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Things to Do in Europe

Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe

Gabriel's Wharf

With its picturesque riverside promenade, colorful shopfronts and terrace cafés, Gabriel's Wharf is the ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere of the Thames riverside. Located on London’s lively Southbank, the redeveloped wharf lies just a short walk from the landmark OXO tower and the waterfront Bernie Spain Gardens, and is buzzing with life both day and night.

As well as browsing the many independent designer boutiques, handicraft stores and art galleries, visitors to Gabriel's Wharf can choose from a diverse range of cafés, bars and restaurants. Be sure to snag a table with a waterfront view – the wharf looks out over St Paul’s Cathedral, Waterloo Bridge and Somerset House.

Practical Info

Gabriel’s Wharf is located on London’s Southbank on the south side of the River Thames in central London.

Gabriel’s Wharf, Lambeth, London SE1, England

From $ 34

Friedrichstrasse

Friedrichstrasse runs north to south through the center of Berlin, while during the Cold War, the Berlin Wall cut through this street. The Friedrichstrasse S-bahn and U-bahn station was on the East, but trains from the West were still able to stop there so passengers could transfer lines. However, they could not leave the station without proper paperwork.

Today the street is a major shopping and residential area. However, due to its history, it is also a popular tourist spot. Photography exhibits at the Friedrichstrasse station show the stages of the station's history from 1961 when the wall went up to 1989 when it came down. At the Berlin Wall History Mile information board at the Friedrichstrasse border crossing, you can learn about Oct. 27, 1961, when Allied and Soviet tanks conflicted over the right to unrestricted movement in both parts of Berlin for the Allied forces.

You can also visit Checkpoint Charlie and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. There is an outdoor photo gallery that tells stories of failed and successful escape attempts, the changes of the checkpoint over time and the significance and symbolism of Checkpoint Charlie. There's also an overview of memorial sites, remaining sections of the wall and relevant museums.

Practical Info

The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is located at Friedrichstrasse 43–45. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. To see outdoor exhibits at the station, take the U6 to Friedrichstrasse.

Friedrichstrasse, Berlin, Germany

From $ 16

Galeries Lafayette

First opened in 1895 by Theophile Bader, Galeries Lafayette is a department store in Paris that houses luxury fashion brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. In addition to a stained glass dome ceiling and rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette features weekly fashion shows on Friday afternoons.

The Basics

Galeries Lafayette is split into three buildings: La Coupole, which houses women’s couture and accessories; L’Homme, the men’s branch; and La Maison & Le Gourmet, a 4-story dining court. The Galeries often hosts specialty tours and classes, including wine tastings, baking seminars, and makeup masterclasses.

Themed walking tours of the area—including art, architecture, history, and Christmas tours— often stop in to the Coupole building for views of the stained glass dome, and typically include a visit to the adjacent Opera House. While walking tours are often limited to small groups, private tours of the Galeries afford visitors with the full attention of a guide and a more in-depth look at the area’s history.

Things to Know Before You Go

Galeries Lafayette is a must for fashion lovers and architecture buffs.
A cafeteria with plenty of food options is located on the seventh floor.
Bathrooms are located in the basement and on floors four, five, and six.
Wi-Fi is available free of charge.

How to Get There

Located in the 9th Arrondissement just steps from St. Lazare train station and Palais Garnier Opera House, Galeries Lafayette is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest Metro stops are Chausee d’Antin La Fayette on lines 7 and 9 and Havre-Caumartin on lines 3 and 9.

When to Get There

Since the cafeteria is often busiest around lunchtime on weekends, go in the late morning on a weekday for a quieter experience. Tickets for weekly fashion shows held on Friday afternoons are available to the public for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the Galeries Christmas decorations are a top destination during the holiday season.

Rooftop Views

Head to the seventh floor of the Coupole building for some of the best panoramic views in Paris. The rooftop’s cafeteria and seating area are touted by visitors and locals as one of the 7th Arrondissement’s hidden gems. Don’t forget your camera: Views include the Eiffel Tower, Opera House, and a sea of classic Parisian rooftops.

