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Gell ert Thermal Bath and Spa
The century-old Gellért Thermal Bath and Spa is one of Budapest’s largest and most luxurious spa complexes. Housed in a magnificent art nouveau building, it boasts a grand colonnaded indoor pool, multiple thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, a rooftop wave pool, and a panoramic sun terrace.
The Basics
Spa tickets offer full-day access to all of the spa facilities, with optional massages and treatments available. For a hassle-free experience, book tickets in advance to benefit from fast-track entry or an optional tour package that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Another popular choice is to combine a spa day with a romantic dinner cruise along the Danube River. Guided tours of the baths are also available, allowing non-bathers to admire the historic architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most tickets include either a locker or a private changing cabin; towels, swimsuits, flip-flops, and toiletries are also available to buy or rent.
- Treatments, such as massages, mud packs, reflexology, and manicures are available but must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
- The Gellert Baths are wheelchair accessible, and there are lifts to help with access to the pools.
- On-site facilities include a restaurant, snack bar, sundeck, and spa shop.
How to Get There
Gellért Thermal Bath and Spa is located on the Buda side, close to the Danube riverfront at the foot of Gellert Hill. The closest metro station is Szent Gellért tér on Line 4.
When to Get There
The baths are open daily all year, and the thermal waters make swimming in the outdoor pools possible even during the winter months. The baths can get busy, especially during the peak summer season, so opt for a weekday visit to avoid the crowds and get there early to enjoy the baths before the mid-afternoon rush.
The Thermal Waters of Gellert Spa
Rising 460 feet (140 meters) over the western flank of the River Danube, Gellért Hill stands above the complex of underground caves and hot springs that feed Budapest’s spa baths. Formed in karstic limestone, the springs provide 18.5 million gallons (70 million liters) of hot, mineral-rich water—with temperatures ranging between 70°F (21°C) and 168°F (76°C)—each day to power the seven major spa complexes in the city. The waters at Gellért Spa are believed to be especially effective in aiding joint pain and bronchial complaints.
Address: Kelenhegyi út 4, Budapest 1118, Hungary
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Gellert Hill (Gellert-hegy)
Gellért Hill is one of Budapest's most romantic nights out. Just grab a bottle of the city's famous red wine, a couple of glasses, and your beloved. It might be a bit of a trek up there, but the view of twinkling lights will amply reward you.
The views you'll see over the Danube are best seen from the Citadel, built by the Austrians after their victory over the Hungarians in the 19th century. In fact, the monuments on Gellért Hill all have a somewhat painful history.
The girl posing with the palm of victory symbolizes the Russian liberation of the city after WWII, but as the liberation turned into an occupation, its presence has been disputed.
And Gellért himself? A martyred saint whose efforts at conversion ended with him being killed by angry pagans in a nail-filled barrel rolled down the hill (ouch!). He's commemorated by an immense statue.
Practical Info
These days, the forested slopes of the Gellért Hill are filled with picnickers and lovers. At the bottom of the hill is the swanky Gellért hotel, with its fantastically elaborate baths, used in Matthew Barney's art films.
You can get to Gellért Hill by tram (take 41, 47 or 49) or bus (7, 27 or 86).
Address: Budapest, Hungary
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Gediminas Avenue (Gedimino prospektas)
Vilnius’ main boulevard stretches from the River Neris in the west to the sweeping expanse of Cathedral Square in the southeast, and is named after the country’s greatest hero, the legendary Grand Duke Gediminas, who is credited with founding the fledgling country of Lithuania in the 13th century. Built in 1836 as Vilnius expanded with the arrival of the railway line from St Petersburg, Gediminas Avenue was originally named Georgij Avenue and has been renamed several times according to the regime in power. The wide avenue is lined with trees and glamorous Baroque townhouses in pastel colors; these house many government ministries and courthouses as well as banks, the national library and several leading Lithuanian theaters. By day a popular shopping and meeting place, Gediminas Avenue comes into its own at night when it morphs into one of Vilnius’ most upmarket dining spots.
As the street bisects Vilnius city center, landmarks along Gediminas Avenue include Seimas Palace, built in 2007 in modernist style as befits the seat of the new, independent Lithuanian Parliament. The 17th-century Lukiškės Square borders the avenue to the north; now a tranquil green lung of the city, it was the site of public hangings in the 19th century and during World War II, dissidents were executed here by Soviet troops.
