Europe attractions

Considered one of the most sacred places in all of Georgia, the Jvari Monastery is a medieval Georgian Orthodox monastery outside the small city of Mtskheta. Stone carvings decorate the interior of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 7th century, while its hilltop position provides views over the meeting of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.

Built by King Louis IX to house the Crown of Thorns relic—now kept at nearby Notre Dame Cathedral—the 13th-century Sainte Chapelle is renowned for its striking Gothic architecture and some of Europe’s most renowned stained glass windows. The magnificent windows are a true masterpiece, with 15 bay windows towering five stories high and more than a thousand stained glass scenes bathing the chapel in a kaleidoscope of color.

Famous enough to feature on the UK motor showTop Gear but remote enough that traffic jams won’t be a problem, Transfagarasan Highway might just be “the best road in the world” as Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson claimed. Despite hairpin bends, and sheer drops off rocky cliffs, this route rewards tourists with spectacular scenery.

Formally known as Palace Square, Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției earned its current title for its role in the Romanian Revolution of 1989 when then-leader Nicolae Ceaușescu made a final disastrous public appearance here to a booing and jeering crowd. At the center of the square sits a memorial commemorating victims of the revolution.

Built on a Viking settlement in the 13th century at the behest of King John, the medieval fortress that was first Dublin Castle was ravaged by fires in the 17th century, and rebuilt in the Georgian style that you see today. Through all this time, Dublin Castle has been a seat of power for Ireland’s different rulers and decision-makers, and it’s considered one of the country’s most important historical monuments, hosting presidential inaugurations and state visits.

The official church of the Church of Scotland, St. Giles’ Cathedral and its famous crown spire tower over the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. With a history stretching back over 900 years, St. Giles is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows, ornate Thistle Chapel, and busy concert calendar.

Running for 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) between dramatic rock stacks and sheer cliffs—reaching up 1,312 feet (400 meters) high in places—Köprülü Canyon is one of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) most spectacular natural wonders. Carved out of the limestone cliffs by the Koprucay River, the canyon is the centrepiece of Köprülü Canyon National park.

Legends surround Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an Orthodox cathedral inside a walled complex in the heart of Mtskheta. This UNESCO World Heritage site stands unchanged from when it was built in the 1100s and still bears colorful frescoes across its hallowed walls, including on the pillar marking where Christ’s robe is said to be buried.

Nowhere in Tbilisi better showcases the city’s blend of influences and layers of history than Tbilisi Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi). Its leafy, cobblestone streets bordered by beautiful balconies rarely run in straight lines, meaning the city’s top attractions pop up out of nowhere and surprise you. The old town is unpredictable and unmissable: one moment you’re looking up at an ancient fortress, the next you’re standing outside a wine museum or visiting its famed sulphur baths.

It’s hard to overlook the ancient Narikala Fortress when you’re exploring Tbilisi. Paired with a hilltop location directly overlooking the old town, its high walls give it a looming presence that’s visible from most parts of the city. Inside its partially restored walls stands St. Nicholas Church, but it’s the panoramic city views you get from atop the walls that are the real star attraction.

With a carriage from Stalin’s personal train and his childhood home relocated outside, the Joseph Stalin Museum in Gori doesn’t do half measures. Statues, portraits, and personal effects around this dark tourism museum tell the life story of the former leader of the Soviet Union, who was born in this small Georgian city.

Situated on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, Metekhi Church is one of Tbilisi’s key religious landmarks. First built in the 13th century, and located where ancient Georgian ruler Vakhtang I Gorgasali was said to have established Tbilisi in the 5th century, the church is a popular destination among history buffs and religious devotees.

Orvieto’s magnificent cathedral (Duomo di Orvieto) can be seen from miles around, its soaring facade and spires towering high above the rooftops of the clifftop town. Once you get closer, you can take in its intricate external mosaics and stonework, rose window, bronze doors, and sumptuous Signorelli frescoes inside.

Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro), often referred to simply as El Retiro, serves as the Spanish capital’s green lung. Dotted with ornate fountains, formal gardens, marble monuments, and plenty of space to relax, these former grounds of the Spanish monarchy became public in 1868 and have become a beloved spot for Madrilenos.

Marina Grande is Sorrento’s historic fishing harbor at the foot of the cliffs, beaming with pastel‑colored houses, local seafood restaurants, and the tiny Church of Sant’Anna, overlooking the water. It’s a vibrant, authentic hamlet where locals still fish from the harbor and mend their nets by hand just steps from sunbathers along the beach. Diners enjoy sunset views and fresh fish and seafood from the small, family-run restaurants at the seaside.

