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Ethnographic Museum of Krakow
Found in buzzing Kazimierz’s former town hall—itself a creamy-hued Renaissance masterpiece—Krakow’s superb Ethnographic Museum (Muzeum Etnograficzne) should be on everyone’s itinerary. The museum covers the history and culture of rustic Poland through the ages, with detailed reconstructions of 19th-century peasant rooms, schoolrooms and rural kitchens. The museum also has a fine collection of traditional musical instruments, colorful folk costumes and day-to-day utensils used in leather making, wood carving and farming. The highlight of a visit, however, is the display of ornately decorated Nativity cribs called szopki, which are traditionally painted red, green and gold and resemble multi-tiered Orthodox churches.
New permanent exhibitions are being curated, including displays on traditional Polish rituals such as the painting of Easter eggs and the delicate folding of paper flowers; another recent addition on the second floor of the museum contain more than 300 pieces of art spanning the last five centuries. A separate gallery for temporary exhibitions is found at Ulica Krakowska 46, which recently hosted an in-depth exploration of the customs and traditions of Polish weddings.
Practical Info
The Ethnographic Museum of Krakow is located a 20-minute walk from the city's Old Town, at Plac Wolnica 1. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 7pm, and is closed Monday.
Admission is 13 PLN for adults; 7 PLN for students and seniors; and 23 PLN for families. Visit the Ethnographic Museum for free with a Krakow museum and transport pass, which includes unlimited public transportation and admission to the city's top museums, like Rynek Underground and Oskar Schindler's Factory.
The museum is accessible by public transport, taking tram 6, 8, 10 or 13 to Ulica Wawrzyńca.
Address: Plac Wolnica 1, Poland
Hours: Tue–Sun: 10am–7pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Ersfjordbotn
Ersfjordbotn is a village located at the bottom of the pristine Ersfjord, just 20 km (12.5 miles) west from the city of Tromsø on the neighboring island of Kvaløya. It is a legendary spot for catching the mythical Nordlys (Northern Lights) thanks to its clean, unpolluted air, the dark winter skies of December through February and the surrounding rugged, snow-capped peaks, which shimmer with reflected colors streaming from the lights. The village is also a winter center for skiing, snow-shoeing and dog-sledding, plus a summer destination for rock climbing and hiking in the mountains as well as kayaking, sailing and canoeing on the tranquil waters of the fjord.
Sitting on a narrow strip of land between Ersfjord and neighboring Kaldfjord to the north, Ersfjordbotn is a tiny, largely wooden-built settlement with scattering of holiday homes, although many people living there now work in Tromsø and are lucky enough to enjoy one of the most spectacular commutes in the world, past wild mountain scenery and sparkling seas, while reindeer and lemmings can often be spotted on the hills. Although the northern slopes of Ersfjord are steep and virtually inaccessible, with cliffs plummeting nearly 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) into the sea, the south side is criss-crossed with easy hiking and cycling tracks as well as climbing and bouldering routes for expert mountaineers.
Practical Info
Ersfjordbotn is easily accessible from Tromsø via the Sandnessund Bridge connecting the city to Kvaløya. Bus No. 425 makes the journey in an hour, while the car journey takes 30 minutes.
Address: Ersfjordbotn, Norway
From $ 157
Estádio da Luz
The Estadio da Luz, or Stadium of Light, is a multipurpose stadium best known for being the home of Portugal’s leading football team, Sport Lisboa Benfica. It has seating capacity for over 65,000 people and features a retractable roof. The stadium has facilities for hockey, volleyball, and basketball as well as swimming pools and health clubs.
The Basics
The Estadio da Luz was built on top of the old Cathedral stadium and was completed in time to host the 2004 European Championship. On non-event days, the guided tours are available for guests to visit generally off-limits areas such as the dressing room, tunnels, and the pitch. Visitors can also opt for a more in-depth experience and visit book a private tour of the stadium and the adjacent Benfica Museum to learn more about their histories.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Stadium of Light is a must visit for soccer fans and sports lovers.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on the ground floor.
- The stadium is also home to a slew of bars and two panoramic restaurants.