40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France

From $ 14

Furnas

An ancient volcanic zone that has been active for more than 100,000 years, Furnas is a hotbed of thermal activity. The lush area has been attracting spa visitors seeking the water’s healing properties since the 19th century. Close to three active volcanos, citizens of the Portuguese parish use the hot springs, geysers, and other hotspots for a variety of activities—including the cooking of a traditional meal of vegetables and stew underground, called cozido. Heated by the volcanic steam, the dish can take up to seven hours to prepare.

Towns sit scenically in and beside large calderas or volcanic craters. There are more than 30 different hot springs, each with their own varying temperature and level of volcanic activity. The heated thermal mineral waters and mud baths are thought to still have therapeutic properties. Furnas makes up one of several small towns on the largest and most populated island of the Azores. There is also a beautiful lake in Furnas that is worth seeing.

Practical Info

Furnas is located on the island of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. Most flights arrive in Ponta Delgada, from which it's about a 40-minute drive to Furnas.

Furnas, São Miguel, Portugal, Portugal

From $ 35

Galata Museo del Mare

Genoa is a fitting location for the Galata Museo del Mare, as the city has been a major maritime power for centuries. The Museum of the Sea’s four floors feature numerous exhibits on sailing ships and sea explorations—including an entire room dedicated to the famous Genoese explorer Christopher Columbus and his Transatlantic voyage.

The Basics

The Galata Museo del Mare is housed in the oldest building in the Darsena (area of the Old Port), and its name is a nod to the old Genoese quarter in Istanbul, which was a part of the Genoese Republic from the 13th to 15th centuries. In addition to the 28-room museum, there is an open-air area where you can explore the inside of an S518 Nazario Sauro submarine.

Most tours of the Old Port include a visit to the Galata Museo del Mare along with the adjacent Genoa Aquarium. Also available are combo tours that take in several port attractions including the panoramic lift, the biosphere, and the S518 Nazario Sauro submarine.

Things to Know Before You Go:

The Galata Museo del Mare is a must-visit for history buffs, especially those interested in maritime history.
Book a skip-the-line ticket to save time.
Guests typically spend about three hours exploring the main museum and the outdoor submarine.
Head to the top floor of the museum for some of the best panoramic views of Genoa.
The museum is fully accessible for those with vision and hearing impairments, with tactile guidance and amplification devices available.
The museum’s main building is fully wheelchair accessible, however the outdoor submarine is not.

How to Get There

The Galata Museo del Mare stands in the middle of Genoa’s Old Port, Porto Antico. Take the train to Piazza Principe or the metro to Darsena, both a 5-minute walk to the museum. If driving, there are a few paid parking lots in the area.

When to Get There

The maritime museum is open 10am to 7:30pm daily from March to October; from November to February it’s open 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Friday and 10am to 7:30pm on weekends and holidays. It’s best to visit the museum—one of Genoa’s most popular attractions—before lunch to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more contemplative experience.

Memory and Migration

This section of the museum is very popular among visitors. More than 40 multimedia stations showcase Italian emigration by sea and the recent immigration to Italy. You can see reconstructions of Italian immigrant areas across the world, such as La Boca in Buenos Aires and New York’s famous Ellis Island.

Calata De Mari, 1, Genoa 16126, Italy

Varies

From $ 12

Galatasaray

Dating back to the 15th century, Istanbul’s Galatasaray is the most prestigious school in the country. Also a boarding school which hosts high-performing male and students from across the country, Galatasaray High School is modeled on the French Lycee model, with the French and Turkish-based curricula taught in both languages. Students also learn English and Italian as second languages while they’re here.

An imperial palace school until the 1830s, when the Ottoman Empire’s old establishment was abolished by Mahmut II, doctors and academics, artists and poets have all graduated from here...as have soccer players. You may recognize the name Galatasaray as the Istanbul soccer team that won the 2000 UEFA Cup. Yep, that renowned team first started out as the high school soccer club.

Galatasaray High School’s main square is a popular meeting point because it’s in the middle of the elegant Istiklal Avenue — one of the city’s main shopping boulevards which sees up nearly 3 million people on Saturdays and Sundays who come to its stores, cafes, restaurants, and theaters. Getting here is fun — just hop on the Nostalgic Istiklal Caddesi tram until you reach the Galatasaray stop. The high school is easy to spot — halfway between Taksim Square and Tünel Square, it’s a bright yellow building flanked by huge wrought iron and gilt gates.