Practical Info
Open 24/7.
Address: Gediminas Avenue, Vilnius, Lithuania
From $ 12
Geneva EthnograMuseum (Mus ee d'ethnographie de Genève)
The Geneva Ethnography Museum (Musée d'ethnographie de Genève) holds the largest ethnographic collection in Switzerland–its 80,000 objects and 300,000 documents are beautifully arranged in exhibits highlighting all parts of the world. With rotating exhibitions, an extensive anthropology library and an upstairs gallery featuring music from around the globe, there is enough material to interest an expert and entertain those taking a look around. Though most of the descriptions are in French, the new museum is worth a visit, having reopened in 2014 in an iconic, Swiss-designed pavilion reminiscent of an Asian-style pagoda.
Though the building looks small, its peaked roof gives way to huge exhibition spaces below. The permanent exhibition covers two rooms and is free to enter, while the temporary exhibition changes yearly and is paid for. A tour of both is a good way to spend an hour in the city, with less people around in the morning.
Visitors with a Geneva Pass can enter both exhibitions for free, with the added benefit of unlimited public transportation and admission to over 40 other attractions, including Geneva's Natural History Museum and Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Insider’s Tip: Whatever you do at the Geneva Ethnography Museum, plan for a stop at the Marie Madeleine Lancoux library. The all-white room is filled with books and daylight, its diamond-shaped windows illuminating the high-arched ceilings and all 45,000 books.
Practical Info
Geneva Ethnography Museum is located on boulevard Carl-Vogt. It’s just an eight-minute walk from Plainpalais tram station (lines 12 and 15) and also from a parking lot on Avenue Henri-Dunnant (rates are 1 CHF per every half hour). The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm, but it’s closed on Monday. Admission to the permanent collection is free; admission to the temporary exhibits costs 9 CHF.
Address: 65 boulevard Carl-Vogt, Geneva 1205, Switzerland
Hours: Tues–Sun: 11am–6pm; Closed Monday.
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
General Archive of the Indies (Archivo General de Indias)
There was a time after Spain’s first journeys to the Americas that Seville
served as one of the most important commercial cities and ports in Europe. For that reason, in 1572, this Renaissance-style building — now called the General Archive of the Indies — was erected, with the goal of serving as a merchant’s exchange.
Come 1785, when Seville’s role as a trade hub fizzled out, the grand building was finally converted into a space meant to unify all the country’s documentation related to its overseas empires in the Americas. These days, this includes 9 kilometers of shelving with over 43,000 volumes and 80 million pages, and is composed of documents such as exchanges between Christopher Columbus and the Spanish King and Queen, as well as other writings by explorers. Though the extent of what visitors can actually view is quite limited, entrance to the building is free, and therefore worth a quick wander, especially since it’s located right next to the main cathedral.
Practical Info
The General Archive of the Indies is situated in a stunning building just opposite the main cathedral and is therefore easy to visit while touring Seville. Much of its exhibits are in Spanish, so you may wish to make this stop on a guided tour in order to better understand the space.
Address: Avenida de la Constitución, 3 (Edificio de la Lonja), Seville, Andalucia 41071, Spain
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays and holidays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
From $ 35
Gaudí House Museum
The Gaudí House Museum (Casa Museu Gaudí) was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí for the last 20 years of his life. It was opened to the public as a museum in 1952 to celebrate the centennial of his birth year. The artist designed pieces of furniture that fill the house, and walls are covered with his drawings and other original artwork.
The Basics
Exhibits within the intimate museum tell the story of the architect’s private and religious life through his original furnishings and personal effects. The Gaudí House Museum sits within the free access area of Park Güell but requires its own admission ticket, which includes an assigned entrance time. Entrance to the house can be combined with skip-the-line access to the Park Güell monumental area on a guided walking tour of the area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Gaudí House Museum is a must-visit for architecture buffs and art lovers.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed within the house or garden.
- The ground floor and garden are both wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the Gaudí House Museum is to take the Barcelona Metro (Line 3) to Lesseps station and follow the signs to Park Güell. Several public buses also stop near the Carrer d’Olot and Carretera del Carmel entrances.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily throughout the year (including holidays) though hours are limited during the low season from October to March. If you’re visiting during the summer months, plan to arrive first thing in the morning to beat the queues.
