Dublin Castle ( Dublin, Ireland )

If you've ever watched Showtime's The Tudors, you'll definitely recognize Dublin Castle. This massive structure -- which acted as a stronghold of British power for about 700 years -- looms over central Dublin. However, travel writers agree the castle better represents royal lavishness than impenetrable intimidation, a characteristic easily noticed as you stroll through the lavish State Apartments (formerly home to British viceroys) and the Gothic-style Chapel Royal. One of the only parts of the castle to scream "fortress" is the 13th-century Record Tower, the only section that remains of the original Norman structure. Today, Dublin Castle acts mainly as a tourist attraction, although you should note it's sometimes closed for state receptions and presidential inaugurations.

You can wander the grounds for free, or you can hop on a guided tour of the castle's interior. One recent visitor tells TripAdvisor: "We paid for the guided tour and it was well worth it. Our tour guide packed it full of historical facts, explanations of everything we walked through, and current events. It was very informative and the castle was beautiful."

Dublin Castle is located just a few blocks west of Trinity College and is open to the public every Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. You won't have to pay to explore the grounds, but if you want to go inside, admission is about $6 USD (€4) for adults and $3 USD (€2) for children.

Source : http://travel.usnews.com/Dublin_Ireland/Things_To_Do/Dublin_Castle_26620/

 

Picasso Museum (Barcelona, Spain)

When your eyes and mind hit Gaudí-overload, head to the Barrio Chino's Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso) for a change of pace. While most people know Pablo Picasso for his distorted portraits, this museum displays his work on a timeline of sorts, allowing you to follow his progression from the more controlled works of his early years to the more whimsical paintings and sculptures from the end of his career.

Make sure you dedicate plenty of time to Picasso: the museum itself holds more than several thousand pieces by him and artists like El Greco and Rembrandt from whom he drew inspiration.Once you've toured, take some time to peruse Nou de Les Ramblas, where many of the galleries and shops are devoted to Picasso and his style of artwork.For €11 EUR (or approximately $15 USD) you can visit the Picasso Museum Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guided tours are available.

Source : http://travel.usnews.com/Barcelona_Spain/Things_To_Do/Picasso_Museum_Museu_Picasso_26924/