Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Napa & Sonoma
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Evora
One of Portugal’s most fascinating destinations, Evora is a city full of historic national treasures that keep any visitor intrigued. From the Roman ruins of the Templo de Diana (Temple of Diana) featuring 14 original Corinthian columns, to the Capela dos Ossos (Bones of Chapel), which is completely decorated with human bones, Evora contains corner to corner historical encounters.
For a full-on educational experience on the history of this tremendous city, be sure to spend some time in the Historic Center of Evora, where you can discover ancient megaliths dating back to as far as 4000 BC, while puzzling together Evora’s diverse and immense background.
After visiting the Historic Center, take a second look around the city’s landmarks and architecture. You won’t be surprised to see that for such a small place, there is a wide array of buildings and designs from the renaissance, baroque, gothic, roman, and other eras.
For a full-on educational experience on the history of this tremendous city, be sure to spend some time in the Historic Center of Evora, where you can discover ancient megaliths dating back to as far as 4000 BC, while puzzling together Evora’s diverse and immense background.
After visiting the Historic Center, take a second look around the city’s landmarks and architecture. You won’t be surprised to see that for such a small place, there is a wide array of buildings and designs from the renaissance, baroque, gothic, roman, and other eras.
Practical Info
Located in Southern Portugal, Evora is a notably hot city, so be sure
when visiting that you bring plenty of water and closely watch weather
advisories. About 87 miles away from Lisbon, the best way to reach the
city is by car, although if that is not an option you prefer, you can
just as easily take the Intercity train or the express bus offered by
Rede expressos out of Lisbon.
Address: Evora, Portugal
From $ 58
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
Fa Yuen Street Market
Set amid bustling Mongkok, Fa Yuen Street Market is a must-visit Hong Kong street market. It’s best known for sportswear—one stretch with scores of sports shops is known as Sneaker Street—but it’s a mecca for all sorts of goods and clothing. There’s an indoor wet market with stalls selling cooked food and nary a souvenir in sight.
The Basics
Fa Yuen Street Market is easy to visit independently: just hop on the MTR, then cruise the stalls for goods. However, both the wet market and the cooked food center will be hard to navigate if you don’t speak Chinese. A good local guide can enhance the shopping experience.
Fa Yuen Street Market typically features as a stop on Mongkok walking tours, market walking tours, Hong Kong market tours, and occasionally on Mongkok food tours. You can also request a Fa Yuen Street Market tour when planning travel with a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rather unusually for a Hong Kong street market, the goods on Sneaker Street are rarely fake—expect great discounts on older models.
- Bras, briefs, and women’s outerwear at the Fa Yuen Street Market are made for very petite frames.
- Leave room for a snack at the Fa Yuen Street Cooked Food Centre, which serves traditional dishes.
How to Get There
Set in Mongkok, on the Kowloon side, Fa Yuen Street Market runs from Dundas Street to Prince Edward Road. Just take the MTR to Mongkok station, select exit D3, and turn right along Argyle Street until you hit Fa Yuen Street. Taxi drivers generally speak English but in case of doubt, show the Chinese characters: 花園街.
When to Get There
The stalls tend to get going around 10am or 10:30am and start to close over the course of the evening—although it’s not unusual for shops and stalls to still be serving at midnight. Weekdays are less crowded than at weekends and Fa Yuen Street Market is open year-round, with the exception of the first two days of Chinese New Year.
Sneaker Street: the Fa Yuen Street Sports Market
Hong Kong’s trend-conscious youth have been shopping for the latest sneakers on Fa Yuen Street since the 1980s, and sneaker junkies will be awestruck by the range on offer. Besides the latest offerings from mainstream global brands such as Nike and New Balance, look for chic boutiques with niche brands and Asian favorites.
