Europe attractions

Lisbon has no shortage of stunning viewpoints—it is, after all, known as the City of Seven Hills. From various spots around the city, you can enjoy vistas across the roofs of colorful buildings and the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), while on a clear day, you may see all the way to Almada. Miradouro das Portas do Sol—translated as the Gates of the Sun viewpoint—offers one of Lisbon’s most famous views.

For a surprising slice of serenity right in the center of Prague, look to Vrtba Garden. High on the slopes of Petřín Hill, this magnificent baroque garden offers one of the best views of the city, but only for those in the know. This hidden gem—literally, as it’s hiding behind walls—is relatively unknown and objectively spectacular.

Soft sands brush the eastern coast of the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, offering a wild yet exclusive stretch of coastline. This is where you’ll find the beautiful Plage de la Garoupe, with its private beach club, public sands, and seafront restaurants offering chilled rosé wine, seafood, and Mediterranean Sea views.

This ninth-century church and convent stands atop the ancient Roman home of Cecilia, the patron saint of music, killed at the site nearly 1,800 years ago. Inside the basilica, you'll find shimmering mosaics and a marble statue of the martyr. Go underground for well-preserved remains, including intact mosaic floors, of a centuries-old house where Saint Cecilia likely lived.

Also known as the Bois de Vincennes Zoological Park, Paris Zoological Park is part of the National Museum of Natural History and focuses on showcasing animal behavior in a naturalistic setting. After an extensive renovation, the zoo is bigger and more impressive than ever, housing 255 species including ring-tailed lemurs, giraffes, zebras, jaguars, penguins, and pumas. Visitors who come here can explore different biozones and visit temporary exhibitions too.

A fabulous nature spot just outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Lake Eibsee sits at the base of Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany. This scene—the glacial lake is famous for its clear, teal waters and superb mountain backdrop—is one for the camera roll. Visitors can (and should) hike, paddle, or take the Zugspitze cable car to experience this wild German wonder.

Enjoy ancient Bologna at the city’s oldest “osteria” (wine bar), opened in 1465. Hidden along a side street in the gourmet wonderland of the Quadrilatero district, Osteria del Sole does not serve food, but patrons can bring their own and wash it down with a glass of wine, beer, or liquor from the bar.

Not to be confused with the European Union Parliament in Brussels, European Parliament Strasbourg is a modern landmark where members of the European Parliament meet to debate and vote during plenary sessions in the city. Built in 1999 and known for its distinctive glass facade and semi-circular Hemicycle, it also hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout the year, typically related to European culture or politics.

From its origin in the Swiss Alps, the Rhône River flows 505 miles (813 kilometers through southeastern France and into the Mediterranean. En route, it passes through Lyon, Avignon, Arles, and Côte du Rhône, one of France’s top wine regions.

The Ordrupgaard Museum houses one of the most considerable collections of Danish and French modern art in northern Europe. Take a day trip from Copenhagen to explore the galleries and special exhibitions, the contemporary extension designed by Zaha Hadid, the sculpture park (Art Park Ordrupgaard), and the Finn Juhl House.

The colorful, detailed facades of buildings lining Ludwigstrasse—some adorned with paintings—are a main draw to this quaint road in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Small shops, restaurants, and traditional Bavarian inns also attract visitors to this cobblestone street, a pleasant place to sit back, relax and soak up the charming atmosphere.

IKONO Barcelona is an immersive experience created by international artists that offers a feast for the senses and some ultra-Instagrammable photo opportunities. The interactive museum space features a series of eclectic areas, including rooms equipped with ball pits, neon lights, mirrors, and other quirky features. It’s an ideal rainy-day activity in Barcelona for adults and is a popular choice for visiting families, too.

A seaport since Roman times, the Grand Harbour has always been at the heart of Malta’s history. The natural inlet extends along the eastern edge of the Valletta peninsula, dividing the UNESCO–listed capital from the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, built by the Knights of St. John. Today, it’s the first port of call for cruise visitors and one of the island’s major attractions.

Stretching north to south through the historic old town, Gibraltar Main Street is the main shopping district of Gibraltar. Known for its duty-free goods, the street is home to hundreds of shops offering all kinds of goods, along with cafes, restaurants, bars, and historic landmarks, housed in buildings of diverse architectural styles.

Step beneath the Nordea Bank and travel back 1,200 years at the tiny but excellent Viking Museum (Vikingemuseet) in Aarhus, part of the larger Moesgaard Museum. Aarhus sits on the remains of Aros, the ancient Viking-founded town hidden beneath the modern streets. This one-room multimedia exhibition delves into the evolution of the Viking settlement over the past millennium with a collection of excavated artifacts and a model city.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki looks unremarkable from the outside, but inside, it is a very different story. Exhibition rooms lined with ancient sculptures and busy with artifacts from across Macedonia make this one of the city’s best museums for learning about the prehistoric and ancient history of this region of Greece.

