Europe attractions

Kunsthaus Zurich (also known as Zurich’s Museum of Art) is over a century old and contains more than 4,000 works of (mostly) European art making it one of the most important art collections in Switzerland. Works on display span the centuries, ranging from the medieval period to the 21st century.

Located in Aranda de Duero on the Ribera del Duero wine route, Bodega Histórica Don Carlos is a historic 15th-century winery. Four miles (seven kilometers) of cellars, originally used for storing wine, run beneath Aranda. In a medieval cellar, this bodega offers tours, tastings, food pairings, and a wine store.

The main branch of the Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrzańskie), Zakopane’s Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrzańskie im. Dra Tytusa Chałubińskiego) explores the nature, geology, history, architecture, and traditions of the Tatra Mountains. The vibe is retro, with taxidermied birds and animals galore, plus folk costumes and rustic interiors, but it’s still a great way to learn about the Tatra Mountains’ unique culture.

Stretching north and west of Bordeaux along the Garonne River, the Médoc region produces some of the area’s best wines. Renowned for its idyllic vineyards, historic chateaux, and cabernet sauvignon wines, Médoc should be at the top of the list for wine lovers visiting Bordeaux.

Site of one of the 19th century’s largest and bloodiest battles, Waterloo Battlefield is where, on June 18, 1815, Napoleon’s French troops were vanquished by a coalition of British, Dutch, and German forces. Located outside of Brussels, the Waterloo Battlefield (Champ de Bataille de Waterloo) is a popular destination for history buffs.

Aqua Fantasy Aquapark is a haven for thrillseekers in Selçuk, Turkey. With water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a dedicated kids area, this destination offers something to visitors of any age. Enjoy the luxuries of soaking up the sun poolside or spend an exhilarating day hitting the slides—it's up to you.

Lined with cafes and restaurants, the Place du Forum in Arles has long been lively. What was the main city square in Roman times today attracts locals and tourists who come to savor alfresco dinners and snap photos of the yellow Café la Nuit—scene of Vincent van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night painting.

While the modern city and beach lie to the north, the yacht-lined seafront and maze-like bazaars of Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur are where most travelers spend their time. Cruise ships dock right in the heart of the Old Town, making it easy to stroll around the shops, markets, and marina.

For a completely different museum experience, don’t miss Prague’s Museum of Senses, an attraction as fun as it is educational. Get ready to engage every one of your senses as you discover a world of sensations and optical illusions you may not have known existed.

Set in the heart of Chianti’s wine country, the 13th-century Castle of Meleto is one of a string of defensive castles that once guarded Gaiole in Chianti. The fortress was originally the property of the powerful Florentine Ricasoli family, and today you can tour its frescoed halls and taste Chianti Classico produced in the estate’s vineyards.

Set in northern Hungary in the foothills of the Bukk mountains, the charming town of Eger offers a slew of attractions that include Eger Castle, beautiful baroque architecture and churches, an original Turkish minaret, thermal baths, and fantastic wine nearby. With its picturesque sights, Eger is often called one of the prettiest towns in Hungary.

Reykjavik’s Saga Museum brings to life the history of Iceland as it was told in the medieval sagas. Moodily lifelike silicone figures depict famous scenes from the epics, such as Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland, complete with screams. Spend an hour or so at the museum for a compelling view of Iceland’s social history, with a dash of geology amidst the gore.

Originally built to serve as a moated manor house, the 13th-century Sissinghurst Castle has hosted royals such as the late Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Mary Tudor over the years. Today, the imposing castle is best known for the spectacular Sissinghurst Gardens, the inspired creation of 20th-century owner and poet Vita Sackville-West.

Opened in 2015, the Joan of Arc Historial (Historial Jeanne d’Arc) is an interactive history exhibition that commemorates one of Rouen’s most famous trials (and heroines). Housed in the city’s centuries-old Archbishop’s Palace, where Joan of Arc’s trial was held in 1431, the museum invites guests to interact directly with her legacy.

Experiencing Italy’s lively local theater scene can be delightful, and few places in Sorrento showcase it better than Tasso Theater. Housed in a recently renovated building in the town center, it hosts jazz concerts, musicals, film screenings, and other entertainment. Visit to catch Neapolitan song and dance shows, and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace during intermission.

