Europe attractions

The story of how photography and the processes behind it have evolved is told through the exhibits at the Portuguese Centre of Photography (Centro Português de Fotografia). This free museum in central Porto holds the National Photography Collection and a vast treasure trove of over 2,000 cameras from across history to illustrate the art form’s development over the years.

Port of Palma (Puerto de Palma) in Palma de Mallorca is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, welcoming more than 1.7 million cruise ship passengers each year. As the gateway to the island of Mallorca and Spain's Balearic Islands, it’s a popular stop on Mediterranean cruises, with easy access to both Valencia and Barcelona.

Hugged by volcanic cliffs, Firiplaka Beach (Paralia Firiplaka) is one of the top spots for a beach break on Milos. This long stretch of soft sand and turquoise water along the south side of the island has shallow water and is sheltered from the winds, making it ideal for sun seekers of all ages.

Marking the end of Istanbul’s long Walls of Constantinople, Yedikule Fortress (Yedikule Hisari Müzesi) was built in the fifth century and was expanded during the Ottoman conquest of what today is Istanbul. The fortified structure, also known as the Fortress of Seven Towers, historically contained an infamous dungeon as well as a treasury and an armory.

This quirky museum in Bath tells the story of the author who wrote Frankenstein—Mary Shelley. Set in a 300-year-old Grade II–listed townhouse, it has a screening room where you can watch the first ever Frankenstein film (from 1910), as well as two escape rooms, an immersive game, and plenty of eerie artifacts.

Dating to 1482, Sally Lunn’s Historic House is one of the oldest houses in Bath. Named after Huguenot baker Solange Luyon (aka Sally Lunn)—who invented the first Bath bun that now bears her name—the establishment still serves Sally Lunn buns and other dishes. The original kitchen is now a museum.

A zoo and botanical garden on the former Cistercian Cambron Abbey site, Pairi Daiza is a popular attraction in Belgium for families. Animals from five continents are the main draw here, including elephants, lions, tigers, orangutans, and more. Travelers seeking a unique overnight experience may be drawn to the on-site resort, which offers unique views of animals like polar bears.

The Scottish Highlands is known for whisky production, and you can see the process up close at Tomatin Distillery. Located in the village of Tomatin—where it was first established in 1897—here you can join a variety of distillery tours to discover the history of Scottish whisky, plus enjoy tastings at the source.

Located along the southern coast of Zakynthos Island, Kalamaki is a quiet beach with a long stretch of fine golden sand and warm, shallow waters ideal for families. A nesting area for the endangered Caretta-Caretta loggerhead turtles, the beach is protected as part of the National Maritime Park of Zakynthos.

Commanding views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius are undoubtedly the main draw to this cliffside public park on Sorrento’s waterfront—but a museum of local archaeological finds, a wide public terrace, shaded walking paths, and an elevator to the port keep travelers returning for more. Visit to stroll through manicured gardens and enjoy the easy, scenic waterfront access.

This magnificent palace on the peninsula, with a blend of English, French, and regional Spanish architecture, was built in the early 1900s as the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. It now belongs to the city of Santender, and is open to the public for visits, and also used to hold university courses in the summer.

A grand neoclassical structure with pillared colonnades and an elegant dome, the National Observatory of Athens stands atop the Hill of the Nymphs, with views across to the Parthenon. Since astronomical research has moved to spots with less light pollution, the site is now a museum of Greek astronomy; evening tours include a look at the night sky.

Central Aix-en-Provence's Musée Granet showcases a mix of archeological artifacts and European art and sculpture, mostly dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Just around the corner, an annex branch of the museum displays much of the collection of the late art collector Jean Planque, including works by Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.

Thanks to its distinctive wedge shape, Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland—and Kirkjufellsfoss is the waterfall that tumbles near its base. Together, the two make for one of Iceland’s most recognized scenes, an elemental display of the country’s natural beauty. A short drive from the town of Grundarfjordur, this spot is as easily accessible as it is spectacular.

Ultra-blue waters, vineyards and olive groves, along with 11th-century ruins, set the scene at Île Saint-Honorat, home to the winemaking monks of the Lérins Abbey. Aside from a peek at monastic life among peaceful nature, there’s a lot to explore on this quaint island: seven chapels, a seaside fortress, the grand monastery tower, and old furnaces used to heat cannon balls during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign.