How to Get There
The stadium is located at Av. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira in Lisbon’s Benfica neighborhood and is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take the Azul line to the Colegio Militar/Luz line, directly in front of the complex, as well as city bus 750 to the Estadio da Luz stop.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the stadium is during non-match days when you can visit the grounds without any crowds. For those who would like to see a game and experience the electrifying energy of this Portuguese tradition, plan to visit during the soccer season from September to June when there is generally a home game every 10 days.
The Benfica Cosme Damiao Museum
The interactive museum adjacent to the stadium is named after a soccer legend who established the Portuguese football league in the 1920s. The 3-floor museum features over 1,000 trophies, and offers visitors a chance to discover the rich history of soccer in Portugal as they explore exhibits and enjoy a movie about the club’s history.
Address: Avenida General Norton de Matos, Lisbon, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Essex Farm Cemetery
The Essex Farm Cemetery is a World War I burial site outside of Ypres, Belgium. There are 1,200 servicemen buried or commemorated here, including 103 unidentified soldiers. Essex Farm was an Advanced Dressing Station during the war, so many of the casualties handled there were laid to rest in this cemetery. Remains of some of the bunkers used for medical services can still be seen near the cemetery. There is also a memorial to the 49th West Riding Division.
John McCrae, a World War I soldier who fought in the Ypres Salient battlegrounds, wrote a poem called “In Flanders Fields” after a friend of his was killed. It is believed that he was in the area of the Essex Farm Advanced Dressing Station when he wrote it. In the poem, he talks about the poppies in Flanders fields, and his short but moving poem became well known. Because of this poem, the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance.
Practical Info
The Essex Farm Cemetery is located on the east side of the N369 Ieper-Boezinge Road, about a mile north of Ieper (Ypres).
Address: Ypres, Belgium
From $ 88
Estoril
If you have found yourself in beautiful Portugal, chances are you’re looking for a place to get away and relax for awhile.
Located just 9 miles from Lisbon, Estoril is a popular resort town on the water where you can enjoy a very sophisticated variation of foods, modern amenities, and of course, the beach. During the day you could be in or on the water, fishing, windsurfing, diving, or water-skiing--or if you fancy--shooting 18-holes at one of the Estoril Coast’s 7 courses, including sought after Atlantico. By night, you may decide to roll the dice at Esotril’s famous Casino Estoril.
If you’re looking for something a little more tame, there are also a load of cultural sites to visit, including the exotic yet beautiful Pena Palace and Park, or go check out the Iberian Wolf Sanctuary, where you can observe or even adopt one of these majestic creatures.
Located just 9 miles from Lisbon, Estoril is a popular resort town on the water where you can enjoy a very sophisticated variation of foods, modern amenities, and of course, the beach. During the day you could be in or on the water, fishing, windsurfing, diving, or water-skiing--or if you fancy--shooting 18-holes at one of the Estoril Coast’s 7 courses, including sought after Atlantico. By night, you may decide to roll the dice at Esotril’s famous Casino Estoril.
If you’re looking for something a little more tame, there are also a load of cultural sites to visit, including the exotic yet beautiful Pena Palace and Park, or go check out the Iberian Wolf Sanctuary, where you can observe or even adopt one of these majestic creatures.
Practical Info
As a major resort town that is very close to the country’s capital, it is often packed full of people, and so there are a vast amount of places one could choose to stay, including inns, hotel-apartments, and 5-star hotels.
Address: Estoril, Portugal
From $ 67
Et'hem Bey Mosque
This historic religious structure is one of the oldest in the nation and somehow managed to escape destruction when an atheist movement took hold in Albania during the 1960s. The structure and those who worship there have a long history of surviving turmoil, as the mosque was forced to shut its doors when communists ruled the country.
In 1992, Et’hem Bey Mosque once again opened as a place of worship against the wishes of those who were in charge. Today, it’s one of the largest and most prominent gathering places for Muslims in Albania. The mosque is known for its colorful frescoes and finely detailed interiors, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in history, religion and architecture.
Practical Info
The Mosque is located in the center of Tirana in Skanderbeg Square. Travelers must take off their shoes to enter the building.