Park Güell
Catalan industrialist Eusebi Güell i Bacigalupi envisioned Park Güell as a private residential development, and he hired Antoni Gaudí to design it. The plan included houses, as well as a public square, market, and chapel. Construction began in 1900, but only two of the 60 planned houses were built.
Address: Parc Güell, Carrer d'Olot 7, Zona Alta, Barcelona, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Bascarsija is the medieval Oriental bazaar lying at the heart of Sarajevo’s Stari Grad (Old Town), where mosques and hammams (baths) date right back to 1462. The most important and grandest of Bascarsija’s mosques is Gazi Husrev-beg, named after a Turkish governor of Bosnia and built in 1530 in Ottoman style by the Persian architect Adžem Esir Ali. Originally a complex of prayer halls, madrasa (Koranic school), medieval soup kitchen for the Muslim poor, wash room and library, the mosque was badly damaged during the Balkan wars of the 1990s but has been extensively reconstructed; today its distinctive dome once more forms the heart of Bascarsija and its spiky minaret is a landmark visible all over Sarajevo.
The ornate entrance to the mosque is surrounded by marble and decorated with gilding; inside its gleaming white walls are adorned with Arabic inscriptions, the ceilings hung with golden chandeliers and the floors covered in handmade carpets gifted by Muslim visitors from overseas. The mosque’s peaceful courtyard is dominated by an elaborate wrought-iron fountain – once used for ritual washing – and is the resting place of many pre-eminent Bosnians, including the 19th-century poet Safvet Bey Bašagić and the leading politician of the 1930s, Dr Mehmed Spaho.
Practical Info
Sarači 8, Sarajevo. Open daily 9am–12pm, 2.30pm–4pm,
5.30pm–7pm. Admission to mosque 2 KM. Best accessed on foot through pedestrianized Bascarsija in Sarajevo’s Old Town. Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the mosque; ladies must cover their heads, arms and legs; no shorts for men.
Address: Sarači 8, Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hours: Daily 9am–12pm, 2.30pm–4pm, 5.30pm–7pm
Admission: 2 KM
From $ 30
Gediminas Tower
Gediminas Castle Tower is practically all that remains of Upper Castle, the medieval complex that was constructed in Vilnius in the early 14th century. The tower was once the reward that followed an arduous climb up Castle Hill through Vilnius Old Town, but these days a funicular makes the journey up to the castle from the courtyard outside the Cathedral and Lower Castle much easier.
Perched at a height of 157 feet (48 m) above the rest of the city, not much of the Upper Castle has survived the civil wars and Russian sieges of Lithuania’s 15th through 17th centuries. After being damaged during the war with Moscow in 1655, the castle lost its strategic importance and was not rebuilt, gradually falling into disrepair. The remaining sturdy and hexagonal Gediminas
Tower has become a redbrick symbol of peace to the people of Lithuania; it now forms part of the nine-branch National Museum of Lithuania, and inside there is a small exhibition of weapons and armory. Far more popular, however, is the panoramic vista of Vilnius from the landmark’s viewing platform. On a clear day, the Television Tower and the high-rise apartment complexes
evidencing Soviet occupation can be spotted; the view is just as good at nightfall with the lights of Vilnius Old Town twinkling merrily below.
Practical Info
Gediminas Tower is open daily from May through September, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In the remaining months, it closes at 5 p.m. Admission costs 5LTL. The funicular has the same opening dates, and one-way tickets costs 2LTL. A round-trip costs 3LTL.
Address: 5 Arsenalo Street, Vilnuis, Lithuania
Hours: May - September: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October - April: 10a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults 5LTL
From $ 6
Geneva Flower Clock
A masterful marriage of horticulture and technology, the Geneva Flower Clock is one of Geneva’s most striking landmarks, a gigantic clock face fashioned from over 6,500 plants and flowers. Located in the picturesque Jardin Anglais (English Garden), the iconic timepiece was built in 1955 in honor of the city’s internationally renowned watchmaking industry and is now one of Geneva’s most photographed sights.
This is no mere monument – the Geneva Flower Clock is also a fully functioning clock, among the largest of its king in the world, with a diameter of 5 meters and a seconds hand reaching over 2.5 meters long. The impressive floral arrangement now features eight dials and is replanted 4 times a year, with local landscapers creating ever-more elaborate designs each time, utilizing seasonal blooms and on-trend color schemes.
