam isn’t just a cheese, though; it’s also the name of the town where it’s made, a waterside residence settled back in the 12th century. 18km north of Amsterdam, the town lies on the banks of the IJsselmeer (IJssel lake) and is reachable by boat, as well as being a popular destination for cheese-loving tour groups.
In the heart of town is the famous cheese market and cheese-weighing hall, an ancient tradition that was reopened in 1989 thanks to tourist demand. The market runs weekly through the summer months, with locals getting into the spirit with traditional costumes, live folk music and, of course, stalls stacked high with cheese. For the full experience, pay a visit to the region’s cheese and dairy farms where you can marvel at the cheese warehouses and enjoy cheese-making displays.
There are plenty of attractions in town aside from cheese, too – the Edam Museum, housed in an early 16th-century townhouse, offers historic snippets of the town’s whaling past and the teetering Carillon Tower (Speeltoren) with its picturesque gothic façade is worth a visit. Alternatively, take a stroll around Edam’s idyllic drawbridges, canal houses and pretty teahouses.
In the heart of town is the famous cheese market and cheese-weighing hall, an ancient tradition that was reopened in 1989 thanks to tourist demand. The market runs weekly through the summer months, with locals getting into the spirit with traditional costumes, live folk music and, of course, stalls stacked high with cheese. For the full experience, pay a visit to the region’s cheese and dairy farms where you can marvel at the cheese warehouses and enjoy cheese-making displays.
There are plenty of attractions in town aside from cheese, too – the Edam Museum, housed in an early 16th-century townhouse, offers historic snippets of the town’s whaling past and the teetering Carillon Tower (Speeltoren) with its picturesque gothic façade is worth a visit. Alternatively, take a stroll around Edam’s idyllic drawbridges, canal houses and pretty teahouses.
Address: Netherlands
From $ 57
Ecumencial Orthodox Patriarchate
Istanbul’s Church of St George has been the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople since 1600. Since the fall of the Ottomans, the Greek population of Istanbul has largely emigrated, so today it’s more of a symbolic center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate than anything else, but the spiritual leader of the world’s 260 million Greek Orthodox, Bartholomew I, continues to hold services here, and Orthodox Christians from Greece and across Eastern Europe stream though the church as pilgrims.
With its 19th-century neo-Classical facade which was constructed after severe fire damage, the church may look modest on the outside, but go inside and it’s a different story. Notice the Patriarch’s marble throne at the center of the altar, the huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and gold everything. Inside you’ll also find beautiful mosaic icons, and over the altar look out for the two-headed Byzantine Eagle. Just behind the church you can see the offices of the Patriarchate as well as the Patriarchate Library.
Practical Info
On Yavuz Sultan Selim Mh in the Fener district of Turkey, the Ecumencial Orthodox Patriarchate church is open to the public from 8:30am to 4pm, but strict security screening is in place. Donations are welcome.
Address: Yavuz Sultan Selim Mh, Istanbul, Turkey
Hours: Open to the public 8:30am to 4pm
From $ 40
Dunluce Castle
Nestled high along the Antrim coastline, Dunluce Castle offers dramatic views and insight into the life and legends of old Irish clans. Explore ancient ruins, discover township remains, or descend into a hidden cave to experience the site that inspired CS Lewis’ Cair Paravel and served as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones.
The Basics
The cliffside Dunluce Castle features on the itinerary of many round-trip day tours from Belfast and Dublin. Combine it with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, or take a Game of Thrones tour to discover the show’s many filming locations throughout Northern Ireland. If you have more time and a passion for the great outdoors, discover the ruins and the rest of the picturesque coastline on a comprehensive multi-day walking tour of the region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a must for Game of Thrones fans, as well as anyone interested in Irish history and legends.
- The castle is perched on top of a cliff above the sea, so children should be kept away from the edge.
- Bring a raincoat and an umbrella, as the weather can be brisk and the ruins provide minimal protection.
- The site has limited wheelchair access.
How to Get There
The castle is best reached by road, with most tours offering round-trip transfer to the rural location. Otherwise, visitors can take a train to Portrush or Coleraine, then finish the journey by bus. There is some parking available on-site.