Address: Fa Yuen Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
From $ 59
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
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
EYE Film Institute
Dedicated to the preservation and history of Dutch and foreign films, the EYE Film Institute is an archive museum located in Amsterdam. It houses over 37,000 film titles, 60,000 posters, 700,000 photographs and 20,000 books, with some of the earliest materials dating back to 1895 when the movie industry was just starting in the capital. The permanent collection offers a fascinating glimpse into Dutch and world history. EYE is a vast complex that includes a cinematography museum (previously known as the Dutch Historical Film Archive), an auditorium, a souvenir shop filled with memorabilia, four movie theaters, as well as a waterfront restaurant and café. Many specialists refer to the EYE as the best cinema museum in the world.
The acclaimed, futuristic building was unveiled by Queen Beatrix in 2012 and was designed by Viennese firm Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, which specializes in über-modern buildings that appear to be in motion. Guided tours of the EYE are available upon request, although it is possible to simply wander around and admire the daring features free of charge. The EYE Film Institute is in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Overhoeks, across the canal behind Amsterdam Centraal; it is the first cultural attraction in Amsterdam to be located outside the main canal ring.
Practical Info
The EYE Film Institute is located the Overhoeks neighbourhood just north of Amsterdam Centraal. It can only be reached by ferry (#901) with departures every 12 minutes from the train station. Entry to the exhibitions cost € 12,50 per adult and € 8 per child; entry to the movie theater cost € 10 per adult and € 7,50 per child. The Film Institute exhibitions are open daily from 10am to 7pm, and until 9pm on Fridays, whereas the movie theater is open until 11pm on the weekends.
Address: IJpromenade 1, Amsterdam, North Holland 1031, Netherlands
Hours: Exhibitions: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm, and until 9 pm on Fridays
Admission: Exhibitions: Adult: € 12,50: Children under 12 years old: € 8
From $ 32
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
European Union Parliament
Brussels is the administrative heart of the European Union and the Espace Léopold buildings are where parliament meets throughout the year to debate and discuss the future of Europe. The main building of the European Union Parliament complex is the Paul-Henri Spaak building, an impressive glass structure with a distinctive arched roof, it’s been nicknamed "Caprice des Dieux" (whim of the gods) after a similarly shaped French cheese.
The hemicycle is where parliament debates; it seats the 736 Members of the parliament, numerous translators and a gallery for the general public. The semicircular shape is designed to encourage consensus among the political parties.
There are a number of interesting works of art on public view including May Claerhout’s sculpture Europa, which has become a favorite among tourists.
Practical Info
Work is continuing on a state-of-the-art visitors center, but in the meantime guided multimedia tours are available on weekdays. When parliament is sitting the public are allowed to sit and watch proceedings from the public area.
The closest bus stop is Luxembourg Square and any bus that stops there will drop you at the entrance between the Willy Brandt and József Antall buildings - walk between these buildings to reach the Paul-Henri Spaak building.
Address: Rue Wiertz, Brussels, Belgium
Hours: Tours available Mon - Thurs at 10am and 3pm only (10am only on Fridays)
Admission: Free
From $ 29
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
Eyup Sultan Mosque
Istanbul’s Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii) was built in 1458, only five years after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, and rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Located on the Golden Horn outside the historical Walls of Constantinople, it was the site of coronations for Ottoman princes throughout the empire’s early era.
The Basics
The Eyup Sultan Mosque is named after the standard-bearer for the prophet Mohammed, and the presence of his tomb in the mosque complex makes this a significant and popular place to visit. It’s common to see young boys dressed as Ottoman princes visiting the mosque for the ceremonies accompanying their circumcision.
Many private and small-group city tours that visit Eyup Sultan Mosque also explore other attractions in the area around the Golden Horn, including the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), Miniaturk, the Walls of Constantinople, Pierre Loti Hill, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Eyup Sultan Mosque is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.
- Bring a scarf or wrap to cover up appropriately before entering, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
- The mosque is an active place of worship and is closed to visitors during prayer times.
