Sitting atop Janiculum Hill, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of Rome’s most popular scenic overlooks. This lofty square is named for the bronze equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi—a general who fought for Italian unification—that sits at its center, and it offers panoramic views stretching across Trastevere to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Rome’s Botanical Garden sits just below, and the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, another beloved viewpoint, is a short stroll away.
The freestanding Revelin Fortress was built in 1463 to guard the Ploče Gate against invasion. After surviving the 1667 earthquake unscathed, the fortress became the headquarters of the Republic of Ragusa. Nowadays, its large stone terrace is used as a stage during the Summer Festival, and there are exhibits and a nightclub inside.
The late fifth century monastic settlement of Monasterboice is home to a collection of religious ruins, including a cemetery, churches, a 92-foot (28-meter) tall round tower, and—the highlight—three ancient high crosses. Used to preach Christianity to the mostly illiterate population, the crosses are adorned with biblical carvings.
A towering black spire stands above the Church of St. Michael, but the landmark’s biggest draw is below street level. Thousands of bodies have been laid to rest in the St. Michael’s Church crypt, whose cool conditions slow decomposition. In the main church, a magnificent 18th-century organ is used for baroque concerts.
The countryside surrounds the ruins of this monumental Roman complex at mile 5 (kilometer 8) of the ancient Appian Way. The second-century Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili) was once the lavish residence of Emperor Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius. Remains of its two entrances, mosaic and marble floors, private baths, aqueduct, and hippodrome still impress.
With its placid waters lined by rolling vineyards and olive groves, Lake Trasimeno (Lago Trasimeno) is one of the most picturesque corners of Umbria and a popular day trip destination. Take the ferry to one of the lake’s three islets, relax on its beaches, or explore the lakeside towns of Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno.
Perched along the Adriatic Coast just south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is the coastal getaway of choice for affluent city dwellers. The historical port town has Roman ruins, beautiful villas, and chic restaurants, while luxurious yachts bob just off the sandy beaches a short stroll from the city’s center.
Constructed in the 1960s, Galway Cathedral is among the youngest cathedrals in Ireland and one of Europe’s youngest stone cathedrals. While it’s a relatively modern build, the cathedral borrows elements from architectural eras past, with Renaissance, Romanesque, and Gothic detailing combined with Irish artwork and adornments.
Bavaria has no shortage of storybook towns, but Oberammergau is up there with the best. Think tree-lined cobbled lanes and centuries-old buildings, adorned with traditional wood carvings and elaborate hand-painted frescoes—all set against the snow-capped peaks of the Bavarian Alps. But the town’s biggest claim to fame is its once-a-decade Passion Play, which tells the story of Jesus’ last days and has been performed by residents since the 17th century.
Built into the 16th-century Baluard de Sant Pere fortress in Mallorca’s capital, the glass-and-concrete Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Palma houses more than 800 artworks by Balearic and Mediterranean artists. Bounded by the fortress’ sea-facing walls, this sleek hub features everything from works by Picasso and Joan Miró to abstract sculptures.
Anfield Stadium, the Liverpool Football Club's home turf, is hallowed ground for Liverpool fans. The 54,000-capacity venue not only hosts matches, but also contains the Liverpool FC Story, a museum chronicling the club's history, and the Steven Gerrard Collection, comprising memorabilia relating to the former captain.
One of the two remaining gates of the old Valencia city wall, the Quart Towers (Torres de Quart) represent a tangible piece of Valancia’s rich history. Visitors can admire the imposing Gothic-style 15th-century Quart Towers from ground level or climb to the top for sweeping city views.
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.
The Netherlands is known for its many windmills, and the De Gooyer Windmill, as its tallest, is one of the country’s most famous. This National Monument is one of the few remaining wooden windmills within the city of Amsterdam, and was moved to its current location in the early 19th century. While you can’t enter the structure, it’s probably the easiest windmill to see without visiting Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof.
The port town of Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown, was the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants who left the country between 1848 and 1960. Housed in the town’s Victorian train station, the Cobh Heritage Centre chronicles the often-heartbreaking journeys of Irish emigrants during the Great Famine and beyond.
Together with the larger Isle of Lewis, the Isle of Harris forms the largest island of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Lewis and Harris. Traditional villages and distilleries dot the small island, but it’s better known for its rugged mountain landscape, tweed manufacturing, and some of the best beaches in Scotland, such as Luskentyre—part of the sandy bay looking toward the Isle of Taransay.
