Europe attractions

Turkish artist and musical icon Zeki Müren is the subject of this eponymous museum, housed in the late singer’s 2-story Bodrum home. Inside, fans can admire many of his elaborately designed stage costumes, browse photographs and memorabilia that span his long career, and see the artist’s original furniture, personal belongings, paintings, and classic car.

Long considered to be the lifeline of St. Petersburg, the Neva River (Reka Neva) flows through the capital city from Lake Ladoga in northwestern Russia, eventually making its way to the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. Visit this historically important waterway to learn about the region’s history and see the city sites.

The Kremlin Armoury houses the most precious treasures of the Russian czars, many of which were made right in the Kremlin. Some 4,000 glittering valuables are spread across two floors and arranged according to themes, from heavily embroidered royal regalia and carriages to weapons and jewel-encrusted Fabergé eggs.

Between Place de la Bourse and Place des Quinconces, Quai Louis XVIII forms a picturesque stretch of Bordeaux’s riverfront quays. Flanked by elegant neoclassical facades and historic buildings to the west, and the Garonne river to the east, it’s one of the city’s most notable boulevards and a scenic spot to walk, cycle, or drive.

The Jan Becher Museum is dedicated to one of the Czech Republic's most beloved drinks, Becherovka. Visitors can learn about the beverage, tour the distillery and the original cellars, and sample this herbal liqueur that has been produced for centuries. It’s made from a secret recipe based on more than 20 types of herbs and spices.

This sturdy fortress has stood watch at the mouth of the River Arade for hundreds of years, guarding the city of Portimão as it evolved from prosperous port to tourist center. Though the pirates and invaders it was built to fend off are long gone, the structure remains intact, and offers spectacular views of the marina and beach.

Alexander Pushkin was Russia’s most celebrated poet and the Pushkin Museum and Memorial Apartment is a lasting memorial to his life and work. Located in one of the oldest stone mansions in St Petersburg, the apartment museum is just two blocks from Nevsky Prospekt on the banks of the Moika River. A fine example of a nobleman’s apartment in the 1830s, it became a museum in 1925. The carefully preserved apartment is where Pushkin lived in 1836 and 1837 and where he died after being wounded in a duel. The centerpiece of the museum is Pushkin’s study, where objects belonging to his family, friends and contemporaries are on display. Visitors can also see Pushkin’s writing desk, a death mask, a lock of his hair and other personal items. In the basement of the building are exhibits on the history of the house, Pushkin’s life in St Petersburg in 1836, and the duel that killed him.

Ithomi is best known for the magnificent ruins of Ancient Messene (sometimes called Ancient Messini) set at the foot of Mount Ithome. While it’s as striking as other Greek archaeological sites, Messene sees fewer tourists. Visitors can marvel at the marketplace (agora), stadium, and monumental gate, and visit the small museum.

One of central Birmingham’s most notable historic buildings, the Baskerville Building, was constructed nearly 100 years ago. Named for John Baskerville—the 18th-century printer and type designer whose house stood on site—the art deco Baskerville House is now a Grade II-listed architectural icon. With pride of place right on the central Centenary Square, it’s also steps from other top attractions.

Lisbon’s fascinating history—from the Phoenicians and Romans through the medieval Age Of Discoveries to the devastating 1755 earthquake and the Carnation Revolution in 1974—is condensed into a series of colorful comic strip–style panels at the History of Lisbon Mural. Painted by illustrator Nuno Saraiva, the public artwork is one of Lisbon’s most unique free attractions.

In far northern Iceland, the extraordinary natural landscapes of Gjástykki are among the region’s most striking. Hewn from a series of eruptions by the neighboring Krafla volcano, the rift valley features 65-foot-high (20-meter-high) walls of lava rock and valleys of multicolored slag, still hot with volcanic activity.

Hidden away in a hillside enclave just behind Fethiye Harbor, the Fethiye Roman Theater (Telmessos Theatre is one of the last remaining traces of the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. Dating back to the 2nd century BC and once seating up to 6,000; the theater is currently undergoing extensive restoration work.

Built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I, the ornate Aynalikavak Palace (Aynalıkavak Kasrı) served as royal hunting grounds. Today, the regal pavilion is an oasis of calm in the middle of bustling Istanbul and functions as a preserved museum. It’s decorated with mirrors and luxurious furniture showcasing the Ottoman-era palace style.

Nice’s enchanting old port is a lovely place to wander and find the perfect little restaurant for an authentic meal with a romantic view of the Mediterranean Sea. Soak up the atmosphere of the yacht-filled port, then stroll over to the hilly green park, Colline du Château, or the adjacent Quartier Segurane, known for its antique shops and flea market.