Practical Info

Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway, also known as the T5 line, runs every 10 to 20 minutes from 7am to 8pm and costs TL 1.75 per journey.

Istanbul, Turkey

From $ 110

Galata Bridge

Stretched across the Golden Horn, the Galata Bridge connects the shores of Istanbul’s historical peninsula with the Karakoy and Galata neighborhoods. Though the presence of the bridge started in 1845, the current structure dates only to 1994. Fishermen line the atmospheric bridge day and night, trying to haul in their daily catch.

The Basics

Though the current Galata Bridge is the fifth version of the structure, the desire to cross the Golden Horn on foot goes back to Byzantine times. The Galata Bridge unites the Sultanahmet neighborhood, with its imperial mosques and Topkapi Palace, to the traditionally mercantile and shipping areas near the Karakoy port.

Many private and small-group Istanbul tours that cross the Galata Bridge also stop at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, the Karakoy neighborhood, and the Hagia Sophia.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Galata Bridge is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Istanbul.
The bridge is a great spot for watching the ferry boats crossing the Bosphorus, and taking in the city’s mosque-dotted skyline at sunset.
Wear comfortable shoes as you walk across the bridge and through the city.

How to Get There

Galata Bridge connects Istanbul’s central transit hubs of Eminonu and Karakoy, and is walking distance from the historical neighborhood of Sultanahmet. To get to the bridge on public transportation, take a taxi, bus, ferry, or tram to the Eminonu or Karakoy stop.

When to Get There

Galata Bridge is usually full of activity, but is quieter in the morning. Arrive early to watch the fishermen and stroll without the crowds. During the day, the bridge is a busy transit way for people walking or driving between Eminonu and Karakoy, and it’s particularly lovely at sunset.

What to See From the Bridge

Due to its central location, the Galata Bridge offers stunning views of many of Istanbul’s historical sites. Look toward the Old City to see the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. See the New Mosque in Eminonu Square and Suleymaniye Mosque rising above it. To the northeast, spot Galata Tower perched above its namesake neighborhood. And of course, peer down the Bosphorus and its numerous ferry and other boats below.

Turkey

From $ 35

Futuroscope

Futuroscope is a technological theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual techniques using 3D and 4D technologies. It is the third most popular theme park in France, with 1.46 million visitors in 2013, and the only one of its kind in Europe.

Most of the park’s attractions are focused on interactive and immersive experiences, including several IMAX cinemas and domes, along with dynamic movie theatres, planetariums, rides, amusement arcades, an observation tower, an interactive course and a photography exhibition; a total of 25 unique and inventive attractions that will appeal to both grown-ups and children alike. Scientific discoveries, fairy-tale inspired stories, creative scenarios and exhilarating rides are all part of the Futuroscope experience.

The theme park also offers accommodation and meals for visitors wishing to stay overnight; it features eight full-service restaurants and ten fast-food establishments, as well as 13 hotels.

Practical Info

Futuroscope is open from February to December from 10AM; schedule changes regularly and visitors are advised to confirm the opening hours and days before going. Entry without accommodation or meals costs €42 per adult, but there are several special rates available for families. Futuroscope is located 10 kilometers (six miles) north of city of Poitiers in central-eastern France, in the Chasseneuil-du-Poitou commune. It is accessible via exit 28 on the A10 motorway in just over three hours from Paris and an hour and a half from La Rochelle. The theme park is also serviced by a TGV station with regular trains leaving from Paris.

Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France

Varies

€42

From $ 46

Galata Tower

The medieval Galata Tower adds a fairytale element to the hilly Beyoğlu district, on the north side of the Golden Horn.

Capped with a conical tiled steeple and gold finial, the 67 meter (220 foot) stone tower was built by the Genoese in 1348.

Visit the outdoor observation area at the top for a stunning panorama across to Sultanahmet, have dinner or a snack at the tower-top restaurant, or watch a Turkish belly-dancing show at the nightclub.

Practical Info

The Galata Tower is in Beyoğlu; elevators take you from ground level to the top floors.

To get here, cross the Golden Horn via the Galata Bridge and make your way up the hill. It’s a short walk from the Tunel metro.

