Selimiye is a quaint coastal town in the Mugla province of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). Situated between Marmaris and Datca, it boasts a picturesque harbor with locally crafted fishing boats, a quiet seaside, and a handful of ancient ruins. Selimiye offers travelers an opportunity to experience authentic Turkish life away from the bustle of more touristy cities nearby.
Located on the grounds of St. Nicholas Church in the Schei district of Brasov, the First Romanian School (Prima Scoala Romaneasca) was the first school in the country to teach in Romanian. Today it is a museum that houses a treasure trove of old books, historic documents, and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the region.
Variously written Kvadrat 500, Quadrat 500, or Square 500, Kvadrat 500 opened in 2015 as the largest museum in the Sofia National Gallery collection. Twenty-eight separate rooms house a wealth of artworks from around the world, with a special focus on Bulgarian art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Although now in ruins, Lastours Castles (Châteaux de Lastours played a major role in the defense of the area during the height of Catharism in the 13th century. The main castle is called Cabaret, and is surrounded by three smaller fortresses. The ruins of a Romanesque church also sit on the site.
The French Riviera reaches its glamorous pinnacle at Antibes' Port Vauban. Fortified by Louis XIV’s military engineer, Marquis de Vauban, in the 17th century, the harbor is now a hub for jetsetters and their superyachts. The port is home to the International Yacht Club Antibes, and is big enough to accommodate the record-breaking Dilbar superyacht.
Stretching across the Danube River, the Old Stone Bridge is a restored medieval bridge in Regensburg that connects the city’s historical center with two of the river’s islands. Since the 12th century, this bridge has provided access to the islands of Upper Wöhrd and Stadtamhof and treated pedestrians with superb city views.
A visit to Dublin’s National Wax Museum Plus is an entertaining experience suitable for the whole family. Snap a selfie with wax models of the members of the band U2, learn about Irish history through the ages, and discover the works of important Irish writers and scientists. You can even make a wax mold of your own hand.
A somber neoclassical monument, the Chapelle Expiatoire stands atop the Madeleine Cemetery where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette—plus hundreds of others—were unceremoniously buried during the French Revolution. Commissioned by Louis XVIII, Louis XVI’s brother, the memorial chapel features sculptures of the royal couple, although their bones are now elsewhere.
More than a museum, Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts is also an art school. Historic masterpieces here share a campus with budding artists from around the globe. With a magnificent collection of German, Dutch, and Flemish works, the paintings gallery is located in a Schillerplatz palace alongside lecture rooms and studios.
Located on the banks of Reykjavik’s Lake Tjörnin, the National Gallery of Iceland is considered to be the country’s most important art museum. Home to a vast collection of 19th- and 20th-century Icelandic art, it also houses works by international artists such as Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Karin Sander, and Richard Serra.
Over 400 different species of marine life spread across 35 fresh and saltwater tanks call the Seville Aquarium (Acuario de Sevilla) home. Follow in the footsteps of Magellan as you venture from the Atlantic to the Amazon and marvel over sharks in one of Spain’s deepest aquarium tanks, before visiting the ethereal jellyfish exhibit.
Just across the river from the Eiffel Tower in the grand Palais de Chaillot building, the Architecture and Heritage City is a museum that presents the architectural history of France from the Middle Ages to today. The permanent collection comprises three floors of exhibits, offering a gem of a find for visitors interested in the evolution of French architecture.
Built in the 17th century, the vast star-shaped Charles Fort was designed to guard Kinsale Harbour. The site of fierce fighting during the 1690 Williamite War, Charles Fort was ceded by the British during the War of Independence in 1921, only to be extensively damaged during the Irish Civil War. The fort is now a designated National Monument.
Founded in 1859, Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe. The animal inhabitants of the 27-acre (11-hectare) zoo span all corners of the globe, including rare and endangered species such as polar bears, rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, and lions.
One of Finland’s northernmost resorts, Inari-Saariselkä is a pristine jumping-off point for exploring Urho Kekkonen National Park. The area is popular for winter sports, hiking and biking during the summer, and northern lights sightings.
St. Peter’s Church in Woolton, Liverpool, is more than an example of Gothic Revival architecture—it is also a significant site in musical history, as it was here in 1957 that John Lennon first met Paul McCartney. Also here are the graves of Eleanor Rigby, John Lennon’s Uncle George, and Bob Paisley, the renowned Liverpool FC manager.