The site of an enormous, modern basilica on a hilltop near Asti, the religious complex of Colle Don Bosco is based around the home where a local saint, Don Bosco, was born. The church itself offers services for both regular Mass and festivals, and the complex also includes a museum to learn about the works of Don Bosco, and more general Italian history focused on rural life.

With a history dating back to 1779, the Birmingham & Midland Institute has been dedicated to education and learning for centuries. Today, housed in a Grade II-listed building in Birmingham’s city center, the venue houses the BMI Library (home to more than 120,000 volumes) and hosts various exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and other cultural programming.

One of Barcelona’s most fascinating museums, the Museum of Forbidden Art (Museu de l'Art Prohibit) is true to its name, exhibiting banned, censored, and controversial artworks. The collection spans pieces by Ai Weiwei, Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Robert Mapplethorpe, as well as Picasso etchings, a Klimt sketch, and Andres Serrano’s notorious Piss Christ.

Completed in 1811 after ten years of construction, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan (Kazansky Sobor stands 203 feet (62 meters tall—a stunning example of Russian neoclassical architecture. The structure encircles a small square, and the interior is adorned with the works of some of the country's greatest artists and sculptors.

Showcasing more than 170,000 works from the 11th to the 20th century, the Tretyakov Gallery is a glorious tribute to Russian art. From medieval icons to Soviet-era masterpieces, it’s the world’s most comprehensive collection of Russian art.

The oldest cathedral in St. Petersburg and among the tallest orthodox cathedrals on the planet, the baroque Peter and Paul Cathedral sits on the grounds of Peter and Paul Fortress. The building is home to the St. Petersburg Men’s Choir and serves as the final resting place for many of Russia’s pre-revolutionary rulers.

This volunteer-run music museum focuses largely, but not exclusively, on 2-Tone music, a subgenre of ska that’s associated with Coventry. It's a great place to learn about Coventry's music scene, and about the history of the ska, reggae, and rocksteady genres.

Amsterdam’s top English-language comedy show, Boom Chicago boasts plenty of star alums—including Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, and Jason Sudeikis. Running for 30-plus years, it’s known for its fast-paced ensemble improv evenings, but also offers Friday night stand-up shows, comedy classes, and sets by touring comedians.

The State Darwin Museum was the world’s first museum of evolution when it opened its doors in 1907, and it remains one of the largest of its kind. Spread over three floors, the vast permanent collection features more than 400,000 items, with interactive exhibits and multimedia displays making it fun and educational for all ages.

The first aquarium of its kind in Russia, the Planet Neptune Oceanarium transports visitors into an underwater world, with more than 4,500 fish and marine creatures. Over 150 different species are represented, including sharks, seals, stingrays, moray eels, and a variety of Russian fish.

The looming yellow cathedral tower and star-shaped fortifications of the Peter and Paul Fortress dominate St. Petersburg’s riverfront, rising up from the shores of Zayachy Island. Built by Peter the Great in 1703, the fortress boasts a long history, having served as a military base, royal burial site, and political prison.

Step into a painting, hang off the side of a skyscraper, and get into other wacky scenarios at the 3D Fun Art Museum Lisboa. Full of optical illusions, this museum north of central Lisbon has more than three dozen backdrops for endless photo ops, and it’s especially popular for families and as a quick detour en route to the nearby Edward VII Park.

Situated at the base of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space—which depicts a rocket soaring into space—Moscow’s Museum of Cosmonautics looks back at Russia’s role in space exploration. From retro space race propaganda to Soviet-era rockets, exhibits celebrate the Soviet space program and the country’s outer space achievements.

Behind the castle-like entrance of Moscow Zoo lie over 50 acres (20 hectares of purpose-built habitats and some 7,000 animal residents—making it the largest zoo in Russia. Native species abound, including polar bears, wolves, and Siberian tigers, as well as elephants, monkeys, and dolphins.

Royalty, revolutions, and reformers have swept through Palace Square in St Petersburg, a grand plaza at the foot of the magnificent Winter Palace. Alexander Column dominates the center of Palace Square, which is wrapped by government buildings and remains a favorite gathering place for city-wide celebrations and holidays.

Originally named Decembrists’ Square after the December 1825 uprising, Senate Square (Senatskaya Ploshchad is one of St. Petersburg’s most famous public spaces, encircled by some of the city’s top attractions. The unforgettable centerpiece of Senate Square is its Bronze Horseman statue, one of the most iconic symbols of the city.