Constructed for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition, the Belém Lighthouse (Farol de Belém) is a remnant of one of the main exhibition buildings. Designed as a folly rather than a functional lighthouse, it’s now closed to visitors, but its location along Belem’s riverfront promenade makes it a worthy photo stop—the distinctive spiral design on the red-and-white brick makes a photogenic contrast to the blue water of the Tagus River.
The Halles de Dijon, the indoor halls of the Dijon Market, might be the prettiest place you’ve ever done your weekly grocery shop. The building was constructed in the late 19th century and incorporates classically-influenced design features. Look up to see decorative animal and mythological motifs while picking out the freshest local cheese.
With its 49-acre (20-hectare) lawn, Cavour Water Park (Parco Cavour) is one of Italy’s lushest and greenest water parks. Water attractions at the family-friendly park include exciting slides and sand-bottom pools suitable for all ages, as well as plenty of places to simply relax.
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken (Serres Royales de Laeken) is a rare treat for visitors, typically open to the public for just a few weeks each spring due to the residence of the Belgian royal family at the palace. Designed by architect Alphonse Balat for King Leopold II back in 1873, these monumental heated greenhouses house a stunning collection of tropical and subtropical plants.
Saturated with history, Pnyx Hill is considered the birthplace of democracy: Athenians gathered on this rocky slope just west of the Acropolis to discuss issues around politics and governance as far back as the fifth century BC. Today, you can still spot the stone speakers’ platform where the great orators of the time would address the assembled (male) citizens.
Palma's Fundació Joan Miró Mallorca showcases the works of celebrated Catalan artist Joan Miró i Ferrà, one of the world's most lauded surrealist artists. It houses a large collection of Miró’s paintings and sculptures, which are displayed in ever-changing exhibits focused on themes from his life and work.
On the southern tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi Beach is one of the most unique beaches on the island. Nestled between two sandy coves, it’s a long strip of sand that connects to Prasonisi Island. With the Aegean Sea on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, it’s a unique geographical phenomenon.
A short walk from the town of Peguera, Cala Fornells is a compact cove with clear, calm waters and a mix of rocky and sandy shorelines. It’s less crowded than some of the better-known beaches on the island, and provides particularly good conditions for snorkeling.
Not to be confused with Alanya Castle, Alara Castle is a 13th-century fortification perched atop a craggy rock. Once a lookout point to protect caravans traveling from the Silk Road, it's now a popular hiking and sightseeing spot. The castle contains the picturesque ruins of a caravanserai, mosque, and hammam, most dating back to the end of the Byzantine Empire.
Kahlenberg is a 484-meter (1588-foot) high mountain in Vienna’s 19th district. Its historical importance dates back to 1683, when an army led by Polish King Sobiesky marched through the mountain and freed Vienna from its Turkish occupation. Today, visitors and locals visit this summit in the Vienna Woods to see the viewing tower, panoramic terrace, pilgrimage church, cafe, and restaurant.
Though many shops around Eastern Europe offer amber trinkets for sale, Vilnius' Amber Museum-Gallery (Gintaro Muziejus-Galerija is in a class of its own. The ground floor space is part gallery-museum and part shop, and visitors can learn about Baltic amber in its plethora of colors, buy jewelry, and enjoy a daily amber polishing display.
Catalonia’s only protected area with national park status, the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is situated in the heart of the Pyrenees and home to mainland Spain’s tallest peaks. Dotted with mountains such as Els Encantats and lakes such as Sant Maurici, as well as dense valleys and lush meadows, it’s a must-visit for animal lovers and hikers alike.
Blending neo-Gothic and Romantic styles, the gorgeously grand Palacio Seixas is an architectural symbol of Cascais, a sophisticated seaside resort just outside Lisbon. Built in the late 19th century, the palace is notable for its carved stone facade and wooden interiors, surrounded by a lush garden filled with statues of mythological figures.
Walls of underwater tanks are home to an abundance of Mediterranean sea life at the Corfu Aquarium in Paleokastritsa. Displays showcase fish and sea creatures from the region’s waters, including octopuses, seahorses, and sea urchins, that are highly likely to entertain visitors of all ages. Reptiles and amphibians feature too, as do far-flung creatures, such as the adorable axolotl.
The Dijon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon) is impressive not only for its collections, but also for its long history—it was founded in 1787 and its setting is the 14th-century Dijon Ducal Palace. Recently thoroughly renovated, the museum is simultaneously old and new, and is a must-visit attraction in central Dijon.
