Europe attractions

Often overlooked by tourists on their way to San Sebastián or Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a seldom visited gem and the capital of the Basque Country. This city is home to one of the region's best preserved medieval centers and plenty of historic architecture, plus it’s only a short distance from the Spanish vineyards and wineries of La Rioja.

Spain’s largest botanical garden at more than 67 acres (27 hectares), the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is one of Gran Canaria’s most popular green spaces and lies just south of Las Palmas. Dating back to 1959 and named after pioneering Spanish scholar José Viera y Clavijo, it’s bursting with endemic plants and exotic flora.

At six miles (10 kilometers long, the River Ness is a relatively minor waterway, though it connects several major attractions in the Scottish Highlands. Beginning at the north end of Loch Ness—home to the mythical monster Nessie—it runs alongside part of the Caledonian Canal and cuts through Inverness before emptying into Beauly Firth.

With its grand Renaissance-style façade and imposing clock tower standing watch over the central Marktplatz, Dusseldorf Old Town Hall (Rathaus Dusseldorf) is one of the city’s most attractive buildings. Dating back to the 16th century, it’s also among Dusseldorf’s oldest landmarks, one of just a handful that remained intact post-WWII.

The Catedral de Santa Ana sits in the heart of Las Palmas de Canarias, where the city becomes La Isleta. This cathedral is special for two reasons: It’s the seat of the Diocese of the Canaries in the Roman Catholic Church, and its architecture marks it out as being one of the most important historical buildings in the Canary Islands.

The Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort) is the former prison of the Court of Holland, and housed both criminals and innocents for four centuries beginning in 1428. Visitors today can view the medieval cells and interrogation chambers, instruments of torture, and other vestiges of this prison’s grisly past.

Eyup is a sacred district in Istanbul that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. A visit here offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of Istanbul and its cultural heritage. It’s home to the Eyup Sultan Mosque (arguably the holiest sight in the city), local markets, Pierre Loti Hill, and outstanding panoramic views of Istanbul.

With high outer walls and a preserved castle keep, Smederevo Fortress remains one of the most important medieval landmarks in Serbia. The nearby Danube River provides the fortress with a scenic backdrop, while its history as a former medieval capital and various interesting legends make this a popular attraction among history lovers.

Jan Matejko House, once home to one of Poland’s most renowned artists, is now a museum in Krakow that honors his legacy. Jan Matejko rose to fame for his historical paintings that captured pivotal moments in Polish history. This museum exhibits sketches, paintings, and personal belongings, and offers insight into both his artwork and the way he lived.

A mighty façade, opulent halls, and a mix of architectural styles make the Royal Casino of Murcia (Real Casino de Murcia) one of the city’s most visually stunning attractions. The building for this private club dates back to 1847, and the way it showcases Spain’s various architectural periods has made it a top draw for history buffs.

Overlooking Lake Czorsztyn in southern Poland, Niedzica Castle was built in the early 14th century for Hungarian aristocrat Kokos of Brezovica. Once a fortification on the Polish-Hungarian border, the site is now home to a museum with fascinating artifacts, including hunting rifles, maps, paintings, and antique clocks.

Arezzo is famous for its monthly antique market, the oldest in Italy, that takes over the sweeping Piazza Grande in the heart of the old town. Even those who aren’t on a hunt for antique treasures will enjoy visiting this medieval public square lined with handsome palaces and loggias dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries.

Since Oscar II established it in 1872, King's Park (Kungsparken) has been a favorite among Malmö locals. Covering more than 21 acres (8 hectares) in the center of the city, the park boasts 130 tree species—including a 95-foot (29-meter) Turkish oak and a 100-year-old chestnut tree—several ponds, and an artificial grotto.

Vienna's Theatermuseum holds an unrivaled collection of stage sets, props, and costumes spanning three centuries of theater production in Austria—plus thousands of theatrical images dating back to the early 20th century. Step into the baroque confines of Lobkowicz Palace to explore this theatrical wonderland.

An island in Copenhagen’s harbor district, Castle Islet is home to several government buildings, including the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the National Archives. Many tour groups visit the island to see these landmark buildings.

Perched atop a tall sheer rock face overlooking the Mediterranean, Monolithos Castle (Kástro Monolíthou) was built by the Knights of Saint John in 1480 to guard the shores from invasion and is renowned as one of the island's most impenetrable fortresses. Today the castle lies in ruins, overlooking the distant shores of mainland Greece.

Perhaps Poland’s most famous son, Karol Wojtyla, now better known as Pope St. John Paul II, came to the priesthood in Krakow and served as both bishop and archbishop. Today, three separate Archdiocesan Museums pay tribute to him: the Wojtyla Family Apartment, the St. John Paul II Museum, and the Cardinal Karol Wojtyla Archdiocesan Museum.

One of the many magnificent villas constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries in the Veneto countryside, Villa Valmarana ai Nani is named for the 17 stone sculptures of dwarves that line the top of its garden wall, and its interior frescoes by Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo are considered among their finest works.

Historical weapons abound in the Styrian Armoury, home to some 32,000 objects, making it the largest collection of weaponry in Austria—if not in the world. Covering the period between the 15th and 18th centuries, the exhibits are spread over four floors with knights’ armor, mortars, muskets, swords, and sabers among the finds.