Address: Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania
From $ 28
Es Baluard Museum
Lovers of modern and contemporary art (or casual travelers looking for insight into the Spanish art scene) will find one of Spain’s most important and comprehensive collections at the Es Baluard Museum in Palma de Mallorca. Opened in 2004, the museum maintains a collection of more than 500 pieces, with a heavy emphasis on artists working in the Balearic Islands since the early twentieth century.
Set amid some of Palma de Mallorca’s most historical structures, including the Sant Pere Bastion (sixteenth century) and the Aljub reservoir (seventeenth century), the museum building is much more modernist, made from concrete and glass, yet manages to fit in harmoniously with its surroundings.
Practical Info
Es Baluard Museum is one of the stops on Bus 50, Palma’s hop-on hop-off tourist bus.
Address: Plaça de la Porta de Santa Catalina, 10, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-3pm
Admission: 6,00 €
From $ 101
Essl Museum
This peerless art museum is in Klosterneuburg, near the 12th-century Augustinian monastery of the same name in Lower Austria. Housed in a futuristic gallery designed by innovative architect Heinz Tesar and built in 1999, the Essl holds one of the most important private collections of contemporary art in Europe. The lovechild of Agnes and Karlheinz Essl, it has more than 7,000 pieces of artwork, ranging from paintings to sculpture, video, wacky installations and photography, all beautifully arrayed in spacious, light-flooded glass galleries that reflect light back from the River Danube floating past outside. Pieces are rotated on a regular basis, with the museum curating up to ten exhibitions a year and drawing on its repository of great names such as Gerhard Richter, Frank Stella and Georg Baselitz. Despite 40 works being sold off in late 2014 to prop up Karlheinz Essl’s family chain of hardware shops, the collection not been diminished and continues to showcase the very best of post-war European art.
Practical Info
An der Donau-Au 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg. Open Tue, Thur–Sun 10am–6pm, Wed 10am–9pm. Admission is adults €7, aged under 19 free. A free shuttle bus leaves Albertinaplatz from Tue–Sun at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm & 4pm for the Essl Museum, which is 20 minutes outside the city center.
Address: An der Donau-Au 1, Klosterneuburg, Austria
Admission: Adults €7
From $ 139
Eton College
Founded by Henry VI and boasting a history dating back almost six centuries, Eton College is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious public schools (actually an exclusive fee-paying independent school) and one of only 4 remaining single-sex boy’s boarding schools in the UK. It’s also undeniably the most famous, with former scholars (traditionally nicknamed ‘Old Etonians’) including 19 British Prime Ministers, among them Winston Churchill and David Cameron; members of the British Royal Family, including Prince William and Prince Harry; writers like George Orwell and Ian Fleming; London Mayor Boris Johnson; and actors like Eddie Redmayne, Damian Lewis and Hugh Laurie.
It’s even made its mark on pop culture – fictional characters like Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey, Captain Hook and James Bond (who was expelled!) were described as having attended Eton and the college itself has served as a backdrop to films like Shakespeare in Love, Mansfield Park and My Week With Marilyn.
Today the boarding school has around 1,300 students, aged between 13 and 18, all of whom wear the iconic uniform of a black tailcoat, white tie and pinstriped trousers, and are split into administrative ‘houses’. The historic school is also notable for its architecture, with highlights including the medieval School Yard, the Gothic-style Chapel and the Cloisters Court. Visitors are able to tour the principal buildings and visit the on-site Museum of Eton Life and gift shop.
It’s even made its mark on pop culture – fictional characters like Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey, Captain Hook and James Bond (who was expelled!) were described as having attended Eton and the college itself has served as a backdrop to films like Shakespeare in Love, Mansfield Park and My Week With Marilyn.
Today the boarding school has around 1,300 students, aged between 13 and 18, all of whom wear the iconic uniform of a black tailcoat, white tie and pinstriped trousers, and are split into administrative ‘houses’. The historic school is also notable for its architecture, with highlights including the medieval School Yard, the Gothic-style Chapel and the Cloisters Court. Visitors are able to tour the principal buildings and visit the on-site Museum of Eton Life and gift shop.
Practical Info
Eton College is located in Windsor, across the river from Windsor Castle, and is open to the public from March to October by guided tour only.