As one of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) largest ports, Izmir Cruise Port welcomes international cruise liners from around the world. As well as boasting a prime location on the Aegean Coast, Izmir also serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ephesus and Pergamon.
Set on the slopes of Mtatsminda Park, Turtle Lake is a quiet space over Tbilisi, perfect for a break from city life. Visitors can rent boats to drift around the lake, while trails lead to higher observation points with sweeping city views. This small lake can be accessed by walking up from the city or taking old blue cable car cabins that glide above the treetops.
The Navy Planetarium is a draw for astronomy and history enthusiasts visiting Lisbon. You can travel through space and time by seeing a show at the dome theater, watching live demonstrations of celestial navigation techniques, and learning about the life of astronauts. The planetarium also offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a fascinating experience for all ages.
Set inside an old sardine canning factory, the Museu de Portimao traces the city’s history from its prehistoric origins to the canning and fishing industries in the 20th century. Art installations occupy the building’s old cistern, while archaeological exhibits explain the city’s ancient history, and disused factory machinery shows how the cannery once worked.
In a restored locomotive roundhouse, Classic Remise Düsseldorf is the ultimate destination for vintage and classic cars. In addition to a wide range of vehicles from different makes and models, the center is home to dealers, garages, services, shops, restaurants, and event spaces.
This stately residence set along Herodou Attikou Street—one of the most elegant thoroughfares in the capital—was transformed from the Royal Palace to the Presidential Mansion with the overthrow of the Greek monarchy in 1974. Its 19th-century neoclassical design and lush French-style gardens make it a must-see for architecture buffs, while the hourly changing of the guard is a perennial crowd-pleaser.
It’s got some stiff competition, but Dorset’s Weymouth Beach might just be England’s best beach—it’s won several awards, at least. The long arc of sand flanked by elegant Georgian facades along the seafront make Weymouth Beach both a naturally beautiful and culturally interesting place. A favorite of King George III in the late 18th century, it’s still a summertime hotspot.
Housed in a grand 18th-century building in London's financial center, the Bank of England Museum explores the past, present, and future of money and Britain's economy. Exhibits include tubes containing half a million pounds of granulated money, a gallery of banknotes, screens showing short films, and swords and costumes worn by officers in the Bank Volunteer Corps.
Though the name Praia da Coelha translates from Portuguese as “Beach of the Rabbit”, you won’t find any of the fluffy creatures here. What you will find is a secluded bay far from the crowds of Albufeira’s more urban beaches; Praia da Coelha is at the end of a short walking trail shrouded in olive and carob trees, so it’s somewhat of a secret spot.
Once the site of heavy fighting in World War I, this mountain pass between Agordo and Cortina d’Ampezzo is a popular cycling and motorcycling destination along the magnificent Great Dolomite Road, and where the Giro d’Italia bicycle race passes through the area. At the site of the pass, a simple chapel memorializes the historical fighting, and a gondola rises to Mt. Lagazuoi.
You don’t have to be a boating enthusiast to appreciate the cutting-edge architecture and engaging exhibits at the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark. Capitalizing on the country’s seafaring history, this museum informs and entertains with interactive permanent and temporary exhibits. Learn about maritime culture, from its evolving technology to the people behind this legendary way of life.
A standout venue in London’s West End, the Apollo Victoria Theatre opened in 1930 as a cinema and later transitioned into a live performance venue. Known for its distinctive art deco architecture and capacity of over 2,300, it has hosted a range of major musicals. Past productions include The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof, but it’s now best known as the long-running home of Wicked, which opened here in 2006.
One of the highest points on the island of Tromso (Tromsoya) happens to be this small lake, a former reservoir near the center of Tromso town. Locals walk their dogs around the track and nature trails ringing the body of water, where travelers sometimes stop to view the northern lights. In the winter, the frozen-over pond becomes an ice-skating rink.
One of the UK’s most historically significant botanical gardens, this Birmingham destination has remained intact for nearly 100 years. Spanning 15 acres (6 hectares) and home to more than 10,000 plants spread across a range of micro-climates, the Grade II*-listed landmark is one of the city’s loveliest green spaces, ideal for family outings and contemplative solo walks alike.
Located in the heart of Manchester, the Royal Exchange Theatre features a unique 360-degree performance space—one of the largest in the UK—creating an intimate atmosphere for audience members to feel closer to the action. Known for commissioning and producing original, innovative theater, a host of world-renowned actors have tread its boards, including Helen Mirren, Hugh Grant, and Kate Winslet.
