Europe attractions

Originally the site of the Christian Visigoth Church of San Vicente, dating back to AD 600, the UNESCO-listed Mezquita stands as the city's most famous monument—and one of the most exquisite Islamic buildings in the Western world. Wander through its forest of more than 850 columns to admire the double-tiered arches, richly decorated mihrab, and 16th-century cathedral while you soak in the serene atmosphere of this sprawling space.

The Piazza della Bocca della Verità, a square set between the Tiber River and Circus Maximus in central Rome, is perhaps most famous for its Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth). Featured in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, this massive, ancient marble mask is one of Rome’s top photo ops, located beneath the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. But don’t come here for the sculpture alone—there are other attractions to enjoy.

Spanning the northern part of Bavaria, the Franconia region of Germany is best known for its picturesque medieval towns and large number of breweries. Locals refer to themselves as Franconians rather than Bavarian and the region has maintained its own culture, cuisine, and dialect. With vineyard dotted countryside, idyllic riverside towns, and plenty of hilltop castles, the region is undeniably scenic.

The Pont des Arts—or Passerelle des Arts—boasts a long legacy as one of Paris’ most romantic bridges, famed for the “love locks” that couples once clipped to its railings. Conservationists have since put a halt to the practice, but the 19th-century bridge remains a popular spot for a romantic stroll with views along the Seine.

Built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, this monumental gateway is one of the most striking remnants of ancient Athens. The 60-foot (18-meter) Roman-style arch once stood on a road between the Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and is remarkably well-preserved. Today, it's a must-see for history buffs, and is conveniently close to many of Athens' other timeless attractions.

Formerly the winter residence of the Austrian royal family, the Hofburg Imperial Palace (Hofburg Wien) is now a lasting tribute to the glory of the Habsburg Empire. It’s one of Vienna’s most magnificent baroque palaces, located within the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Visitors to the Hofburg can explore the Imperial Apartments, visit the Sisi Museum, Treasury, and the Silver Collection, or watch a performance at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.

Spanning 42 square miles (109 square kilometers) of lush woodlands, waterfalls, and travertine cliffs, it’s easy to see why Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s natural highlights. Near the Dalmatian coast, Krka is a retreat for hikers, cyclists, nature lovers, and anyone veering off Croatia’s tourist trail. But along with the pristine water and deep canyons, it’s also home to the Krka Monastery, with layers of history throughout (and beneath) the centuries-old complex.

The Culloden Battlefield was the site of one of the last battles to be fought on British soil. On April 16, 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of 5,000 Jacobite Highlanders were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and 9,000 Hanoverian government troops, resulting in the elimination of the Scottish clan system. Today, the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre retells the events of that fateful day through interactive exhibits.

Rising high above its namesake neighborhood, Istanbul’s Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) dates back to the Genoese presence in Constantinople in the 14th century. An elevator takes you up to a viewing platform located under the roof, which offers panoramic views of the Old City peninsula and Beyoglu neighborhood.

Built in the 17th century, the covered Spice Bazaar is Istanbul’s fragrant hub for all things flavorful. Piles of pepper, saffron, teas, and dried apricots nestle alongside shops selling colorful Turkish delight, silk scarves, and glass mosaic lamps. Take time to chat with vendors, sip tea, and haggle for the perfect price.

The small principality of Monaco, teetering on the side of a cliff that spills down to the Mediterranean, jams loads of history into its 500 acres (202 hectares). The Old Town of Monaco, aka Monaco-Ville and The Rock, is home to a number of historical buildings, monuments, and alleyways that transport visitors back to the Middle Ages.

King Alfonso XII laid the first stone of the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena) in 1883, yet the neoclassical structure, built atop an old church that itself was built atop the city’s first mosque, wasn’t consecrated until 1993. Compared to Europe’s other major cathedrals, this one is uniquely modern, with touches like pop art–stained glass windows.

A public plaza in the center of Munich, Marienplatz is full of history—it’s been the city’s main square and central heart of Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) since 1158. Marienplatz is a popular gathering spot and possibly the busiest location in all of Munich, with crowds of locals and tourists visiting its landmarks, shops, and restaurants on foot from early morning until late at night.

Standing atop a hill overlooking Porto, Portugal, are the Igreja dos Clérigos, an 18th-century church and one of the city’s architectural symbols, and the Toree dos Clérigos, its bell tower. Intricately carved baroque shells and garlands on the church reflect Porto’s seaside location, and the bell tower offers panoramic views of the city.

On the Athens Riviera, Lake Vouliagmeni is a striking cliff-backed pool fed by mineral-rich underground springs that keep the waters balmy, with an average temperature of 71°F (20°C) at its coldest in winter. The lake is said to have curative properties, so many people come here to enjoy spa activities and nibbles from the resident doctor fish. You can also sunbathe, swim, eat, and drink amid lush lawns and elegant decks.