How to Get There
Eyup Sultan Mosque is located in Istanbul’s bustling Eyup neighborhood and is easily reached by local buses and taxis. Ferries depart during the day from Karakoy, Eminonu, and Uskudar, and travel up the Golden Horn to Eyup.
When to Get There
Eyup Sultan Mosque is a popular place to visit, especially in the afternoon and on weekends. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which change daily and are longer on Fridays; check times online. Muslim and Turkish holidays can affect opening hours as well.
Eyup Highlights
When in the Eyup neighborhood, make sure to visit Eyup Sultan’s tomb, which is covered in Iznik tiles (and closed on Mondays). Wander past the extensive Muslim cemetery near the mosque and make your way up to Pierre Loti Hill. At the top, reachable by funicular, is a café that has beautiful views over the Golden Horn.
Address: Turkey
From $ 31
Estrella de Puebla
The Estrella de Puebla, or ‘Puebla Star,' is Mexico's 263-foot-tall (80 m) observation wheel, and the largest observation wheel in South America (with the Guinness World Record to prove it). It has 54 gondolas, each carrying up to 8 passengers and offering magnificent panoramic views of Puebla, but for the most dazzling vistas, opt for one of the 4 luxury gondola, featuring glass floors and plush leather seats.
The Estrella de Puebla is the dramatic centerpiece of the Linear Park complex, which includes the Garden of Art, the Metropolitan Ecoparque, and the Atoyac River Walk, as well as the planned International Baroque Museum.
Practical Info
The Estrella de Puebla is located in the Linear Park in downtown Puebla and is open Monday through Friday from 4pm to 9:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 9:30pm.
Address: 2520 Osa Mayor, Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, Pue., Mexico 72190, Mexico
Hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–9:30pm; Sat–Sun 11am–9:30pm
Admission: Mex$30
From $ 12
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
Estancia Harberton
Overlooking the icy waters of the Beagle Channel, Estancia Harberton offers a glimpse into the history and wildlife of Argentina’s far-flung Tierra del Fuego.
The oldest estancia (farm) in this part of the world, the still-working property dates back to 1887 and was established by English missionary Thomas Bridges. Bridges founded the Anglican Mission at Ushuaia in 1870.
Today, the estancia remains in the hands of Bridges’ descendants, and it was declared an Argentine National Historical Monument in 1999.
A visit reveals the original buildings of wood and corrugated iron, and terraced gardens. The sheep have long gone but the cattle remain. While you’re here you can also walk amongst a penguin colony at the estancia’s Yecapasela Reserve.
Perhaps the best way to visit is by boat tour from Ushuaia. The cruises visit the Bridges Islands for wildlife viewing of sea lions, penguin colonies and cormorants, before sailing to the estancia for a tour of the homestead and its small marinelife museum.
Traveling here by road, the route winds past mountains, valleys and coastal vistas of the Beagle Channel and its wind-sculpted trees and marshland.
The oldest estancia (farm) in this part of the world, the still-working property dates back to 1887 and was established by English missionary Thomas Bridges. Bridges founded the Anglican Mission at Ushuaia in 1870.
Today, the estancia remains in the hands of Bridges’ descendants, and it was declared an Argentine National Historical Monument in 1999.
A visit reveals the original buildings of wood and corrugated iron, and terraced gardens. The sheep have long gone but the cattle remain. While you’re here you can also walk amongst a penguin colony at the estancia’s Yecapasela Reserve.
Perhaps the best way to visit is by boat tour from Ushuaia. The cruises visit the Bridges Islands for wildlife viewing of sea lions, penguin colonies and cormorants, before sailing to the estancia for a tour of the homestead and its small marinelife museum.
Traveling here by road, the route winds past mountains, valleys and coastal vistas of the Beagle Channel and its wind-sculpted trees and marshland.
Practical Info
Estancia Harberton is 85 km (52 miles) east of Ushuaia, 40 nautical miles by sea. You can visit by tour, taxi or hire car.
If you’re visiting independently, enjoy a meal in the tearooms or arrange accommodation in the estancia’s guesthouses.