When to Get There
The castle is open daily. While autumn and winter tend to bring harsher weather, their clear days offer a stunning early sunset and atmospheric photo opportunities. Summer months bring longer opening hours and less exposure to winds and rain.
Ghosts of Dunluce Castle
With a curious history, including a burnt-out village and rumors of a kitchen full of staff that fell into the sea, Dunluce Castle has its fair share of ghost stories. A popular site with paranormal enthusiasts, the grounds are said to be haunted by a mysterious maiden who calls out on the winds for the love she lost at sea.
Address: 87 Dunluce Rd., Bushmills, County Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Admission: Varies
From $ 31
Dunajec River Gorge
The Dunajec River runs through the Pieniny Mountains from the northern part of Slovakia into southern Poland, forming part of the border between the two countries. The Dunajec River Gorge is one of the most scenic areas of the river and is currently on a list of tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites. Located within the Pieniny National Park, the gorge features layers of limestone and dolomite rock, with cliffs rising 300 meters above the river and is understandably one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
One of the best ways to experience the gorge is undoubtedly by water, traveling along the river from the village of Sromowce Nizne to the town of Szczawnica by wooden canoe, traditional wooden raft or modern pontoon. The trip covers about 11 miles (18 km) and takes about two to three hours. In addition to rafting, there are hiking trails on either side of the gorge, as well as two castles worth visiting: Niedzica Castle and Czorsztyn Castle.
Practical Info
The Dunajec River Gorge is located about 50 kilometers from Zakopane and about 120 kilometers from Krakow. Without your own transportation, your best bet is to join a tour from either city.
Address: Poland
From $ 46
Duncansby Head
Duncansby Head, located in northern Scotland, is the northernmost point on the British mainland. It is a set of dramatic sandstone cliffs that overlook the sea. Some of the cliffs reach up to 200 feet high. Exploring the area along the coastal pathway will give you a great opportunity to see some of the region's unique seabirds and other wildlife. Some of the birds you might see include guillemot, kittiwakes, and puffins, depending on the time of year.
From Duncansby Head, visitors will have a view of the Duncansby Stacks, a group of large jagged sea rocks, and Thirle Door, a rocky arch. Sometimes it is also possible to catch a glimpse of some of the sea life here, including seals, dolphins, minke and killer whales. The nearby village of John O'Groats is the northernmost settlement on the mainland of Britain, and the Duncansby Head Lighthouse marks the northernmost point.
Practical Info
Duncansby Head is located near John O'Groats about 119 miles north of Inverness.
Address: John O'Groats, Scotland
From $ 18
Duomo Ravello
Built in the 11th century, the Duomo, which faces the town square, is the spiritual and social center of Ravello. The cathedral is a combination of Baroque and Romanesque architecture and has undergone extensive restorations over the past 900 years, with its modern white façade a result of its last major renovation in 1931. The church’s bell tower dates back to the 13th century and is Moorish and Byzantine in style.
The Duomo features three naves, separated by two colonnades, each of which is formed by eight columns of granite, transept and crypt. The famous bronze doors were made using the relief technique, and are unique in that there aren’t many bronze church doors still in existence in Italy, particularly of this kind.
The cathedral's pulpit was built in 1272 and is supported by six spiraled columns sitting atop marble lions. Across from the pulpit is the Ambo of the Epistles, with its ornate byzantine mosaics. The church’s marble chapel was built during the 17th century and is dedicated to St. Pantaleone, a 3rd-century Ravello healer, who was beheaded after converting to Christianity. A small ampul of the saint’s blood is kept here, and is said to liquefy each year on the anniversary of his martyrdom.
Practical Info
Ravello is easily explored on foot. SITA buses run frequently between Ravello and Amalfi, and taxis are available near the main bus stop in Ravello. The Duomo cathedral has an adjoining museum containing various significant sculptures and other works of art.