Address: SL4 6DW, Windsor, South East England, England
Hours: Mar-Oct Guided Tours
From $ 12
Espace Dali
There are plenty of galleries and museums in Paris dedicated to individual artists. But the Espace Dalí is more than just paintings on a wall. In a style befitting Salvador Dalí's surreal school of art, it is a full-immersion experience. There is music playing, usually a big no-no in the more hallowed halls of art; there are sculpture versions of his paintings, giving visitors a chance to rethink these famous pieces; and there's even a full roster of children's events that welcome a new generation to get to know Dalí better. There are also some videos and other multimedia exhibits that take you into the mind of this brilliant artist.
Your entrance fee also covers the museum's neighbor, Galerie Montmartre, which features works by today's artists.
Your entrance fee also covers the museum's neighbor, Galerie Montmartre, which features works by today's artists.
Practical Info
To reach Espace Dalí, take the M12 to Abesses and then the funicular to walk to 11, rue Poulbot. Note that it's much easier to take the elevator up and out of the Abesses stop; the stairwell is steep, long and not the best for anyone who is uncomfortable in tight spaces!
Address: 11 Rue Poulbot, Paris 75018, France
Hours: Mon - Sun: 10am – 6pm
Admission: Adult: 11 € and Child: 6 €
From $ 14
Estates Theatre
The Estates Theatre is one of the most beautiful historical theaters in Europe. Built in less than two years, it opened in 1783, making it Prague's oldest theater. The site, known by locals as Stavoske divaldo, is famous for its connection with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who spent quite some time in Prague working on operas that would later be performed here. His Marriage of Figaro was played here in 1786, and the next year, Mozart personally conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in this space. Don Giovanni is still the theater's most prized opera performance.
While the building’s exterior has become an architectural icon, it’s the interior that leaves visitors truly breathless. Ornate gilded ceilings, glowing hallows of light and classically inspired design make the Estate Theatre’s environment almost as impressive as its performances.
Mozartissimo, a selection of Mozart's famous opera arias, as well as other shows and classical concerts are also performed throughout the year. The nation’s opera, ballet and theater groups all utilize this stately space to bring their craft to the country’s people, and travelers have been finding their way to the stage in search of a true taste of Czech culture for decades.
Practical Info
The Estates Theatre is located at Ovocny trh 1 between Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square. Travelers are welcome to explore the grounds on their own or on one of the theater’s guided tours.
Address: Ovocny trh 1, Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 20
Esztergom
Located about 30 miles northwest of Budapest, Esztergom sits on the right bank of the Danube River where it forms the border between Hungary and Slovakia. It makes a perfect day trip from Budapest. The city was the capital of Hungary from the 10th century to the middle of the 13th century and is currently the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in the country.
The most popular sight in Esztergom is the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Standing atop Castle Hill, entrance to the church is free, but visitors must pay extra to visit the crypts, cupola and treasury. Next to the Basilica is the Castle Museum, which is free and well worth a visit – especially for its views over the Danube. The Christian Museum can be found in the Primate’s Palace and boasts the largest collection of ecclesiastical objects in all of Hungary. If time permits, check out the Balint Balatta Museum, featuring displays on local and regional history.
Practical Info
To reach Esztergom from Budapest, take a local train from Budapest’s Nyugati train station or take the bus from the Arpad Bridge Volan bus station in Pest. The train station in Esztergom is about a 30-minute walk from the center of town, while the bus station is right in the town center. A more interesting route would be to take a EuroCity train from Budapest’s Keleti train station to Sturovo in Slovakia and then walk a short distance to Esztergom over a bridge crossing the Danube.
Address: Esztergom, Hungary
From $ 74
Euromast
Designed by Dutch architect Hugh Maaskant for the 1960 Floriade flower festival, Euromast dominates the Rotterdam skyline with its futuristic shape, serving as a much-loved city landmark. Now standing 606 feet (185 meters) tall, Euromast was originally only 328 feet tall before its extra height was added in the 1970s to counter its lost title as Holland’s tallest structure. Originally built as an observation tower, Euromast is better known today as a center for fine dining and adrenaline-pumping extreme sports.