Sishane, Istanbul 34420, Turkey

Balcony open daily 9am - 7pm; restaurant and club open 8pm - 12am but closed on Sundays

10 TL

From $ 58

Furnas Lake (Lagoa das Furnas)

With its startling blue-green waters fringed by forested-hillsides and dotted with hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pots, the crater lake of Furnas Lake (Lagoa das Furnas) is one of Azores’ most enchanting natural wonders. Located in one of Furnas’ two ancient calderas, the lake offers the opportunity to explore a volcanic landscape up close. Hiking and canoeing tours are popular ways to get around.

As well as soaking up the other-worldly scenery, a tour to Furnas Lake is best combined with a visit to the nearby Terra Nostra thermal springs, famous for their mineral-rich waters, and a stop at Furnas village, where you can taste local specialty, cozido, a meal cooked up on sizzling-hot volcanic soil.

Practical Info

Furnas Lake is located around 5km southwest of Furnas village on Sao Miguel island.

Lagoa das Furnas, Sao Miguel 9675-090, Portugal

From $ 68

Galerie Vivienne

Located in the 2nd Arrondissement, the Galerie Vivienne is one of the most iconic covered passages in Paris. Built in 1823 in a neoclassical Pompeian style, the 176-meter long passage features an elegant canopy, mosaic tile floors, paintings and sculptures depicting trade-related scenes and a rotunda with images of goddesses and nymphs. The arcade was originally home to a variety of shops, including tailors, cobblers, wine shops, confectioners and bookstores and enjoyed a great deal of success due to its prime location near the Vanel de Serrant Hotel. While many of its most prestigious shops eventually moved elsewhere, the passage was reborn in the 1960s.

Today, it offers a sophisticated and cozy shopping experience, with shops ranging from clothing boutiques to grocery shops to the old Jousseaume bookstore, one of only two original stores remaining. The other, the Legrand Filles and Fils delicatessen, existed before the gallery was even built.

Practical Info

The Gallerie Vivienne is located behind the Bibliotheque Richelieu and near the Palais Royal. It can be reached from the Bourse Metro station and has entrances off the rue des Petits-Champs, rue de law Banque and rue Vivienne.

4 Rue des Petits Champs/5-7 Rue de la Banque/6 Rue Vivienne, Paris, France

Daily 8:30am-8:30pm

From $ 180

GAA Museum

Set within the 82,300-capacity Croke Park stadium, the GAA Museum is devoted to Gaelic games and the role of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Irish life. Exhibits, audiovisual displays, and interactive zones introduce visitors to Gaelic football and hurling, a fast-paced game played with a hurley (stick) and a sliotar (ball).

The Basics

Visitors can join a Croke Park stadium tour, which includes admission to the GAA Museum, or buy a museum-only admission ticket and explore the exhibits at their leisure.

See legendary players in the Hall of Fame, learn about the role of the GAA in local communities, and see the original Sam Maguire Cup (awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship) and the original Liam MacCarthy Cup (awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship). The interactive Games Zone allows visitors to try their hand at the sports themselves.

Things to Know Before You Go

The GAA Museum is a must for sports enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in Irish culture.
There is a café on the stadium grounds.
The museum and stadium are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The GAA Museum is at the Cusack Stand in Croke Park, a 15-minute walk from Dublin city center. Alternatively, ride the train to Drumcondra station, which is just five minutes away on foot, or take any one of a number of buses from the city center.

When to Get There

The GAA museum opens daily year-round. On match days, the museum’s regular opening hours are sometimes altered; most matches take place on weekend days, so go midweek if possible.

Learning About Ireland’s National Games

Traditional Gaelic games are at the center of Irish sporting life. The most popular and most played among them are Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie (women’s hurling). Their origins can be traced back centuries—the mythical Irish warrior Cú Chulainn is said to have carried a hurley and sliotar. To this day, local GAA organizations play a key role in Irish community life, particularly in rural locations.

St. Joseph's Avenue, Croke Park Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

Varies

From $ 67

Gallery of Modern Art

Though the pedimented and pillared GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) building is very much classical, the collection of challenging contemporary artworks contained within it are anything but. The gallery’s art collection spans the 1950s to the present day, with artists including David Hockney, David Shrigley, and Andy Warhol all represented.