Address: Piazza Duomo, Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy 84010, Italy
Hours: Open daily 8am-1pm and 4:30pm-7pm
From $ 44
Dunguaire Castle
Sitting on an outcrop jutting into Galway Bay, the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle appears like a fairy-tale vision to drivers traversing the coastal road, prompting many to pull over and reach for a camera. The site housed prominent local clans for centuries before famous Irish surgeon, poet, and playwright Oliver St. John Gogarty bought it in 1924. He then turned it into a hangout for Ireland’s literary elite, including Lady Gregory, W.B. Yeats, Seán O'Casey, and George Bernard Shaw. Today, most travelers admire the castle from afar, though some do venture inside.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the castle’s modest interior and climb to the top of the 75-foot (22-meter) tower for daytime views over Galway Bay, or purchase tickets for a twice-nightly medieval banquet, which includes a 4-course candlelit dinner complete with Celtic music, mead, and storytelling. The castle is also seen on guided day tours from Galway and Dublin that typically also visit other area attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Aillwee Cave, as well as parts of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The castle is not wheelchair accessible.
- The roof terrace is small and accessible only via a narrow spiral staircase that may not be suitable for those who may get claustrophobic.
- It’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven surfaces.
- Banquet experiences must be booked in advance.
How to Get There
Dunguaire Castle is located on the southeastern tip of Galway Bay, about half a mile (900 meters) north of the town of Kinvara. Parking is available across the street. The easiest way to get there is via guided tour, with most departing from central locations in Dublin or Galway, and some included hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
The castle is open from April to mid-September from 10am to 4pm. Arrive early in the morning to see the castle at its quietest. Medieval banquets take place twice nightly, at 5:30pm and 8:45pm, and last about two hours and 15 minutes.
Tips for Photographing Dunguaire Castle
Dunguaire is often touted as the most photographed castle in Ireland. With its fabulous setting on the edge of Galway Bay, it’s not hard to see why so many have pointed their lenses in its direction. To get the perfect shot, check out the Galway Bay tide times in advance and schedule your visit for when the tide is in so you can capture the castle’s reflection in the water below.
Address: Ireland
From $ 35
Ecseri Flea Market (Ecseri Piac)
Like many Eastern European cities, Budapest has a thriving flea market scene, where the colorful flotsam and jetsam of life passes by along with the chance to dig out that elusive bargain of the century. Among more than a dozen city markets, sprawling Ecseri is the grand-daddy of them all, a great mass of humanity flogging anything from cheap plastic pots to surprisingly pretty Bohemian glassware or old military uniforms, Communist memorabilia, ancient cameras and cut-price Russian icons. While some stalls are piled high with glittering trinkets and quality antique furniture, others are nothing more upturned cardboard boxes offering battered old books and tatty vintage clothes. Along with the jumble of goods on offer, vendors come from a blend of nationalities that could be Ukrainian, Romanian or Chinese as easily as Hungarian. Ecseri is open all week but really cranks up a gear at the weekend, Sunday being less crowded than Saturday. Get there at the crack of dawn to snap up any real finds; bargains do include handmade Hungarian lace, embroidery and pottery.
Practical Info
Nagykőrösi útca 156. Open Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat 5am–3pm, Sun 8am–1pm. Free admission. Take bus 54 from Boráros tér in Pest; the trip takes about 40 minutes.
Address: Nagykőrösi útca 156, Budapest, Hungary
From $ 80
East Side Gallery
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the East Side Gallery was the result of what remained. It is longest segment of the Berlin Wall that is still standing and the world’s largest open-air gallery, showcasing over 100 murals over 1.3 kilometres along the Mühlenstrasse, which is parallel to the River Spree. Artist interpretations are a mix of optimistic and political statements.
Some of the more famous and most photographed images on the wall include a boxy East German Trabant car that appears to burst through the wall called “Test the Best” by Birgit Kinder; and “The Mortal Kiss,” a fraternal communist kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German boss Erich Honecker.
Many of the images became weathered from taggers and tourists adding their own graffiti to their favorite pictures on the wall. In 2009, forty of these works of art were restored.
Sections of the wall continued to be removed for purposes like the O2 World Arena to have its own boat landing and more recently, to provide access to a planned luxury apartment complex overlooking the Spree River, despite protests.
This is a great place for a bike ride or a walk.
Some of the more famous and most photographed images on the wall include a boxy East German Trabant car that appears to burst through the wall called “Test the Best” by Birgit Kinder; and “The Mortal Kiss,” a fraternal communist kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German boss Erich Honecker.