This is no mere monument – the Geneva Flower Clock is also a fully functioning clock, among the largest of its king in the world, with a diameter of 5 meters and a seconds hand reaching over 2.5 meters long. The impressive floral arrangement now features eight dials and is replanted 4 times a year, with local landscapers creating ever-more elaborate designs each time, utilizing seasonal blooms and on-trend color schemes.
Address: Flower Clock, Quai du Général-Guisan, Geneva, Switzerland
From $ 65
Genoa Aquarium
Genoa is associated, understandably, with the sea. It's Italy's largest port city, and it's home to the Genoa Aquarium – Italy's largest aquarium, and one of the largest in Europe.
The Aquarium of Genoa sits on the old harbor, the city's ancient port. When the area was redeveloped in the early 1990s to be less industrial and more appealing to visitors, the aquarium was part of that redevelopment project. The aquarium – along with the old port – was redesigned by famed architect Renzo Piano, himself from Genoa. It was opened in 1992, and today more than 1.2 million people visit every year.
The Genoa Aquarium has 70 different tanks for visitors to check out, holding more than 1.6 million gallons of water and 12,000 animals. This aquarium is the only one in Europe to have some species of Antarctic fish on display, and a 1998 expansion means there's now a whole wing devoted to marine mammals – there's space for up to 10 dolphins.
Practical Info
The open hours at the Aquarium of Genoa vary depending on the season and the day of the week. The aquarium opens between 8:30and 9:30am and closes between 7:30 and 10:30pm. An adult ticket to the aquarium is €23, and a child ticket is €15.
Address: Ponte Spinola, Genoa 16128, Italy
Admission: Adults: €23; Children: €15
From $ 12
Gendarmenmarkt
Located in the Mitte district, the Gendarmenmarkt has gone through a few name changes. After being used from 1736 to 1782 by the military for sentry duty and housing their horses, it was known as the Gendarmenmarkt. After being damaged in the war, the square was renamed “Platz der Akademie” in 1950 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Academy of Science. In 1991, it got its original name back.
The Gendarmenmarkt is arguably Berlin’s most magnificent square. It is best known for the triple architectural force composed of the German and French cathedrals (Deutscher und Französischer Dom) and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus (concert hall). The ‘domes’ refer to the domed tower structures erected in 1785 by architect Carl von Gontard were mainly intended to add stature and grandeur to the two buildings.
Some of the most high-end restaurants, businesses and hotels are located around the Gendarmenmarkt, especially around the streets of Charlottenstrasse.
Gendarmenmarkt is home to the grandest of the Christmas markets you will find in Berlin around the holiday season. There is also an ice rink available. Admission for the Christmas markets here is 1 Euro. The market stays open for Christmas Eve and the days after Christmas. You can even spend New Year’s Eve here, and enjoy a festive gala with various bands, fireworks, and a waltz dance after midnight.
The Gendarmenmarkt is arguably Berlin’s most magnificent square. It is best known for the triple architectural force composed of the German and French cathedrals (Deutscher und Französischer Dom) and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus (concert hall). The ‘domes’ refer to the domed tower structures erected in 1785 by architect Carl von Gontard were mainly intended to add stature and grandeur to the two buildings.
Some of the most high-end restaurants, businesses and hotels are located around the Gendarmenmarkt, especially around the streets of Charlottenstrasse.
Gendarmenmarkt is home to the grandest of the Christmas markets you will find in Berlin around the holiday season. There is also an ice rink available. Admission for the Christmas markets here is 1 Euro. The market stays open for Christmas Eve and the days after Christmas. You can even spend New Year’s Eve here, and enjoy a festive gala with various bands, fireworks, and a waltz dance after midnight.
Address: Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Always Accesible
From $ 23
Geneva Old Town
Geneva’s Old Town (Vieille Ville) contains some of the city’s foremost attractions, including the Barbier-Mueller Museum, the Cathédrale St-Pierre and the Maison Tavel. It is also the site of the International Museum of the Reformation, which underlines Geneva’s importance in the great religious upheavals of the 16th century, particularly through the work of French theologian John Calvin, who lived and preached here.
But this historically significant district offers much more than just indoor pursuits; exploring the area on foot is a pleasure, with a number of the narrow, winding streets closed to traffic and numerous cafes offering refueling stops along the way. The beautiful Place du Bourg-de-Four is the traditional center of the Old Town and a great place to enjoy an early evening drink.