The Basics

GoMA is one of Scotland’s premier modern art galleries. Visitors can browse the permanent displays, including Stones Steeped in History, which chronicles the history of the museum building, and the rotating selection of temporary exhibitions, covering topics ranging from the inner-city environment to identity in modern times. Free drop-in volunteer-led building tours, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, are available on select dates. The gallery can be visited as part of private guided tours of Glasgow.

Things to Know Before You Go

GoMA is a must for contemporary art fans.
A café, library, and shop are located on-site.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Gallery of Modern Art is situated on Royal Exchange Square in the heart of Glasgow city. The nearest train stations are Queen Street, which is just a 3-minute walk via Queen Street, and Central Station, which is a 5-minute walk via Gordon Street and Royal Bank Place. St. Enoch and Buchanan Street subway stations are both less than a 10 minutes’ walk from the gallery.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily. Saturday afternoons are the busiest time. Come midweek to experience the museum at its quietest.

Special Events at GoMA

In addition to hosting exhibitions, the museum also hosts a program of events designed to help visitors and Glasgow residents engage with art. Book clubs, which focus on a single exhibition showing in the museum and a book associated with it, take place here, as do informal workshops, devoted to skills such as sketching and weaving. Family-friendly events and discussion groups focusing on individual artworks are also held at the museum.

Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH, Scotland

Free

From $ 19

Gallarus Oratory

Gallarus Oratory is Ireland's best preserved early Christian church. The exact year of its construction is not known, but it is believed to be more than a thousand years old. The church is located five miles from Dingle Town on the Dingle Peninsula in southwestern Ireland. It was constructed entirely from dry stone masonry and resembles an overturned boat. This church is one of the highlights of the scenic Slea Head Drive. Along the scenic drive, visitors will also see views of Smerwick Harbor, the Three Sisters and Mount Brandon.

Visitors will be able to see a church that has not been restored because it hasn't needed to be. The stones were carefully fitted together without the use of mortar, and aside from a small sag in the roof, the construction has held up for centuries. You can enter the oratory through a 6.5 foot doorway, and there are two stones with holes that once held a door. The nearby visitor center shows a 15 minute audio-visual presentation about the Gallarus Oratory, and there is a gift shop.

Practical Info

Gallarus Oratory is located 5 miles northwest of Dingle and can be reached using route R559. Admission is free. The oratory is open all year round, but the visitor center is open from 9am to 8pm during the summer months and closed in the winter months.

Gallarus Oratory, Dingle Penninsula, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland, Ireland

From $ 60

Furka Pass

The Furka Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps that reaches a high of nearly 2500 meters above sea level. Considered one of the best drives in Europe, it connects the town of Gletsch in Valais with the town of Realp in Uri. The pass may be best known as the site of a memorable car chase scene in the James Bond film, Goldfinger. A drive along the pass starts from Gletsch with a few tight switchbacks before turning into a long path along the rock face of the valley for about six kilometers, providing scenic views of the surrounding area. The road then gets steeper toward the top of the pass and the route down the other side is quite narrow and steep.

The pass also brings visitors within a few hundred meters of the Rhone Glacier, the source of the Rhone River. Stopping at the Hotel Belvedere, just short of the top of the pass, is a good opportunity to walk to the glacier, just two minutes from the hotel. Don’t miss the glacier grotto, an ice chamber that is built anew each year.

Before starting out, visitors may want to check out the short nature hike near Gletsch that provides information about the pre-glacier era. Also in Gletsch is the train station for the Furka steam train to Realp.

Practical Info

The Furka Pass is part of a three pass ride that includes the Furka, Grimsel and Susten Passes. Visitors can ride over the pass by car, mountain bike, motorbike or by the Alpine PostBus. There is also a steam train that runs from Gletsch to Realp.

