Things to Do in Europe

Located in the heart of Berlin’s theater district (near Hackescher Markt),  Friedrichstadt-Palast is Europe’s largest revue theater. The palace is famous for its glitzy, Vegas-style shows from its high-kicking showgirls, acrobats, 60 person-ballet troupe and high-tech special effects.

There are shows catered to the Gay and Lesbian community, as well as a Young Ensemble for kids. For history buffs, the Friedrichstadt-Palast is the last magnificent building of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

During special events, like film festivals, the theatre turns into a cinema. Some of the most famous performers in the world have also graced the palace’s stages like Josephine Baker and Liza Minnelli.

Frankfurter Dom is the main church of Frankfurt. From the 14th century onwards, kings of the Holy Roman Empire were elected in this Catholic church. From the mid-16th century to the late 18th century, emperors were crowned here.

The cathedral has been damaged in the past by fire and warfare, most recently during the WWII. It was reconstructed in the 1950s and has undergone periodic renovation since then. It has been widely recognized as an important national symbol for Germany. The museum has an impressive collection of reliquaries and ceremonial objects.

One of the region’s most renowned producers of Catalonian specialty Cava, the Freixenet Vineyards make a popular day trip for visitors from Barcelona. Built in 1922, Freixenet was started by the Ferras and the Salas, two well-regarded winemaking families whose history of wine production dates back to the 12th century.

The Freixenet vineyards, located in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in the legendary wine region of Altes Penedes, offer guests the chance to experience the production of the famous Freixenet cava with tours of the winery. Visitors can take a peek into the historic wine cellars, the production areas and bottling plants, where they can learn the traditional winemaking techniques that are still employed today. Most unique is the small passenger train that runs through the 20km of underground cava cellars, transporting guests to the tasting room. The grand finale of the tour, is the opportunity to taste some of the region’s most iconic sparkling wines, among which is Freixenet’s leading cava, the Carta Nevada and the popular Cordon Negro, both available for purchase from the on-site Dolores Ferrer wine shop.

You’ll be in good company drinking at Freixenet – the winemakers have been associated with a number of famous faces over the years, with the brand’s Christmas TV commercials featuring celebrities like Shakira, Antonio Banders, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone.

The Frankfurt Zoo opened in 1858 and is the second oldest in Germany. The zoo contains over 4,500 animals of more than 400 species. If want to experience crocodiles, gorillas, lions and rhinos while in Germany, the zoo is great place to visit. Animal aficionados will find many many exotic animals to observe, from mouse lemurs and galagos over tamanduas to aardvarks, fossas and kiwis.

Originally built in a Romanesque-Gothic style in 1337, the Franciscan Monastery was one of the few buildings to retain some of its original architecture after the 1667 earthquake.

Among its earliest surviving features is the south door, designed in 1499 in a Venetian Gothic style and featuring a beautiful carving (Pieta). Considered to be its piece de resistance, however, are the late Romanesque cloisters and their double columns topped with animal, human and plant carvings (capitals). Other original features include a 15th-century marble pulpit, bell tower and fountain.

The Franciscan Monastery also contains an unmissable pharmacy (1317) and a museum. Believed to be the oldest working pharmacy in Europe, you can see original laboratory instruments, mortars and jars on display here.

The museum contains more fascinating 14th century pharmacy equipment, a well-stocked library and precious religious art and artifacts belonging to the Franciscan order.