Practical Info
From the main railway station, Gare de Cornavin, take bus number 5 to Palais Eynard and make your way downhill through the Old Town on foot.
Address: Geneva 1204, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 101
General Post Office (GPO)
The name might not sound inspiring, but one glimpse of the General Post Office’s (GPO) imposing facade is sure to capture your attention with its ornate stone-carved portico and iconic statues punctuating the skyline.
The monumental building was constructed on O'Connell Street between 1815 and 1818 as the headquarters of the Irish postal service. Designed by Francis Johnston, the building’s architectural prowess features a Greek-revival theme, with 55-foot (17-meter) high Greco-Roman pillars and a series of dramatic Ionic columns flanking the entrance. Statues of Hibernia (goddess of Ireland), Fidelity and Mercury (messenger of the gods) stand proud atop the roof – the handiwork of sculptor John Smyth.
The GPO isn’t simply a landmark though; its walls hide an illustrious history. The building was famously used as the main stronghold of Irish Volunteers during the 1916 Easter Rising and the front steps were where Patrick Pearse made his famous pre-siege speech, declaring a free Irish Republic. While the ensuing battles all but destroyed the original building, the lovingly restored building remains a symbol of Irish freedom.
Today the building is once again a working post office, although the captivating architecture has made it a popular tourist photo spot. Take a look around as you’re stamping your postcards, as there are still a few remnants of its legendary status – bullet holes can still be seen in the roof, a statue of Cuchulainn (Irish god of war) stands in the window and the original Declaration of Independence is still proudly displayed on the walls.
The monumental building was constructed on O'Connell Street between 1815 and 1818 as the headquarters of the Irish postal service. Designed by Francis Johnston, the building’s architectural prowess features a Greek-revival theme, with 55-foot (17-meter) high Greco-Roman pillars and a series of dramatic Ionic columns flanking the entrance. Statues of Hibernia (goddess of Ireland), Fidelity and Mercury (messenger of the gods) stand proud atop the roof – the handiwork of sculptor John Smyth.
The GPO isn’t simply a landmark though; its walls hide an illustrious history. The building was famously used as the main stronghold of Irish Volunteers during the 1916 Easter Rising and the front steps were where Patrick Pearse made his famous pre-siege speech, declaring a free Irish Republic. While the ensuing battles all but destroyed the original building, the lovingly restored building remains a symbol of Irish freedom.
Today the building is once again a working post office, although the captivating architecture has made it a popular tourist photo spot. Take a look around as you’re stamping your postcards, as there are still a few remnants of its legendary status – bullet holes can still be seen in the roof, a statue of Cuchulainn (Irish god of war) stands in the window and the original Declaration of Independence is still proudly displayed on the walls.
Address: Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin, Ireland
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8:30am–6pm, Sun: Closed
From $ 32
Gemiler Island
Known in English as St Nicholas Island, Gemiler lies along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, south from Fethiye and west of the sandy beach at Ölüdeniz. Separated from the mainland by a narrow sea channel, it is a tiny speck of an islet, just 400 meters (1,312 feet) wide and 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) long but is renowned for its wealth of Byzantine ruins, which date back more than 1,500 years.
Gemiler Island was once one of Christendom’s most popular pilgrimage points with devotees heading for Jerusalem in the Middle Ages. They came to honor the tomb of St Nicholas – the original Father Christmas, who was Bishop of Myra on the Turkish coast opposite – even though his remains were moved to the mainland in 650 AD. Also around this time, the little Byzantine settlement on Gemiler came under threat from pirates and was abandoned as the residents moved to the mainland for protection.
Today a chaotic jumble of ruins covers much of the island, comprising the scattered remains of four churches, evidence of Byzantine houses, a port, waterways, tombs and graveyards. Stores once stood along the shoreline, where traders would sell olive oil and grain to passing ships. The fragments of St Nicholas’s tomb that still stand today reveal faint vestiges of frescoes depicting scenes from his life; these are open to the elements and are slowly deteriorating in the sun.
Gemiler has plenty of rocky bays providing safe mooring for yachts and provides excellent snorkeling along its coastline; tumbledown ruins can occasionally be spotted just below the surface of the sea.
Practical Info
Gemiler Island lies just off the Turkish coast between Ölüdeniz and Fethiye and is easily accessible by day trip boats from the mainland.