Switzerland

Open May-Oct

From $ 505

Galicia Jewish Museum

Entirely dedicated to honoring Holocaust victims and celebrating Jewish culture of the former Austro-Hungarian region of Galicia through photographs, this museum features poignant and contemporary exhibits that will leave no one indifferent. It highlights a time in Poland when the Jewish community flourished, choosing to focus on what was and what remains, rather than on what was annihilated. The main exhibition, called Traces of Memory, presents the work of photojournalist Chris Schwarz and depicts what is left of the Austro-Hungarian’s heritage through photographs of cemeteries, houses, synagogues and other structures that are still visible today, and that once were at the heart of the Galician Jewish community; it also features video testimony of survivors. Additionally, the Museum also hosts two to three temporary exhibitions as well as concerts and other commemorative events. Through its various exhibits, cultural center, and impressive Jewish library, the museum has been aspiring to transform the misconceptions about the Jewish heritage in Poland ever since it’s opening in 2004.

Practical Info

The Galicia Jewish Museum is located at Dajwór 18 in Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish quarter. It can be reached by taxi in 20 minutes, or by tramway from the city center via lines 3, 9, 19, 24 or 50. It is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed only on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Entry costs 15 złoty per adult, 10 złoty per student and 12 złoty per senior.

Dajwór 18, Krakow, Poland

Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed only on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day.

15 złoty per adult, 10 złoty per student and 12 złoty per senior.

From $ 5

Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art Museum

The very aptly named museum, which is located inside Krakow’s famous Cloth Hall, does indeed focus on 19th-century Polish art, with thousands of paintings and sculptures on display – thus making it the largest of its kind in the world. As it mainly consists of donations from local collectors and artists, the exhibit is rather small in size when compared to other national galleries in the world but is nonetheless quite significant in terms of Polish art. The various artworks are scattered across four different “19th-century salon”-themed halls, each named after a prominent Polish artist and defined by a specific historical period.

The Bacciarelli Room is all about Classicist, Rococo and even late Baroque painters such as Bacciarelli himself, Grassi and Krafft, with a strong emphasis on historical and battle scenes. The Michałowski Room is dedicated to Romanticism and Poland’s political scene at the time, with works from Artur Grottger, Piotr Michałowski, and Jan Nepomucen Głowacki, often regarded as the most outstanding landscape painter in Poland. The Siemiradzki Room revolves around nature, history, and mythology, and is dedicated to Henryk Hektor Siemiradzki, famous for his stunning portrayals of the Graeco-Roman world and the New Testament. Lastly, the Chełmoński Room is devoted to genre painting and Realism. It is notably more modern than the other rooms.

Practical Info

The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art is housed on the upper floor of the Sukiennice Cloth Hall in Krakow’s old market square, Rynek Glowny. It is therefore easily reachable by foot and instantly recognizable. It is not advised to drive into Krakow’s old town center. The gallery is open every day except Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Entry is free for children under 7; it costs 1 złoty per child under 16 and students under 26, and 14 złoty per adult. Audioguides are available for hire for 7 złoty per person. A museum pass is available for 35 złoty and entitles its owner to enter all the branches and permanent exhibitions of the National Museum in Krakow.

Rynek Główny 1-3, Krakow, Poland

Open every day except Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

14 złoty per adult, 1 złoty per child under 16

From $ 29

Fruit's Square (Trg Brace Radic)

Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic) is named after the busy fruit market once held in the square; considered one of the most beautiful squares in Split, Fruit’s Square today is home to a number of historic landmarks, bars, restaurants and shops. On one side of the square is a Venetian castello, or castle. Visitors should look for an arched passageway in the structure that features two etched Christian crosses—legend says that anyone who points their fingers at the points of the cross and makes a love-related wish while closing their eyes will see that wish come true.

On the other side is the 17th-century Milesi Palace, one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in the Dalmatian region. Known for its arch-shaped windows on the ground level, the palace today hosts lectures and cultural events. In front of the palace is a statue of Marko Marulic, a 15th-century poet who is considered the father of Croatian literature.

Fruit's Square can be visited as part of a city walking tour of Split including stops at the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace and the local markets, as well as a walk along the Riva promenade.

Practical Info

Fruit’s Square is less than a 10-minute walk from the main train station in Split, Zeljeznicki kolodvor. It is close to the bus terminal and ferry port, as well.

Trg brace Radic (Radic Brothers’ Square), Split, Croatia

From $ 23

Galleria Umberto I

One of the most beautiful buildings in Naples, the 19th-century Galleria Umberto I marks the center of the historic downtown like a huge, glass-ceilinged cross. This elegant shopping arcade set between Via Toledo and the San Carlo Theater is included in a number of food and sightseeing tours. It’s the perfect spot for a quick espresso break.