From the bottom to the top, a visit to Euromast tests bravery. Speedboats depart from the foot of the tower for high-speed tours of the port of Rotterdam, getting up close to Erasmus Bridge, as well as the wharves and ships of one of the world’s largest commercial ports. Up at Euromast’s viewing platforms, which are accessible by elevator, visitors can rappel down the tower (summer only, check dates) or zip-line to the ground on the last Sunday of every month.
The revolving Euroscoop elevator corkscrews its way up from the viewing platform and takes those unafraid of heights to the very top, while a brasserie serving snacks such as bitterballen (spicy Dutch meat balls) can be found perched up at 314 feet (96 meters). If you can’t bear to leave, the tower houses two hotels rooms with stupendous views from their private balconies.
Practical Information:
Euromast is at Parkhaven, and entrance costs €9.25. It is open daily in April through September from 9:30 a.m. until 11 p.m., and in October through March from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. Rappelling is bookable in advance and costs €52.50, while speedboat rides cost €47.50. There is plenty of paid parking in the vicinity (with no option to pay with cash) and Tram 8 can be taken from downtown Rotterdam. Combination tickets for Euromast and Kunsthal Rotterdam are available for adults at €16.20 each, €9.95 for youth ages 12 to 18 and at €7.70 for children ages 6 to 11.
Address: Parkhaven 20, Rotterdam 3016 GM, Netherlands
Admission: €9.25
From $ 11
Ethnographic Museum (Muzeu Etnologjik)
Hidden away in Pristina’s Old Town, the Ethnological Museum is a must-see for visitors to Kosovo’s capital. The museum is housed in the 18th century Emin Gjiku Complex, which once belonged to a local nobleman by the same name. After Gjiku and his family were expelled from Kosovo in the 1950s, the complex was initially a biology museum, eventually opening as the Ethnological Museum in 2006.
The museum features permanent exhibitions relating to life in Kosovo during the Ottoman era and focuses on a circle of life theme, with displays focusing on birth, life, death and heritage. Divided among two buildings, visitors will see rooms furnished just as they would have been during Ottoman times, as well as a traditional “room of birth” and “room of death.” Other rooms display traditional jewelry, costumes, pottery, weapons and other tools. Enthusiastic and knowledgeably English-speaking guides are available to walk you through the museum and share even more of the area’s history and culture.
Practical Info
The Ethnological Museum is an annex of the Museum of Kosovo and is just a five-minute walk from the main museum; look for signs pointing in the right direction. The complex itself is set in a walled courtyard off the main street. It is easily reached on foot or a short taxi ride from much of central Pristina.
Address: Iliaz Agushi Street, Pristina, Kosovo
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From $ 111
Escher in Het Paleis
Behind the 17th-century façade of this palace – formerly the winter home of Queen Emma of the Netherlands – lies a startlingly eccentric collection of works of Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher. The palace is located on The Hague’s elegant boulevard of Lange Voorhout and as befits its royal residence, has a series of lavishly appointed rooms plus an ornate Art Nouveau staircase that was installed in 1901 along with glimmering stained-glass windows in the skylights of the main hall.
Maurits Cornelis Escher lived between 1898-1972 and became famous for his slightly demented lithographs, woodcuts and engravings as well as drawings and prints playing with perspective. He travelled right across Europe, living in Italy and Switzerland and drawing on influences as far apart as the Alhambra in Granada and the bucolic landscape of Tuscany.
The museum opened in 2002 and has the world’s largest collection of Escher’s highly eccentric work, which somehow fits perfectly into the opulence of Queen Emma’s palace. Highlights include the vast woodcut Metamorphosis III as well as the ‘In the Eye of Escher’ exhibition on the second story, where games are played with perspective. The permanent displays include his early Italian landscapes, family portraits and many of his ingenious ‘impossible’ optical illusion prints and woodcuts.
There are scavenger hunts and workshops for kids in the school holidays in a ‘lab’ completely decorated with Escher’s confusing perspective patterns, a museum store selling Escher-centric books and prints plus a café.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tue-Sun 11am-5pm; admission is €9. It is easily accessible from Den Haag station by tram or bus.