Sitting high above one of Venice’s most famous squares, the 15th-century St. Mark’s Clock Tower has marked the time in the city for over 500 years. Its blue-and-gold dial and bronze bell-striking Moors statues make it a popular photo spot, but there’s more to discover. Climb the narrow staircase past the intricate clock mechanism to reach the rooftop terrace, where you can see panoramic city views.
Opened by local chocolatier Hans Imhoff in 1993, theCologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) is devoted to Cologne’s chocolate-making history. This fun family attractions lets visitors peek behind the scenes of a working chocolate factory, learn about the farming of cacao beans, and sample delicious Lindt chocolate.
Located atop Mitropoliei hill in central Bucharest, the Patriarchal Cathedral (Metropolitan Church) is the city’s principal Orthodox place of worship and a historical landmark. Consecrated in 1658, it’s a copy of the Curtea de Arges Monastery in Pitesti dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen.
Settled into a nook on the eastern side of Liguria’s Portofino peninsula is Santa Margherita Ligure. Like its glamorous Portofino neighbor, the town started out as a fishing village, although little trace of this lingers today. For visitors nowadays, the vibe is more refined riviera resort with Belle Epoque hotels, a yacht-filled harbor, and genteel palaces such as Villa Durazzo. Nearby beach hangout Paraggi Bay is also a draw.
Home to the Swedish Parliament, or Riksdag, the Parliament House (Riksdagshuset) is a major historical and political landmark within Stockholm’s Old Town, or Gamla Stan. Designed by Aron Johansson and featuring two attached buildings, it was built between 1897 and 1905, and occupies about half of Helgeandsholmen Island, in the heart of the city.
Castel San Pietro is a hilltop fortress in Verona. Built in the Austrian style in the 19th century and surrounded by cypress trees, it offers panoramic views of the city, including the Roman theater and the Adige river.
The Baths of Diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano) were the largest public baths in Imperial Rome, once covering 32 acres (13 hectares) and hosting up to 3,000 bathers at a time. Though much of the original complex has been destroyed, what remains still offers a sense of the vast structure and insight into the daily lives of the ancient Romans.
Naples’ elegant Posillipo Hill neighborhood is bookended by two lovely public parks, both dedicated to the poet Virgil: the Parco Virgiliano a Piedigrotta at the foot of the hill and Parco Virgiliano a Posillipo at the top. Both provide a welcome respite from the bustle of central Naples and are a highlight of this residential area.
Istanbul’s Rahmi M. Koç Museum is a fascinating stop for families, history buffs, and curious travelers. The museum is spread across two locations: a former anchor foundry called the Lengerhane Building and the 19th-century Hasköy Dockyard. Diving into topics relating to industry, communication, and transportation, the museum is the first of its kind in Turkey.
Whiskey is the tipple of choice at the Midleton Distillery Experience, home to six of the biggest names in Irish whiskey, including Jameson and Redbreast. Whether you want to go behind the scenes of the working distillery, sample a range of whiskeys during an expert-led tasting, or join a cocktail-making masterclass, the historic distillery is one of Cork’s top attractions for whiskey lovers.
More than 2,000 Canadian soldiers who died on Normandy beaches and battlefields are buried in this Second World War Cemetery. Lines of white headstones stretch across manicured grounds, here, and memorials repose in the shade of leafy, mature trees. Veterans Affairs Canada manages the grounds, which France has granted to Canada.
The architectural headliner of Hoher Markt, Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock) is a fanciful bronze-and-copper clock dating from the early 20th century. It’s known for the 12 figures from Viennese history rendered in copper that emerge individually as each hour is struck. The biggest show is at noon, when all 12 figures appear in rotation.
One of just a few distilleries in Scotland’s Lowlands region, Glenkinchie Distillery has a scenic farmland setting, just 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Edinburgh. Its whisky is famously used in Johnnie Walker blends (in addition to being sold as single malts), and its distillery also serves as a regional base for the Johnnie Walker brand.
While the masses head to Barceloneta Beach, those in search of quieter shores take their towels to Nova Icària Beach (Platja de la Nova Icària). Located between Bogatell and Barceloneta Beaches, this quarter-mile-long (400-meter-long) stretch of sand features great amenities and a local vibe. It’s backed by a wide promenade and the Port Olimpic neighborhood with its abundant restaurants.