Located in Cromarty in the Black Isles, Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum comprises two buildings. There's the cottage where the esteemed geologist and writer was born, and museum in the Georgian townhouse next door, which houses a collection of Miller’s life, including fossils, manuscripts, and tools, and related gardens.

Situated on neighboring Valentia Island, the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre showcases the history and habitats of the Skelligs, two remote and rocky islets off Ireland’s southwest coast. Exhibits document the history of the UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael monastic settlement, Skellig Lighthouses, and the wildlife of the islands.

More cabinet of curiosities than traditional museum, the Stibbert is best known for its unusual collection of European, Islamic, and Japanese armor, which is displayed in full suits atop faux horses. Beyond the armor, visitors can explore the eclectic artifacts amassed by Frederick Stibbert, an Anglo-Italian businessman and man of letters, and enjoy a refreshing break from the high-minded atmosphere of the Uffizi and other major galleries.

Loud music, sound effects, laughter, and gleeful screams ring out over Sunny Beach Luna Park in the Black Sea summer resort of Sunny Beach. Wedged in the heart of the resort near the water, this amusement park entertains beachgoers with its assortment of rides and attractions.

It's hard to miss the ceramic facade and green tiled roof of the Museum of Applied Arts (Iparmuvészeti Múzeum, a bastion of design in the heart of Budapest. The museum—originally founded in 1872—is a meticulously-restored art nouveau gem. Visit to browse its diverse collection of crafts, antiques, and contemporary Hungarian art.

Formed over 3,500 years ago, the ancient lava cave of Lofthellir is home to some of Iceland’s most impressive natural ice formations. Stretching for 1,213 feet (370 meters) beneath the Laxardalshraun lava field, the lava tube has its own microclimate, with temperatures of 32°F (0°C), and visiting is an adventure in itself.

Located in the Western Rhaetian Alps in the far eastern corner of Switzerland, the Swiss National Park (Parc Naziunal Svizzer) is Switzerland’s only national park and the country’s largest protected natural area. Virtually untouched by human development, the park offers a huge variety of hiking trails for all abilities and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Palm House, a Victorian glass conservatory dating back to 1896, stands at the center of Liverpool’s Sefton Park. The octagonal dome houses the Liverpool Botanical Collection, with flora from five continents, and regularly hosts events such as concerts and film screenings.

One of Madrid’s slightly off-the-radar gems, the Museum of Romanticism encapsulates the lives of the city’s nobility during what’s known as the Romantic era–the early 19th century. Occupying an 18th-century mansion in Madrid’s lively Chueca district, its rich paintings and collections offer a rare glimpse into the art, customs, and lifestyle of wealthy Madrileños of the time.

A popular character in Spanish culture, Raton Perez is a celebrated part of childhood—like the Tooth Fairy—that exchanges a child's lost tooth for a gift. At the family-friendly Raton Perez House Museum, visitors learn about this Spanish tradition, the history of the fable, and see baby teeth of historical figures, like Beethoven and Newton.

Located on the limits of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, on the edge of the Luberon, Manosque is an old walled town filled with ancient doorways, fountains, meandering streets, and charming squares plus historical buildings such as the Notre-Dame-de-Romigier Church, which was built in the 10th century. It’s a great place to wander or take photos, particularly if you like old architecture.

Enjoy a family adventure at Aqua Natura, Benidorm’s super-sized water park home to 2625 feet (800 meters) worth of slides. Splash in the pirate playground, or relax by the lagoon, and enjoy the thrill of the park’s high speed La Cresta slide. Keep cool in the heat of the summer, and spend a day away from the beach that the whole family can enjoy.

For an interactive, family-friendly activity, head to the Budapest Pinball Museum, one of the largest exhibitions of its kind in Europe. For the price of admission, play more than 130 machines, from 19th-century bagatelles and 1970s favorites to the latest and greatest.

Dating back to 1897, His Majesty’s Theatre is a Grade II–listed building with opulent interiors and classic Victorian design influenced by French Renaissance style. With a capacity of over 1,200, it has hosted many plays and musicals over the years, including West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof. Since 1986, it has been the West End home of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.

Bari Cruise Port, a major cruise ship destination and ferry hub for routes to Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania, is the gateway to one of the largest cities on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Before exploring the surrounding region of Puglia or heading farther afield by ferry, tour Bari’s charming historical center and seafront promenade.