Many of the images became weathered from taggers and tourists adding their own graffiti to their favorite pictures on the wall. In 2009, forty of these works of art were restored.
Sections of the wall continued to be removed for purposes like the O2 World Arena to have its own boat landing and more recently, to provide access to a planned luxury apartment complex overlooking the Spree River, despite protests.
This is a great place for a bike ride or a walk.
Address: Mulenstrasse, Berlin 10243, Germany
Hours: Always open.
Admission: Free self-Guided Tours, Guided tours 10 person minimum 15 EUR
From $ 16
Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio)
Set in the hills of the Sicilian town of Syracuse is a large cave with the evocative name of the Ear of Dionysius. The name does not, however, refer to the Greek god. The name, Orecchio di Dionisio in Italian, was given to the cave by 16th-century painter Caravaggio, who named it after a vicious fifth-century BCE ruler of Syracuse. He is said to have used the cave as a political prison, and the cave's incredible acoustics gave him the ability to eavesdrop on his enemies. Another legend says he once used the cave as a torture chamber.
While the legends are unlikely to be true, the name stuck. The primary acoustic position in the cave is no longer accessible to visitors due to safety concerns, but the cavern is still an impressive sight.
Practical Info
The Ear of Dionysius is part of a larger archaeological site that also includes a Greek theatre. The park is open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm, and Mondays and holidays from 8:30am-12:30pm. Admission to the park is €10.
Address: 2 Viale Giulio Emanuele Rizzo, Syracuse, Sicily 96100, Italy
Hours: Park is open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm, and Mondays and holidays from 8:30am-12:30pm
Admission: €10
From $ 28
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle has loomed over Scotland’s capital city for more than 1,000 years. Steeped in history, the former royal residence is now a museum, featuring detailed exhibits and period artifacts that illuminate the castle’s storied past.
The Basics
Behind the fortress walls you’ll find cobbled promenades, winding stone steps, ancient chapels, dark dungeons, and vast halls. See the room where the macabre 15th-century Black Dinner took place, admire the glittering Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, take a photo with the massive Mons Meg cannon, see the Great Hall, visit the room where Queen Mary gave birth to King James IV, and find mysterious graffiti left behind by 18th- and 19th-century prisoners of war.
Many Edinburgh city tours include a visit to the castle, whether you want to explore by private mini-bus, vintage taxicab, or on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Save time with a skip-the-line walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, or delve into the history of this iconic fortress on a private tour. It’s also possible to visit the castle on a day trip from London.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Edinburgh Castle is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to the city.
- It’s possible to spend anywhere from two hours to a full day exploring the castle.
- Visitors are subject to bag searches, and storage is not available for large personal items such as backpacks, luggage, and strollers.
- Photographs are not allowed inside the Scottish National War Memorial or the Scottish Crown Jewel exhibit.
- Parts of the castle may not be accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Edinburgh Castle is located atop a hill in the Old Town. Parking is difficult in this part of Edinburgh, so the easiest way to get there is on foot, by public transport, or on a guided tour. If walking, head west on the Royal Mile—a high street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Queen’s present-day residence. The city’s primary train and bus terminal (Edinburgh Waverley) is also within walking distance of the castle.
When to Get There
The castle is open year-round and is busiest in summer. Arrive early to avoid crowds and plan to visit the Crown Jewels first, as lines form quickly and can take over an hour to get through. Afternoon visitors can enjoy the daily firing of the “one-o’clock gun,” while August travelers can sometimes see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performing just outside the castle walls.
Best Photo Spots in Edinburgh Castle
The castle’s sweeping Old Town city views are no coincidence—its hilltop position was carefully chosen to protect the city. For great views and equally great photographs, head to the windows near the row of cannons along Half Moon Battery, the grated overlooks across from the military prison, or St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving part of the castle.
Address: Castle Hill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, Scotland
Hours: Open daily. Summer: 9:30am - 6pm, Winter: 9:30am - 5pm. Closed Dec 25 & 26
Admission: Adults: £18.50, Children: £11.50
From $ 8
Dynjandi (Fjallfoss)
Isolated and rarely visited, the Westfjords of Iceland are a unique and particularly beautiful part of the country. The Dynjandi group of waterfalls, located here, is one of the biggest draw to the area. Scenically spilling over 100 meters cumulatively, the shape of the many falls appears as one wide waterfall that is a sight to behold. In total there are seven falls cascading, and Dynjandi (which translates to ‘thunderous’) is one of them.