During a visit to Granada in 1526, King Charles V (Carlos V) chose the Alhambra as the site of his future royal residence. The Palace of Charles V (Palacio de Caros V) stands in stark contrast to the style of the surrounding Moorish Alhambra. It is notable for its 2-level columned circular courtyard and surrounding square structure.

Home to roulette and blackjack tables, plus bars, restaurants, and an opera and ballet theater, the Monte Carlo Casino is an entertainment supercenter. It has been immortalized on screen as James Bond's preferred nightspot and is famous for its glamorous clientele and decadent decor. Its Belle Époque facade along Monaco’s seafront draws visitors from all over the world, who stop here to admire the architecture or get a taste of the high-roller life.

Commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent and built in the 16th century by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) is the largest imperial mosque in Istanbul. Surrounded by a sprawling landscaped courtyard and with a clear view of the Bosphorus Strait, it’s a stunning and active place of worship to visit in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye).

A short trip from Paris, the Normandy village of Giverny is best known as the former home of artist Claude Monet, who created many of his iconic paintings here. Most visitors head to this tiny, bucolic village to see the impressionist master’s beautifully preserved home and gardens, which feature the famous water lily pond and Japanese gardens that inspired many of his artworks.

The Helsinki Cathedral is also known as Tuomiokirkko. Built from 1830 to 1852, it replaced a smaller 18th-century church and was originally called St. Nicholas' Church in homage to Russian Czar. After Finland gained independence from Russia, the church was renamed, and in 1959 it became an Evangelical Lutheran cathedral.

The magnificent hilltop city of Pergamon dates back to the 5th century BC and was once a hotbed for learning, culture, and invention, flourishing until the 14th century. Remnants of the city’s most important structures remain, such as the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, aqueducts, a major medical center, audaciously steep amphitheatre and a historically important library.

The epicenter of fun in London, Soho has so much to offer, day or night, including restaurants, live music, theaters, shops, and art galleries. As part of the West End and the heart of London’s LGBTQ+ community, the neighborhood draws a diverse mix of people, including actors, artists, musicians, and fashion lovers. Whether you come for cocktails, a fancy brunch, or shopping—there’s never a dull moment in this lively area.

Built in 1618, the Kusadasi Caravanserai is an authentic Ottoman-era inn situated close to Kusadasi’s harbor. Commissioned by Ottoman statesman Okus Mehmed Pasha, the building functioned as a trading house for centuries; today, it's used as an outdoor entertainment, festival, and arts venue.

Dominated by the Basilica Santa Croce, the sweeping Piazza Santa Croce is one of the largest squares in Florence’s historic center. Created in grand style to accommodate more churchgoers in medieval times, the square now serves as the pitch of the annual calcio storico—the spectacle of a combative (and even brutal) 15th-century game that suggests soccer, rugby, and wrestling, which takes place in the square every June.

Salzburg Old Town (Salzburger Aldstadt) is the historic heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This atmospheric area stretches along the banks of the Salzach river, and consists of a maze of medieval streets, elegant squares, and beautifully preserved baroque architecture. It’s famous for being the birthplace of Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and it's filled with cafés, boutique shops, churches, and lively plazas.

Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family, the world’s oldest monarchy. One of Copenhagen’s most beautiful monuments and a popular visitor attraction, the Amalienborg complex contains four stately palaces: Christian VII’s Palace, Frederik VIII’s Palace, Christian IX’s Palace, and Christian VIII’s Palace.

The largest and most-visited castle among the 300 found in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is a grandiose example of French Renaissance architecture. Commissioned by King Francis I in 1519, and part of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 426-room castle includes a moat and French formal garden.

Dating back to the 15th century, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) is the oldest covered market in the world. Home to more than 4,500 vendors, it’s a sensory banquet where you’ll find everything from carpets, beaded bracelets, and silver jewelry to multicolored lanterns, leather goods, ceramics, and belly-dancing outfits. With goods available at all price points, it’s a prime place to shop for souvenirs.

The Château de Chenonceau is France’s second-most-visited castle (after Versaille). The 16th-century UNESCO-listed castle is built over the Cher river, on top of a series of bridge-like arches, and looks like the scene of a fairy tail. The building is also famous for its relationship with the many powerful women who designed and owned it.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is the apex of culture in Berlin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the middle of the Spree river, hosts five world-renowned museums that are all architecturally and historically significant. Each museum features different collections, from ancient artifacts to romantic and impressionist works.