South of the Arno River, across the river from splashy big-ticket attractions like the Duomo, Accademia, or Uffizi Gallery, Florence gets quieter and a whole lot more beatnik. Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, the Oltrano neighborhood was known for its craftspeople and artisan workshops. Today, it holds onto that legacy with art galleries and studios, antique shops, and vintage clothing boutiques. San Frediano in particular is where Oltrano veers off the beaten track.

Abbaye aux Dames in Caen (also known as the Abbey of Sainte-Trinité, or the Holy Trinity Abbey) is a Benedictine convent nearly one thousand years old. A bit worse for the wear, the abbey survived the Hundred Years War, during which it lost its original spires, and is now home to the Regional offices for Lower Normandy.

The historic Dom Fernando II e Glória frigate was the Portuguese Navy’s last wooden sailing warship. Featuring 50 cannons, the vessel has been restored to appear as it did when the Portuguese Navy launched it in 1843. The ship, now dry-docked just outside of Lisbon, is one of the best-preserved examples of a wooden-hulled frigate in the world, making it a must-visit for travelers interested in maritime history.

Walking the Rhine River Promenade (Rheinuferpromenade)—a 2-tier walkway that traces the scenic Rhine waterfront—not only offers a tranquil retreat from the busy city center, but also links many of Dusseldorf’s top attractions. Plus, it’s dotted with benches, grassy picnic areas, and food vendors, making it the ideal place to spend a sunny day.

One of architect Christopher Wren’s best-known buildings, St. Stephen Walbrook is a church located in the City of London. Rebuilt according to Wren’s designs following the Great Fire of 1666, the church is distinct for its grand, coffered dome. It’s located just next to Mansion House—the Lord Mayor’s residence.

Volendam is a quaint Dutch fishing village known for its colorful wooden houses and old fishing boat-lined harbor. The Volendam Museum gives visitors a taste of what life was like in the village during the 19th century. The museum features life-size dioramas, traditional clothing displays, fascinating artifacts, and the highlight - a collection of mosaics made from millions of cigar bands.

Carving its way through the modern heart of Vilnius, Gediminas Avenue (Gedimino Prospektas) is the city’s main street. This elegant boulevard runs from the Neris River, past government buildings and restaurants, to Cathedral Square. The avenue serves as a visual timeline of Vilnius, with a range of architectural styles.

Outdoor enthusiasts and white water daredevils should venture out to Ivana-Frankivsk Oblast, where one of Ukrain’s most impressive and powerful waterfalls runs through scenic mountain landscapes. Known as a destination for kayakers and rafters, Probiy Waterfall attracts those seeking a shot of adrenaline. While the rugged terrain and raging waters are not for the faint of heart—there have been reports of people falling from nearby rocks—it’s still the perfect place to spend an afternoon in the country. Less adventurous travelers can wander over a quiet bridge near the ravine, comb through stalls selling local items and traditional foods, tuck into a quiet café, or hike into the foliage of this incredibly beautiful escape. There’s even a nearby zip line to entice thrill-seekers who prefer not to take it easy.

Officially known as the National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture, the Pirogovo Open Air Museum is the largest open air museum in Europe. Covering 1.3 million square meters, it reproduces the traditional ways of living in different regions of Ukraine and is a great way to understand the way Ukrainians lived a hundred years ago. The museum is located just south of Kiev, next to the Holosiyivskiy forest and near the village of Pirogovo. Founded in 1969, it includes examples from all of the historical ethnographical regions of the country, as well from throughout the 16th through 20th centuries. Buildings include windmills and watermills, a traditional sauna, village administration buildings, a church school, a priest’s mansion, cafes, huts and barns. Items on display include agricultural items, household articles, musical instruments, ceramics, clothing and icons. The museum celebrates religious holidays in a traditional manner thanks to three orthodox churches on the grounds. Each weekend, visitors will find a variety of activities taking place, from markets to crafts classes to traditional Ukrainian singing and dancing.

The National Philharmonic of Ukraine first performed in Kiev in 1863 at a time when the city was flourishing as a trading city and playing an important role in the Russian Empire; by 1881 the orchestra had its own home, a mammoth concert hall built in stately style by Kiev architect Vladimir Nikolaev, who managed to create almost perfect acoustics, despite the diminutive size of the stage and its elegant auditorium. During the early years the National Philharmonic flourished and great names such as composer conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff and Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin played there. Somehow, despite all the political upheavals and enforced closures of the 20th century, the hall has survived; it was restored following a flood in the 1980s and reopened in 1996 with upgraded facilities and improved acoustics. Today with a mixed repertoire of classical, chamber and choral concerts, folk music and jazz, the National Philharmonic is permanent home to the Kiev Symphony and Chamber orchestras. It has a colonnaded and galleried concert hall that is surprisingly intimate in size. Seats that are tucked behind the columns are positioned within view of giant screens so the audience can follow the action on stage.

Discover one of the main attractions of Dubrovnik’s Old Town with a visit to the Bell Tower. Overlooking Luza Square, the stone tower is 102 feet (31 meters tall and dates back to the 15th century. It is near some of the city’s top architectural landmarks including Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, and St. Blaise Church. The bell is struck every hour, on the hour.