Aside from its size and natural beauty, the remoteness of this waterfall is what makes it special. It is even joked that there are more waterfalls there than people in the Westfjords. It’ll take some effort to reach it, but you may have it all to yourself when you do. And it will be worth it: in a country filled with so many natural wonders, it’s amazing that Dynjandi or Fjalifoss stands out to many visitors as the most beautiful in the entire country.
Practical Info
The Westfjords can be accessed by car or plane from Reykjavik. There is a small hiking trail to the falls from the main road. The nearest town is Isafjörður, roughly a 90 minute drive to the north, and where most tours to the falls originate. Hiking to the top offers the best views. A campsite is nearby to Dynjandi for nearer overnight stays.
Address: Dynjandi Walking Trail, Iceland
From $ 6,011
Edinburgh Cruise Port
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and a proudly historic city of kings and queens, kilts and military tattoos (of the musical kind). Rising darkly proud above the city is Edinburgh Castle, perched high on black volcanic rock. The Old Town’s city buildings march down from the castle along the Royal Mile to the royal palace at the other end of the road, Holyroodhouse - still one of the Queen’s official residences and full of history. Nearby is the modern and controversial Scottish Parliament building.
Wrapped around the base of the castle hill is the New Town - actually dating from the 18th century, which shows how old the Old Town must be - including botanic gardens, museums and art galleries, shopping and residential areas and the city’s main railway station, Waverley. Edinburgh is both visually spectacular and culturally dynamic, home of the annual Edinburgh Festival, where many famous entertainers make their start.
How to Get to Edinburgh
Cruise ships dock in Leith, not too far from the city center. You can catch a taxi, shuttle or local bus for a ten minute ride to the Old Town, or walk for about half an hour. In Leith is also permanently moored the now-decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, which makes for a fascinating tour.
One Day in Edinburgh
If you only have one day in Edinburgh you must see the castle. It is not huge but it is full of low doorways into small rooms which burst with history. And the views are wonderful. From here wander down Royal Mile, which changes names along the way: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate.
Royal Mile has now become a bit of a tourist strip filled with shops selling tartan, but look beyond this to the wonderful buildings filled with history and the great small museums such as Camera Obscura and the Scottish Storytelling Centre in John Knox House (which dates from 1470).
At the bottom of the road is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the wonderful current royal palace, and nearby Arthurs Seat rises high in the parklands and is a favourite walk for locals and tourists alike. In the New Town the Scottish Portrait Gallery has recently reopened and the Scottish National Gallery has been renovated to put even more of their wide collection on display. The Royal Scottish Academy shows Scotland’s own great artists and designers.
A bit of a must-do in Scotland is to sample the local whiskies of which they are so rightly proud. And if you’re brave, taste some haggis, the national dish. If you are a golfer, head to nearby St Andrews where golf began. And if you’ve seen Edinburgh before, Glasgow is only 45 minutes away by train.
Port Information
The language is English, although it is spoken with a distinctive Scottish lilt and some puzzling Scottish turns of phrase. The currency is the British pound - if you receive any Scottish pounds they are quite legal even though they look different to the English pounds commonly used across Britain. ATMs are easy to find.
Wrapped around the base of the castle hill is the New Town - actually dating from the 18th century, which shows how old the Old Town must be - including botanic gardens, museums and art galleries, shopping and residential areas and the city’s main railway station, Waverley. Edinburgh is both visually spectacular and culturally dynamic, home of the annual Edinburgh Festival, where many famous entertainers make their start.
How to Get to Edinburgh
Cruise ships dock in Leith, not too far from the city center. You can catch a taxi, shuttle or local bus for a ten minute ride to the Old Town, or walk for about half an hour. In Leith is also permanently moored the now-decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, which makes for a fascinating tour.
One Day in Edinburgh
If you only have one day in Edinburgh you must see the castle. It is not huge but it is full of low doorways into small rooms which burst with history. And the views are wonderful. From here wander down Royal Mile, which changes names along the way: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate.