One of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Europe, Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Baths (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő) are one of Hungary’s most visited attractions. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the blue pools is a quintessential Budapest experience. It’s also a luxurious one, especially when coupled with a visit to the spa, which offers everything from saunas and mudpacks to rejuvenating massages and balneal therapies.

With its dark Gothic spires, intricately tiled roof, and imposing bell tower, St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. Centrally located on Stephansplatz in the city’s UNESCO–listed historic center, the cathedral is architecturally stunning both inside and out. It’s also a site of great historical significance: Emperor Friedrich III and numerous other Habsburg dignitaries are buried here.

Statues of famed classical composers bedeck the intricate facade of the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház), a performance space that hosts opera singers, ballet companies, and children's productions. While cultural programming remains the starring attraction, there’s plenty to see offstage—from guided tours to a major indoor art complex, and a permanent exhibition dedicated to opera house workers who were victims of the Holocaust.

One of Barcelona’s oldest parks, Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella) is a picturesque expanse of greenery with several attractions. Its landmark Arc de Triomf, designed by Josep Vilaseca in the 19th century, serves as the monumental gateway to the northern entrance of the park, which is also home to a boating lake, the Museu d’Art Modern, the Catalan Parliament, and a much-celebrated series of sculptures.

Named after the beautiful adjacent train station, Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV) has been the beating heart of Lisbon since the Middle Ages. The lively area is a popular meeting point for Lisboetas and visitors alike, and is packed with bars, restaurants, cafés, shops, and hotels. It’s also characterized by the wavy soapstone pattern of its black-and-white cobblestones and the Column of Pedro IV, known as Portugal’s Soldier King.

The Brandenburg Gate is arguably Berlin’s most iconic landmark and one of Europe's most recognizable monuments. Built in the 18th century by Prussian kings, it has survived war and division to become a powerful symbol of reunification in Germany. Whether illuminated at night or surrounded by tourists and street performers in the daytime, it’s an essential stop when in Berlin.

Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy Út is an elegant Budapest thoroughfare not unlike Paris' Champs-Élysées or Madrid's Gran Vía. The avenue is known as an upscale area full of art nouveau buildings, ritzy shops, and chic eateries. Among them all, the State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház stands as a grand testament to times past.

Constantly topping the list of the UK’s most visited attractions, the British Museum spans more than 2 million years of human history with 8 million objects. Its gigantic permanent collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and mummies to Roman treasures, but another highlight is its light-flooded atrium, a marvel of modern architecture. This cultural temple is best known for its ancient Greek sculptures, the world-famous Rosetta Stone, and the 12th-century Lewis chessmen.

Set on the shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle (Caisteal na Sròine) attracts many visitors who come here in hopes of glimpsing Nessie: the loch’s fabled aquatic monster. The ruined medieval fortress, which was destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from becoming a Jacobite stronghold, now exhibits objects found amid the ruins, not to mention a full-size trebuchet (a medieval missile launcher).

Mycenae was the major settlement of the powerful Mycenaean civilization, which held political and cultural sway over the Eastern Mediterranean between roughly 1500 and 1200 BC. The Bronze Age city is believed to have been home to King Agamemnon and is recognized by UNESCO for its profound influence on Greek civilization.

Once a royal palace and later a prison, the Conciergerie offers a haunting yet fascinating look into the city’s (and nation’s) past. Step inside the Gothic halls where Marie Antoinette and other prisoners awaited their fate, and explore vaulted chambers, reconstructed prison cells, and exhibits that bring the French Revolution to life. The landmark’s riverside setting on the Île de la Cité and striking architecture make it both a historical and visual highlight in central Paris.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable attractions in Cappadocia, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), the unusual edifices at the Göreme Open-Air Museum (Göreme Açık Hava Müzesi) are an important part of monastic history. A popular Byzantine settlement in the fourth century, the cave churches found at Göreme were carved out of soft volcanic cliffs.

St. James Square (Plaça de Sant Jaume) has been the civic and political center of Barcelona for centuries, since it was the forum in the Roman city of Barcino. This large square in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is a popular local gathering spot and home to the Palau de la Generalitat (Parliament of Catalonia), with its rose-pink Renaissance facade, and the medieval Barcelona City Hall (Casa de la Ciutat).

El Born may be one of the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona, but it is also one of the trendiest. The area boasts a distinct bohemian vibe, thanks to its character-rich, medieval passages lined with tapas bars, quaint bistros, and artsy clubs. Its proximity to many of Barcelona’s top attractions, such as Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, makes El Born an ideal place to base yourself during your Spanish sojourn.

Cappadocia’s underground cities—vast multistory complexes carved into the region’s soft volcanic ash tuff rock—are among the most impressive subterranean structures in the world. Kaymakli Underground City is one of the most visited and one of the largest, with four excavated floors—including the remains of homes, kitchens, stables, storage rooms, a church, and a wine press—linked by tunnels and ventilation shafts.