Address: Lange Voorhout 74, The Hague, The Netherlands 2514 EH, Netherlands
Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-5pm
Admission: €9
From $ 11
Estrela Garden (Jardim Da Estrela)
One of central Lisbon’s most beautiful parks, Estrela Garden (Jardim da Estrela) is an oasis from the bustling Bairro Alto and Chiado. The park—lined with tropical trees, sculptures, and a small lake—is surrounded by history, with its old English cemetery, wrought-iron gazebo, and 18th-century Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela).
The Basics
Most hop-on hop-on and tuk-tuk tours include a stop at Estrela Garden. For a closer look at Lisbon’s green spaces, book a secret gardens tour or rent an e-bike to explore the city on your own.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The garden is a must-visit for nature lovers, spontaneous travelers, and anyone looking for a serene respite from the city.
- Estrela Garden is popular among families with small children due to the animal-themed playground and duck-filled ponds.
- The pond-side café is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee, glass of wine, or quick snack.
- Most of the park is paved with gravel or soapstone and relatively flat, making it fairly accessible for wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Estrela Garden is located at Largo da Estrela, directly in front of the Estrela Basilica. Take the historic tram 25 or 28 to the Estrela stop, or city bus 709, 713, 720, 738, 773, or 774. The closest metro station, Rato, is a 15-minute walk from the garden.
When to Get There
Spring and fall are the best time to visit Estrela Garden, when the weather is not too hot and there is a nice breeze through the city. The tropical plants stay in bloom most of the year and provide a lush green space to enjoy in any season.
The Estrela Garden Statues
Several statues were installed in the park after the creation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. Notable sculptures include the expressive farmer created by Costa Mota, a marble figure of a nude woman known as O Despertar, and—the most famous of the lot—the Guardadora de Patos, which means “keeper of the ducks.” The statues transform the area into more than just a park, but an elegant sculpture garden in which visitors can admire art and simply relax.
Address: Largo da Estrela, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 23
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
When we think of ancient civilizations, more often than not we think of Rome. Yet before the Romans, there were the Etruscans who lived in west Italy from the 9th century onward. Their necropolises, or burial grounds, represent much of what we know about not only Etruscan culture but also burial practices from that ancient time.
Depictions of daily life can be found on frescoed walls, and many of the necropolises resemble Etruscan homes. The necropolis of Cerveteri alone has thousands of tomb structures which are arranged as if a small city. It can be navigated in largely the same manner, with paths, city squares, and even distinct neighborhoods.
The nearby Tarquinia necropolis has more than 6,000 tombs carved into rock. Interestingly, these tombs built for death are one of the greatest keys we have to understand how the Etruscans lived. Many of them are the only existing structure of their kind.
Practical Info
Cerveteri is located in northern Lazio, about 28 miles from Rome. Open from 8:30 am daily, it costs 6 Euros to enter either tomb (Cerveteri and Tarquinia.) The National Museum of Cerverteri of Etruscan artifacts is nearby to the necropolis, and is also worth checking out. The Cerveteri necropolis is located at Via della Necropoli 43/45, whereas Tarquinia is at Strada provinciale Monterozzi Marina. You can get there by driving, or take Rome’s Metro Line A the Cornelia stop; from the Cornelia stop, you can catch a CoTral bus to Cerveteri. It’s about 45 minutes to then travel to Tarquinia.
Address: Via della Necropoli, Cerveteri, Italy
Hours: 8:30 am to sunset
Admission: 6€
From $ 116
Espace Van Gogh
The Provençal town of Arles sits on the banks of the River Rhône southwest of Avignon and is placed firmly on the tourist trail for its UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, Romanesque cathedral, one of the biggest Saturday produce markets in France and for being the latter-day home of tortured artist Vincent Van Gogh. He arrived in Arles in February 1888 and fell in love with both the town and its rural environs, painting its historic center and spectacular landscapes repeatedly. Some of his most famous works were among the 180 he produced during this time, including Starry Night, several versions of The Sunflowers and The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night. Sadly this prolific period did not continue and he soon succumbed to mental illness; following a fracas with his fellow artist Paul Gauguin on Dec. 24, 1888, Van Gogh lopped off his ear and was hospitalized in the 16th-century Hôtel-Dieu-Saint-Espirit. By May 1889, he was recuperating in the Monastère St Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, before he eventually died in Auvers-sur-Oise in July 1890.
