Europe Action & adventure, Art, Beach, Castles & palaces, Central, Lighthouse, Modern architecture + Waterfall pictures

• World

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

Escape the city and head to one of the world’s largest urban parks, which has lakes and meadows, as well as beer gardens and a variety of interesting relics.

One of the oldest museums in France, this institution is a fantastic place to see paintings, sculptures and architecture spanning centuries, back to the Middle Ages.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

With some of Spain’s foremost modern and contemporary artworks and a collection that ranks among the world’s finest, this is a museum art lovers won’t want to miss.

From its architecture to its industry and sporting events, this is a city of fascinating contrasts just an hour by train from London. 

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

One of the world’s smallest countries lies within eastern Italy’s countryside. Visit the longstanding city-state for natural beauty, culture and food specialties.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

Visit the two intriguing castles that flank this historic Spanish beach and relax on its photogenic stretch of golden sand.

Build your courage for the many carnival rides on the People’s Pier and explore the sights backing onto this beach.

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

Enjoy views of the impressive futuristic train station from this green, pedestrianized plaza at Strasbourg’s core.

Investigate a vast collection of modern and contemporary art both inside and outside one of the most recognizable buildings in Bilbao.

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Attend a theatrical or orchestral performance and admire the artworks on the alleged spot where St. Saturnin of Toulouse was martyred.