The Basics

Modeled after Milan’s Galleria Emanuele II, Galleria Umberto I was damaged by bombing during World War II, but today the glass dome and roof again shine over its shops and cafés, protecting the ornate architecture and original mosaic floor. Located in one of the most vibrant areas of Naples’ downtown, Galleria Umberto I is a popular gathering place for Neapolitans and tourists.

Most guided walking or Segway tours of Naples take a turn through Galleria Umberto I, as well as important landmarks like Piazza del Gesù, the Duomo, Church of Santa Chiara, and Via San Gregorio Armeno. Naples is known for its bright flavors, and many tours combine sightseeing with tastings of local specialties. Pompeii archaeological park is located just outside Naples, so consider a joining a tour that includes a visit to these famous ruins along with highlights of Naples’ historic center.

Things to Know Before You Go

Naples walking tours that include a stop at Galleria Umberto I are mostly outdoors; wear sunscreen and a hat in summer, and choose comfortable footwear.
Galleria Umberto I is located near many of the most popular attractions in Naples, so it’s ideal for a break from sightseeing, or for a quick espresso or gelato.
Shops inside the gallery sell high-end clothing and accessories, cosmetics, books, and gourmet treats.
The shopping arcade is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Galleria Umberto I is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Naples’ port or Municipio train station, and sits in the heart of the downtown near the San Carlo Theater and Piazza del Plebiscito. Naples is a major transportation and cruise ship hub, with direct trains from major Italian cities as well as ferries from Salerno and Sorrento.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Galleria Umberto I is from late morning to early evening, when the shops are open for business and the cafés bustle with customers.

Naples’ Historic Center

Naples’ historic center encompasses more than 10 distinct neighborhoods along the Bay of Naples and includes sights and monuments dating from ancient Roman times through the 19th century. Highlights include Piazza del Plebiscito, Spaccanapoli, and the National Archaeological Museum.

Via San Carlo, Naples 80132, Italy

From $ 40

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

In the fashion capital of Italy, the soaring, glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade never goes out of style. Started in 1877, Europe’s oldest shopping mall connects the Milan Duomo to Piazza di Marino and the La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala) by way of a bright and airy, four-story center lined with busy restaurants and shops. Come for the Neoclassical architecture, stay for the brands and fresh baked panzerotti.

The Basics
Inside the galleria, you’ll find boutiques from high-end retailers such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as some of the most lauded and historic cafes in Milano, including Biffi and Zucca’s Bar. Many tours combine a visit to the arcade with stops at popular city landmarks such as the Milan Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and Piazza Mercanti, while others include a skip-the-line ticket to view Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’ Explore the area on a walking tour or by bike, Segway, or historic tram—most city tours last about three hours. Nearby attractions include a monument to Leonardo da Vinci in Piazza della Scala, the Leonardo3 Museum with its working models of the Renaissance artist's designs, and the museum exhibit at the La Scala Theater, which displays costumes and set designs from throughout the years.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re in it for the fashion, book a shopping-centric tour to explore the city’s stylish fashion district.
Hungry? You'll find Milanese fare at the fanciful Il Salotto restaurant inside the galleria and Grom gelateria around the corner on Santa Margherita.
If you're staying in Florence, Rome, or Venice but want to visit Milan, book a full-day or multi-day trip to the city.
It’s possible to pair a Milan city highlights tour with day trips in Turin or Lake Como.

How To Get to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The southern entrance of the galleria is located off Piazza del Duomo, adjacent to the cathedral and its northern entrance off Piazza della Scala. Strolling through the galleria is a great way to get from the La Scala Opera House to Milan’s Duomo. The closest metro stop is for the Duomo, right in front of the galleria.

When to Get There
While most shops inside the galleria are open from 9am to 7:30pm, the galleria itself is open 24 hours. Check out all Piazza Duomo attractions after dark on an evening tour of Milan’s highlights that includes a beautiful view of the illuminated city from atop the Duomo.

Piazza del Duomo, Milan 20121, Italy

Daily: 9am–10pm; some shops open between 2pm–4pm and close 9pm.

Free

From $ 36