Royal Mile has now become a bit of a tourist strip filled with shops selling tartan, but look beyond this to the wonderful buildings filled with history and the great small museums such as Camera Obscura and the Scottish Storytelling Centre in John Knox House (which dates from 1470).
At the bottom of the road is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the wonderful current royal palace, and nearby Arthurs Seat rises high in the parklands and is a favourite walk for locals and tourists alike. In the New Town the Scottish Portrait Gallery has recently reopened and the Scottish National Gallery has been renovated to put even more of their wide collection on display. The Royal Scottish Academy shows Scotland’s own great artists and designers.
A bit of a must-do in Scotland is to sample the local whiskies of which they are so rightly proud. And if you’re brave, taste some haggis, the national dish. If you are a golfer, head to nearby St Andrews where golf began. And if you’ve seen Edinburgh before, Glasgow is only 45 minutes away by train.
Port Information
The language is English, although it is spoken with a distinctive Scottish lilt and some puzzling Scottish turns of phrase. The currency is the British pound - if you receive any Scottish pounds they are quite legal even though they look different to the English pounds commonly used across Britain. ATMs are easy to find.
Address: Imperial House, Albert Dock, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7DN, Scotland
From $ 68
Duomo di Verona
Had Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet ended happily ever after, the two may have wed in Verona’s beautiful 12th-century cathedral; and, in fact, travelers flock to the duomo on Romeo and Juliet-themed tours. The mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements make this one of the most beautiful churches in Verona.
The Basics
The Duomo di Verona, in the historic city center, is built on top of an older proto-Christian church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1117. The cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and is part of a complex that also includes the baptistery, the churches of San Giovanni in Fonte and Sant’Elena, the Canons’ cloister, and the Chapter Library of Verona Cathedral (Biblioteca Capitolare della Cattedrale di Verona).
Visit the Duomo di Verona on a city walking or hop-on hop-off bus tour that also includes skip-the-line entrance to the city’s famous Roman arena in Piazza Bra and other highlights. Popular themed tours in Verona include itineraries based on the plot of Romeo and Juliet, and a mystery tour exploring the murder of Veronese lord Cangrande della Scala, which remains unsolved after 700 years.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is closed to tours during Mass.
- There is wheelchair access to the main church; the baptistery and secondary churches have steps at the entrances.
- Visitors are required to cover their shoulders and knees to enter the church.
How to Get There
The Duomo is on Piazza Vescovado in the historic center of Verona, about a 25-minute walk from the Porto Vescovo train station, or 15 minutes on bus 31.Verona is located about halfway between Venice and Milan in Italy’s Veneto region, an easy day trip from Venice or Lake Garda.
When to Get There
The Duomo is open all day from March to November, but it closes briefly at midday the rest of the year. Tourists are not allowed to visit during Mass, so check the schedule in advance.
Art and Sculpture in the Cathedral
Duomo highlights include the portal sculptures in the western doorway by Maestro Nicolo dating from 1139 (they are conveniently signed and dated); at the south door are sculptures depicting the story of Jonah, a lion, an angel, and the Virgin Mary. Two sculpted holy warriors, Oliver and Uliviero, guard the entrance. The interiors are decorated with frescoes by a number of artists from the first Veronese Renaissance and Titian's Assumption of the Virgin.
Address: Piazza Duomo, 21, Verona 37121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Duden Waterfalls
The Duden Waterfalls make a pleasant side trip from Antalya and its surrounding gardens are a popular picnic spot with locals.
The Duden river extends from the Taurus mountains all the way to the Mediterranean and creates two cascades know as the Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls.
The Upper Duden waterfall is 15m (49ft) high and 20m (65ft) wide and set in a pretty valley. A natural cave has formed behind the falls and it is possible to sit here and watch the cascades. There are restaurants, boardwalks and picnic tables in the gardens immediately surrounding the falls to help you make the most of this scenic spot.
Practical Info
The Lower Duden waterfall spills into the sea and, while less impressive than the Upper Duden falls, it is possible to hire a boat in order to view them.
The Duden Waterfalls are 14km (8.5mi) northeast of Antalya.
Address: Antalya, Turkey
From $ 52