The Ha'penny Bridge was the very first iron bridge in Dublin, built particularly for pedestrians to easily cross the River Liffey to reach the other side of the city. The bridge is not only useful, but quite beautiful—both during the day and the nighttime—drawing those who want to see it up close and get great photos, too.

One of the most scenic trails on the Amalfi Coast, the Ravello-Minori Walk offers sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed coastline as it winds its way through terraced citrus groves high above the sea. The downhill route from the panoramic clifftop town of Ravello to the waterfront hamlet of Minori is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and offers a quiet respite from the crowds that overrun Italy’s iconic stretch of coast.

First constructed in the 13th century and later rebuilt in 1823, Stolzenfels stands tall on a hill along the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley—showcasing its crenellated towers, drawbridge, and defensive walls. See Stolzenfels, one of many castles along the river, on a boat Rhine tour or explore its renovated interior and gardens.

If you love historic castles set in the scenic Scottish countryside, Fyvie Castle should be at the top of your list during your trip to Aberdeenshire. Built in the 13th century, it has been the ancestral home of five different noble families. Explore the towers of an authentic medieval castle, and learn about the collections of art and antiques displayed in each room.

The Bramante Staircase (Scala del Bramante), designed by Donato Bramante in 1505, is a fabulous double-helix spiral staircase lined with Doric columns that connects the Vatican’s Belvedere Palace to the city of Rome below. An absolute masterpiece of engineering and art, it was commissioned by Pope Julius II and inspired Giuseppe Momo’s impressive 1930s staircase at the Vatican Museums exit.

More an immersive experience than a typical museum, White Rabbit: The Off-Museum of Barcelona takes you on a wild ride through Catalan culture via 10 multimedia and informative contemporary installations. From Gaudí and capgròs parody masks to dancing eggs and the caganer—a defecating man who appears in Catalan nativity scenes—it’s as trippy as anything Alice ever dreamed.

A huge renovation project turned this once-neglected waterfront wasteland into one of Belfast’s most vibrant and most-visited neighborhoods. As well as apartments and a science park, the waterfront area also features severalTitanic-related attractions, most notably Titanic Belfast and the Titanic’s Dock and Pump House.

Set along a bay just south of Syracuse, Fontane Bianche Beach is a popular destination for basking and bathing within striking distance of the city. Freshwater springs bubble up from the seabed, making the water particularly crystalline, and the shallow waves and soft sand are ideal for beachgoers of all ages.

Storybook sights abound in Hallstatt Old Town, the name given to the area around the Marktplatz that looks like it popped out of a fairy tale. Here and on the main street, restaurants, souvenir shops, and sightseers converge. Hallstatt’s charm can sometimes feel swallowed by the crowds, so try to catch it in a quiet moment if you can.

Housed in a meticulously restored Georgian townhouse, the James Joyce Centre museum is devoted to one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures. The house once hosted the dance academy of Denis Maginni, a minor character in Joyce’sUlysses, and now showcases Joycean artifacts including furniture from his Paris apartment and displays on his life and writings.

A whirlwind of weird and wonderful optical illusions, Paradox Museum Barcelona blends science and creativity to inspire and captivate visitors of all ages. From upside-down rooms and space-age halls of mirrors to surreal card tricks and “decapitating” tables, the museum hosts a wide range of interactive exhibits designed to provide hours of entertainment—for you and for your social media account.

The main square in Florence’s historical center, Piazza del Duomo is home to some of the city’s most impressive Renaissance architecture. While standing in the center of the piazza, you can marvel at the massive scale and stunning details of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, and Giotto’s Bell Tower—all without moving your feet.

The Arena of Nimes is a Roman amphitheater known for being one of the best-preserved structures of its kind. Originally hosting gladiator and wild animal battles for 24,000 spectators, it transitioned from a fortress to a walled town in medieval times. Today, it hosts concerts, and historical reenactments, continuing its legacy as a venue for public events.

With roots dating back to 1765, the Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery is a Bruges icon. Though it left the city after World War II, new doors swung open in 2015, bringing its famous red ale back to the canal-lined streets of Bruges’ Old Town. Visitors out for a pint, a picturesque beer garden, and a Belgian beer education need look no further.

The Charles Dickens Museum takes visitors on a journey into the life of one of the world’s greatest storytellers. Housed in the Georgian townhouse where Dickens lived in the 19th century, it’s where he wrote classics such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. Carefully preserved to resemble its appearance in the 1830s, the museum displays his personal possessions, original manuscripts, and rare editions of his novels.