Located in Hamburg’s UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt District, the Hamburg Dungeon offers a spooky, macabre, and entertaining way to discover the darkest parts of the city’s history. On an interactive, actor-led visit, you can learn about the Great Fire of 1842, hear gruesome tales of torture, and have plenty of suspense and surprises along the way.
Featuring walls hewn from natural rock and a stunning 130-foot-long hallway adorned with 5th-century mosaics, the Baths of Varius underwent several renovations over the centuries to become the one-of-a-kind structure we see today. Boasting separate rooms for cold, warm, and hot water, private chambers for wealthy citizens of Ephesus, and possibly even a gymnasium, the baths covered an expansive area and provided a luxurious and functional hub for ancient Turkish society. A visit to the Baths of Varius is not only a memorable experience but also a valuable opportunity to learn about Ephesus’ unique history.
Arguably the most beautiful beach on Mallorca—and certainly the most unspoiled, thanks to its location in a protected park—this 1.75-mile (3-kilometer coastal stretch is a top choice for families and sunseekers. Es Trenc’s shallow waters are ideal for little ones, while adults can enjoy watersports and seafront bars.
Made famous by the Beatles song, Penny Lane is lined with shops and small businesses. Before the Beatles hit the big time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney used to catch the bus from here. Some of the places name-checked in the lyrics—such as the shelter in the middle of the roundabout and the barbershop—can still be seen today.
Grasse in Provence has long been considered the heart of the French perfume industry—and Molinard Perfumery (Maison Molinard) has been one of its essential stops since its founding in 1849. Today, its headquarters are home to a perfume museum, historical laboratory, and shop, where visitors can pick up scents or even blend their own.
The glittering coastline of San Antonio bay is best known for its gorgeous beaches, tranquil coves, and family-friendly resorts. In contrast, the nearby town of San Antonio is a clubber’s paradise with round-the-clock parties.
Extending from the foothills of Sierra de Mijas Mountains to Spain’s Costa del Sol, Benalmádena is a town in three parts. The whitewashed mountainside pueblo offers a glimpse into old Andalusia, while Benalmádena Costa features sunny beaches and a lively nightlife. Arroyo de la Miel comprises the residential area in between.
One of the most famous sights in Palermo—albeit a rather macabre one—is the extensive network of catacombs under the city’s historic Capuchin Monastery. The subterranean Capuchin Catacombs (Catacombe dei Cappuccini) are home to thousands of mummified remains in varying states of preservation dating from the 16th to 20th centuries.
A highlight for classical music enthusiasts, this historic townhouse built into Vienna’s old city walls was Ludwig van Beethoven’s residence for eight years. Today it houses a museum dedicated to his life and work, with a collection of original symphony manuscripts, personal papers, portraits, and replicas of the composer’s instruments.
While there are only ruins left of Dunseverick Castle, what remains offers a striking sight, perched on an outcrop overlooking the Causeway coastline. This historic landmark in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a popular stop for those exploring the area’s dramatic landscape, with many combining a visit with a stop at the nearby Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This archaeological museum showcases priceless objects excavated during digs on the island of Rhodes. Housed in an imposing medieval hospital built by the Knights of St. John, the collection encompasses everything from ceramics and marble statues to mosaics and funeral urns.
Budapest is a city that radiates sophistication, and no area of the city illustrates this quite like Liszt Ferenc Tér. Stroll along the square's elegant boulevards and you’ll discover chic cafés, designer boutiques, and art galleries. Named after Hungary's famed composer, the square is a Budapest hub for fine dining, arts, and culture.
One of the most popular day walks in Mallorca, the challenging Torrent de Pareis hike slices through the Sa Calobra Canyon and offers spectacular views of the Tramuntana Mountains. After completing the hike, enjoy access to remote and pebbly beaches, as well as the charming town of Sa Calobra.
Stockholm’s ABBA The Museum is an interactive space for ABBA fans to learn about the legendary Swedish band’s history and trivia. Featuring plenty of the group’s costumes, gold records, and memorabilia, the museum invites visitors to experience being “the fifth member of ABBA.” Try on costumes, sing in the recording studio, and even go on stage with the band (in hologram form, naturally).