Address: Gemiler Island, Fethiye, Turkey
From $ 20
Generalife Gardens
The 13th-century Generalife served as a summer retreat for Nasrid kings when they needed a break from palace affairs. From its perch on Cerro del Sol (Hill of the Sun), the series of terraces, promenades, and gardens spread across 74 landscaped acres (30 hectares) of the Alhambra complex afford some of the best views over Granada.
The Basics
Entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Generalife Gardens is included in your entrance ticket to the Alhambra, but you can also purchase a separate ticket for the gardens only. Since the complex ranks as one of the most-visited attractions in Andalucia, it’s a good idea to book a skip-the-line tour—small-group or private—of both the Alhambra and Generalife ahead of time to avoid disappointment. It’s also possible to see both attractions on a guided day trip from Seville, Roquetas de Mar, or Malaga.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Generalife Gardens are a must-visit for all first-time visitors to Granada.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do quite a bit of walking.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection, as southern Spain can get very hot.
- Strollers are not permitted on the grounds of the Generalife, so plan to bring a baby carrier if needed.
- The Generalife Gardens are mostly wheelchair accessible, and there are modified tours that cater to—and include—wheelchairs.
How to Get There
You can walk to the Alhambra and Generalife from Granada city center, but be prepared for a bit of an incline. If you’d rather save your legs for exploring, opt for a bus or taxi. Most guided tours include round-trip transportation from Granada hotels.
When to Get There
The Generalife Gardens are open daily throughout the year for daytime visits, and for evening visits between March and November. Be sure to book your tickets (which are timed) well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the peak summer season. It’s a good idea to arrive at the grounds well in advance of your ticket time.
Visiting the Generalife, Nasrid Palace, and Alcazaba
The Alhambra complex is divided into three sections, all accessed with the same ticket. As you plan your tour of the palace, keep in mind that you can visit the Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens at any point during your visit to the complex, but entrance to the Nasrid Palace is for a set time.
Address: Granada, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 37
Geneva Contemporary Art Centre (Centre d'Art Contemporain Genève)
Established in 1974, the Geneva Contemporary Art Center was the first contemporary art institution in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Designed as a space for production, research and experimentation, it has no permanent collection but instead has hosted more than 300 temporary exhibitions since its founding. The center is known for discovering new talent and introducing emerging Swiss and international artists to Geneva and the rest of the country. It shares space with the Centre de la Photographie Geneve, the Musee d’Art Moderne et Contemporain and the Fonds d’Art Contemporain and features a 1,000-square meter exhibition space, a cinema, an artist’s residency, a library and a children’s workshop.
Practical Info
The Geneva Contemporary Art Center is in the heart of the city, about a 20-minute walk from the historical center. It is also easily accessible by public transportation. Take bus 1 to the Ecole-Medecine stop or bus 2 or 19 to the Musee d’ethnographie or Bains stops. You can also take tram 12 to Plainpalais or tram 15 to Cirque.
Address: Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10, Geneva, Switzerland
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm
Admission: 5 CHF; free on first Sunday of each month
From $ 27
Gazi
Gazi has reinvented itself in recent years as one of Athens’ coolest nightlife and entertainment districts, and the lively neighborhood makes a worthy addition to any tourist itinerary.
Once Athens’ main industrial area, Gazi’s makeover was kick started when the old gasworks was transformed into the Technopolis cultural center. The center remains the epicenter of Gazi, hosting concerts, art exhibitions and a museum, while the surrounding neighborhood is now crammed with bars, restaurants, live music venues and nightclubs.
Gazi is easy to explore on foot, with the majority of venues clustered around the Technopolis, and the surrounding streets of Iakou, Persephonis, Dekeleon and Voutadon. Bar hopping tours are also a great way to discover the area’s nightlife and get the inside scoop on the hippest bars and clubs.
Insider’s Tip: Gazi is also the heart of the city’s gay scene, with the highest concentration of gay bars and dance clubs in Athens.
Practical Info
The Gazi neighborhood is located in west Athens and the closest metro station is Kerameikos.
Address: Gazi, Athens, Greece
From $ 37
Gdansk Old Town
One of the largest historical centers in Europe, Gdansk’s Old Town will take you back to the Middle Ages. Due to significant damage during World War II, many buildings are reconstructions of their historic counterparts, but a good number of original structures do remain. Almost one third of the streets in the Old Town have had the same names for more than 500 years.