Large mining equipment and vehicles used in the operation of Kiruna Mine—the world’s largest underground iron ore mine—are prominently displayed at LKAB’s Visitor Centre in Kiruna. This underground “show mine” demonstrates what the active mine is like and how it operates completely remotely through a museum, guided presentations, and an informational video.

Located just outside of Split in Croatia, Salona is an ancient town that brings Greek and Roman history to life. Once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona is home to ancient ruins, including thermal baths, an amphitheater, and a Roman aqueduct. The golden light on the stone is reason enough to visit these beautiful Roman ruins.

Running beneath Zagreb’s Upper Town, Gric Tunnel (Tunel Gric) is a curious reminder of the city’s World War II history. This former air raid shelter connects Mesnička Street and Radićeva Street, with several other offshoots and exits along the way. The tunnel is usually ittle more than a route for getting across town, but occasionally it’s used as a temporary exhibition space.

Squeezed between the Adriatic and steep hillside surroundings covered in thick nature, Mogren Beach carves out a slim space for beachgoers in Budva. A sheer rocky outcrop separates the two halves of the beach, with just a playful wooden bridge through a tunnel linking the two. Sunbeds increasingly fill the limited real estate here, but there are still some spaces to spread out towels and relax.

Alternatively known as the “Vatican of Armenia” and the “Mother Cathedral of Armenia”, the ancient Etchmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world—if not the oldest. Constructed in the fourth century, it dates back to shortly after Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity. Today, it remains one of the country’s most important Christian landmarks.

Handicrafts, magnets, and fresh produce are easily found among the stalls at Havel’s Market. This small market in a small pedestrian street of Prague's Old Town, surrounded by elegant pastel-colored buildings, is older than it looks and has been operating in the area since 1232. Fruit bowls and knickknacks make this a reliable stop for tourists seeking souvenirs or snacks.

Amsterdam Cruise Port is one of the Baltic's largest cargo ports, as well as a popular gateway to the Dutch city of Amsterdam. Most cruise liners dock at the Passenger Terminal in the East Docklands neighborhood, which offers good transport links with which to explore Amsterdam's principal attractions—from the famed canals and coffeeshops to the Dutch countryside.

Perched on the cliffs of Capri, Villa Jovis is an impressive ancient Roman villa that once served as Emperor Tiberius’ luxurious retreat around 27 AD. This sprawling archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into imperial life, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts—though travelers of all types will appreciate the sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples.

Villa Fiorentino was built in central Sorrento in the 1930s, and once belonged to textile makers Antonino Fiorentino and Lucia Cuomo. The couple was known internationally for their finely crafted handkerchiefs, which explains why Sorrentines often call the attraction Villa Fazzoletti (Handkerchiefs Villa). Today, it’s home to the Fondazione Sorrento, which hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

One of the most significant yet least crowded ancient ruins in Athens, the Kerameikos Archaeological Site is a welcome respite from Acropolis throngs. Explore the remains of this ancient cemetery—in which burials took place from the early Bronze Age through the Roman times—and admire temple columns, marble statues, ruins of public buildings, funeral offerings, and thousands of tombs in the open-air excavation and small adjacent museum.

Standing tall above the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Tower of the Winds is considered the world’s first meteorological station. Built during the first century BC by the Greek astronomer Andronicus of Cyrrhus, this octagonal marble structure is decorated by a frieze depicting the eight wind deities corresponding to their direction. One of the most unique ancient sights in the city, this 39-foot (12-meter) tower is a must-see for archaeology and science buffs.

The Orange Velodrome Stadium, a symbol of Marseille since 1937, which once featured cycling competitions, has undergone three major renovations and now serves as a premier sports and music venue with a 67,000-seat capacity. The host of major tournaments, such as the Rugby World Cup, the UEFA European Football Championship, and matches during the 2024 Summer Olympics as well, the arena draws visitors for both events and behind-the-scenes tours.

Subtle pink flamingo feathers add color to Larnaca Salt Lake's pale landscape in the city’s south. Rocky flats, scrubland, and an informal trail surround the salt lake. A lush burst of greenery surrounds the impressive and holy Hala Sultan Tekke mosque complex. Viewpoints for watching birds and the sunset dot much of the lake’s eastern bank.

Distant views of Belgrade await at the top of Avala Tower, a lonely concrete tower on the wooded hillside of Mount Avala. Although this Brutalist structure reached a height of 672 feet (205 meters), few visitors to Belgrade will notice it from the city. The quiet panorama from its observation deck suits those looking to see more of Serbia.