During his time at the Hôtel-Dieu-Saint-Espirit, Van Gogh painted its beautiful courtyard twice; it has now been restored to match the layout seen in his masterly Garden of the Hospital in Arles and is a place of quiet contemplation for visitors. Although there are no original Van Goghs displayed here, there are frequent art exhibitions in the cloisters and a souvenir shop selling his prints. The gardens form part of a Van Gogh-themed walking tour of Arles, which links all the places he made famous in his paintings.
Practical Info
Place du Docteur Félix Rey, Arles. Admission free at any time. Arles is 45 minutes’ drive southwest of Avignon.
Address: Place du Docteur Félix Rey, Arles, France
From $ 45
Es Vedranell and Western Inlets
Located on the south-west side of the island, es Vedranell and the western inlets are a cluster of protected areas featuring sandy beaches, azure waters, varied terrain (including the infamous and iconic Es Vedra mountain that has become synonymous with images of Ibiza) and wildlife.
The western inlets include: Cala d´Hort, Cap Llentrisca i Sa Talaia Natural Park and the Es Vedrà, Es Vedranell and Els Illots de Ponent Nature Reserves. Spend time here exploring the 10 islets in the area, which are packed with birds – including the Audoin gull and Elearnor falcon, lizards and more. Or, grab a seat on the beach and keep a look out for dolphins frolicking off the coast.
To get in touch with the past, the area also features the remnants of a Punic-Roman settlement and La Torres des Savinar, an old lighthouse.
The western inlets include: Cala d´Hort, Cap Llentrisca i Sa Talaia Natural Park and the Es Vedrà, Es Vedranell and Els Illots de Ponent Nature Reserves. Spend time here exploring the 10 islets in the area, which are packed with birds – including the Audoin gull and Elearnor falcon, lizards and more. Or, grab a seat on the beach and keep a look out for dolphins frolicking off the coast.
To get in touch with the past, the area also features the remnants of a Punic-Roman settlement and La Torres des Savinar, an old lighthouse.
Address: Spain
From $ 80
Estrela Basilica
Queen Mary I of Portugal built the rococo-style Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela), a church and convent, in the late 1700s to honor the birth of her son, Prince Jose. Unfortunately Prince Jose died two years before the completion of the Lisbon basilica, which is now a memorial to the fallen prince—and the tomb of the grief-stricken queen.
The Basics
Estrela Basilica’s sugar-white dome and twin bell towers are hard to miss on the city skyline. Its interior is covered in intricate geometric patterns of black, pink, and yellow marble. The famous Nativity scene—500 cork and terracotta figures sculpted by Joaquim Machado de Castro—attracts numerous visitors. Climb the 112 steps to the rococo dome for sweeping Lisbon views.
The basilica is generally included in most hop-on hop-off and tuk-tuk tours. If you want a more intimate experience, book a small-group or private tour to learn more about the basilica and the western neighborhoods of Lisbon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Estrela Basilica is a must-visit for architecture lovers and religious patrons.
- Visitors generally spend about 30 minutes exploring the basilica.
- Admission to the basilica is free but there are small fees to see the Nativity scene and to access the dome.
- There is no accessible entrance, however the ground floor of the basilica does not have any hindrances for wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The basilica is located at Largo da Estrela, sitting on one of Lisbon’s seven hills. Take the historic tram 25 or 28 to the Estrela stop, or city bus 713, 773, or 774. The closest metro station is Rato, about a 15-minute walk from the church.
When to Get There
The basilica is open from 7:30am to 8pm daily. Though it is rarely crowded, for the most contemplative experience visit in the early morning en route to exploring the nearby historic town of Belem, or in late afternoon before heading to the popular LX Factory in Alcantara.
The Story of the Estrela Basilica
Queen Mary I was the first monarch to rule over all of what is today Portugal and Brazil, and she desperately wanted an heir to the throne. A religious devotee, she prayed to God for a healthy child and, in return, would build the greatest church in Lisbon. Once her son Jose was was born, she immediately began construction on the basilica. Due to its intricate details and grand size, the complex took a long time to construct—and Jose died from smallpox before its completion.
Address: Largo da Estrela, Lisbon, Portugal
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