The Old Town doesn’t have a main square; instead, activity centers around the long pedestrian street known as Dlugi Targ, or Long Market. Standing in the middle of Dlugi Targ is the impressive Neptune Fountain, built in 1633. One highlight of any tour around the Old Town include the 14th century Gothic style city hall, which today is home to the Historical Museum of Gdansk. Another must-see is the House of Uphagen, an 18th century town house that offers a glimpse into how the wealthy burghers of that era lived. Also of note are the 12th century Green Gate, the Dlugie Ogrody (Long Gardens), the colorful and cobbled Mariacka Street, St. Mary’s Church and Targ Weglowy (Coal Square).
Practical Info
The Gdansk Old Town is easily walkable and joining a walking tour can be a great way to see the historic center. Flying into Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport, visitors can get to the center of the city by train or bus. Trains from elsewhere in Poland arrive at the main train station, just east of the city center. The main bus station is just behind the train station.
Address: Gdansk, Poland
From $ 93
Georg Trakl Memorial (Traklhouse)
The revered German-language poet Georg Trakl was born in Salzburg in 1887 and spent much of his short life building up a body of literary work that has remained with us long after he died in a military hospital in Krakow at the tender age of 27. He spent his formative years in the city and much of his work shines light on the Salzburg of the early 20th century, although he flitted restlessly around Austria, traveling frequently to Vienna and Innsbruck. Heavily influenced by the works and lifestyles of French symbolist poets like Baudelaire and Rimbaud, Trakl was soon heavily involved with drugs and also suffered from depression; it is suspected he may have committed suicide but this is not known for sure.
Nevertheless his poetry attracted much praise attention and his reputation lives on. Many years after his death in 1914, his birthplace on Salzburg’s Waagplatz was converted to a museum in his memory in 1973. The story of his short life is told through extracts from his diaries, his poetry, photos and a movie based on his formative years.
Practical Info
Located at Waagplatz 1a, the site is open Monday through Friday with guided tours at 2pm (reservations required). Admission costs adults €4 and students €2, while those under 14 enter for free. Take buses 20 or 25 to Mozartsteg.
Address: Waagplatz 1a, Salzburg, Austria
Admission: Adults: €4
From $ 29
Genoa Cruise Port
As birthplace of Christopher Columbus, it's fitting that Genoa (Genova) is home to the second-largest port in Europe. A popular stop for cruise ships, the city blends old and new, with historic palazzi and churches sitting beside modern buildings. Genoa is also a jumping-off point for shore excursions to Liguria’s pretty coastal villages.
The Basics
Because of the city’s size, it’s best to explore Genoa with a hop-on hop-off tour or private guide. Begin in the old town, centered around the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the 13th-century Palace of Doges in nearby Piazza de Ferrari; Via XX Settembre, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, leads off from here. The 16th-century Palazzi dei Rolli along Via Garibaldi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now house art museums and cultural centers. A relic of when Genoa was the Mediterranean’s most powerful maritime republic, the Old Port, restored by Renzo Piano and situated below the city’s historic center, is home to the Genoa Aquarium— the largest in Europe— and a 17th-century pirate ship, both popular attractions for kids. Genoa is used as a base for tours to nearby destinations such as Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, the Cinque Terre, and the inland Renaissance capital of Florence.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Genoa is the embarkation or disembarkation port for many cruise lines, so a day ashore is often not factored in. Add it to your travel itinerary yourself if you are interested in exploring the city and surrounding coastline.
- The Genoa train station is the departure point for trains to a number of cities along the Italian riviera. Keep in mind that these are local trains serving small village stations, so are very slow and crowded during the summer months.
- There are also trains that depart from the port city of Genoa for the major Italian capitals of Naples, Rome, Milan, and Venice.
How to Get to Genoa from the Genoa Cruise Port
Passenger ships dock at the marine port of Genoa, a busy industrial harbor that is full of traffic. Though it’s not far, opt to take a taxi or shuttle bus from this rather rough area to the Porto Antico or San Lorenzo in the heart of the historic center.
Port Information
Despite being one of the main cruise ports in Italy, English is not widely spoken in Genoa. Many shops and businesses close in the middle of the day (between 1pm and 4pm) and all day Sunday, except in the tourist hubs. The currency is the euro.
Address: Palazzo San Giorgio, Via della Mercanzia 2, Genoa, Liguria 16123, Italy
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