palaces Archives

Visiting the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence: practical guide for first-time visitors

The Palazzo Vecchio on Piazza della Signoria has been the seat of Florentine civic power since 1299 and today operates as both Florence's working town hall and one of its most visited museums. This guide was updated in June 2026. Two significant updates for 2026:…

Visiting the Doge’s Palace, Venice: practical guide for first-time visitors

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) on Piazzetta San Marco is the masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture and the seat of power of the Venetian Republic for nearly a thousand years. This guide was updated in June 2026. From 1 January 2026, the standard ticket price…

Pitti Palace, Florence: Guide with ticket prices, hours & tips

Palazzo Pitti on the south side of the Arno in Florence is the largest palatial complex in Tuscany, Italy — a building that housed three dynasties across four centuries and today holds five museums and a chapel under one roof. This guide was updated in…

Visiting the Norman Palace, Palermo: practical guide for first-time visitors

The Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) is Europe's oldest continually inhabited royal palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Palermo, and home to the breathtaking Palatine Chapel — the finest surviving example of Arab-Norman-Byzantine art in existence. This guide was updated in…

Visiting Buckingham Palace State Rooms, London: practical guide for first-time visitors

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch and one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. The most important fact for planning: the State Rooms are only open to the public for ten weeks each summer — from…

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh: practical guide for first-time visitors

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British Sovereign, located at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, and open to the public when the King is not in residence. This guide covers opening hours, admission prices, transport, accessibility, and…

Fishbourne Roman Palace, Fishbourne: Ticket prices, hours and tips – plan your visit

Fishbourne Roman Palace is an archaeological museum and historical site located in Fishbourne, West Sussex. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips. This guide was updated in May 2026 to reflect current entry policies, noting the updated…

The Palais des Papes in Avignon, France.

Visiting the Palais des Papes, Avignon: Guide with ticket prices, hours and must-know tips

The Palais des Papes is a medieval Gothic palace located in the historic centre of Avignon, France. This guide provides current information on opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, accessibility, and practical tips for planning a visit. To skip the explanation and just book tickets,…

The Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, Germany.

Nymphenburg Palace, Munich: 2026 visitor guide with hours, tickets, and how to plan your visit

The Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) is a Baroque palace in Munich, Bavaria, that served as the summer residence of the House of Wittelsbach. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical tips for planning a visit to the palace, its…

The Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in Vienna, home of the Imperial Apartments.

Sisi Museum, Vienna: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Visit the Sisi Museum in Vienna. Review 2026 ticket prices, opening hours, and insights into the life of Empress Elisabeth. The first thing I saw when I entered the Sisi Museum in Vienna wasn't a ball gown or a portrait — it was Elisabeth's death…