If you’re visiting independently, enjoy a meal in the tearooms or arrange accommodation in the estancia’s guesthouses.
Address: Argentina
Hours: Open daily, Oct 15 - Apr 15
Admission: Adults: AR$15
From $ 23
Everland Resort
South Korea’s largest theme park is like the DisneyWorld of Asia, a massive complex filled with rides, food, fairy tales characters, animal shows and the country’s largest waterpark. One of the highlights of Everland is the T-Express, the first and largest wooden rollercoaster in South Korea. It’s also the sixth largest wooden coaster in the world with more than a mile of hair-raising drops, curves and climbs.
An African Safari bus at Everland takes visitors through an animal park filled with lions, giraffes and elephants, while the Caribbean Bay water park offers a beach-like experience, along with a wave pool and water slides of every shape and size. And Everland Speedway is South Korea's first racing track, holding occasional racing events and also offering visitors the unique opportunity to drive on the track.
Practical Info
Everland Resort sits less than an hour southeast of Seoul. Visitors can get there by public bus or join a group tour to the park. Everland Resort also offers accommodations in the Home Bridge section of the park, which has hotel rooms and cabins designed like an alpine village.
Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, Yongin, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults 46,000 Won; Children 36,000 Won
From $ 52
Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier, the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that's accessible by road, is also one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Visitors can hike right up to the wall of blue ice to listen as it crackles and learn about how this and other glaciers from the Harding Icefield have reshaped the landscape over time.
The Basics
Since Exit Glacier is so easy to drive to, it’s included on many tours of Seward, along with attractions such as Resurrection Bay and the Alaska SeaLife Center. A short walk leads from the parking area through a forest and along a gravel river bed to the glacier, with markers indicating the glacier’s recession over the past century. The Edge of the Glacier Trail offers the best views of the front of the ice, while the Harding Icefield Trail climbs some 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) for views of the giant Harding Icefield (the source of 38 named glaciers).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Exit Glacier is a must for adventure travelers and those pressed for time.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- There are restrooms located in the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
- The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail from the parking lot to the Glacier View area is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Exit Glacier is situated at the end of Exit Glacier Road (officially called Herman Leirer Road) about 13 miles (21 kilometers) outside Seward. Most visitors arrive by car or as part of a guided tour, but it’s also possible to catch a shuttle from Seward to the glacier during the summer months.
When to Get There
While Exit Glacier is open throughout the year, the road to the glacier becomes impassible to cars beginning in mid-November through early May. The road does, however, remain open to snowmobiles, fat bikes, snowshoes, and cross-country skis.
Ranger-Led Walks
From late May through early September, national park rangers lead Exit Glacier walks four times daily. These guided hikes take the trail from the Exit Glacier Nature Center to the Glacier Overlook, with interpretation along the way about glacial activity, geology, and local flora and fauna.
Address: Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, USA
From $ 157
Ethnological Museum
The former palace of Haile Selassie — former Emperor of Ethiopia and icon of the Rastafari movement — is today the home of the Ethnological Museum. Considered among the best museums on the African continent, the Ethnological Museum takes an unusual approach to showcasing its collection of art and artifacts. Instead of dividing things based on geography or historical period, the collection is organized by life cycle.
The first section highlights infancy and childhood with information on birth rites, children’s tales and childhood games. The segment on adulthood includes artifacts and information on Ethiopian religion, medicine, warfare, art and culture, while the final area includes burial structures and tombs, with insight into post-death beliefs.
Other galleries in the museum include the living quarters of Haile Selassie, a collection of religious art and one of the largest collections of icons in the world.
Practical Info
If you’re going to visit only one museum in Ethiopia, make this the one. Consider planning your visit at the beginning of your trip for a sweeping overview of Ethiopian history and culture.
Address: Algeria St Piazza Haile, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
Admission: Birr50
From $ 65
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
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
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
From $ 17
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