Europe attractions

Housed in a historic wooden mansion on the Asian side of Istanbul, this expansive collection of antique toys (some of which date back to the early 1800s) is spread over four floors of the restored Ottoman-era villa. There are a total of 4,000 artifacts, each grouped by theme and arranged by a professional stage designer—space toys feature cosmic decor, while toy trains are exhibited in a salvaged train compartment. The Istanbul Toy Museum is great for kids, but it also appeals to the inner child of all travelers.

If you want to learn about the German Occupation of Jersey, the Jersey War Tunnels complex is the place to go. This museum—housed in a network of underground tunnels built by the Germans during World War II—tells the story of the island’s occupation and liberation through a series of exhibits.

The Musée de l’Homme in Paris is the city’s most famous anthropology museum. Located near the Eiffel Tower, this thought-provoking space showcases artifacts from around the world to chart human history and society from origin to evolution and looks at how we continue to adapt into the future.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia (aka the Albi Cathedral, was built after the Church vanquished the Cathars, whose desire to make a new church was considered heretical. It's filled with interior frescos and houses the Great Moucherel Organ, one of the most beautiful organs in France.

Semi-connected to the equally lovely Praia da Duquesa, Praia da Conceicao is a stretch of golden sand lapped by the Atlantic Ocean in Cascais. Within easy reach of Lisbon, this beach is a well-equipped place to spend the day soaking up the sunshine, swimming, and enjoying activities such as paddleboarding.

The largest covered market in Bolgona’s city center, the Mercato delle Erbe (literally, the “Herb Market”) has been a key destination for food lovers for more than a century. Housed in a historic building that was renovated after World War II, the atmospheric market offers dozens of food stalls and dining options all throughout the day.

While the wine cellars of Porto tend to get all of the attention when it comes to Portugal's wine scene, the Algarve boasts several award-winning vineyards. One of the best is Adega do Cantor in Guia, where rolling terraces of vines overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The vineyard combines traditional techniques with modern innovation to create unique varieties.

The town of Bingen am Rhein serves as the southern gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The riverside town boasts heritage architecture and a history that dates back to Roman times. Bingen is also celebrated as a wine hub, and its surrounding slopes are populated by vineyards.

Open since 2001, this public library in the center of Bologna is housed inside the historic Palazzo d’Accursio, originally a private residence from the 13th century and later the city’s town hall. Through a glass floor in the library, visitors can get a glimpse of ongoing archaeological excavations, including ancient Roman ruins. Biblioteca Salaborsa also regularly hosts public events.

Pompeii’s Great Theatre is a grand 2nd-century-BC performance space with seating for up to 5,000 spectators. It has acoustics so precise that voices from the stage carry naturally to the highest seats to this day. The first large public building to be excavated in the ancient city, the largely intact theater continues to host classical plays and other performances.

Conveniently located beside Albufeira’s whitewashed Old Town, Praia dos Pescadores is an easily accessible beach with a wealth of facilities. Whether you want to enjoy the thrills of Jet Ski rides and banana boats, or simply soak up the sun on golden sands surrounded by picturesque cliffs, you’ll find everything you need at Albufeira’s premier beach.

A listed Historic Monument and part of the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Château de Saumur is celebrated for its classic medieval architecture and is associated with centuries of royal intrigue. Overlooking the Loire River, the château features museum exhibitions, extensive grounds, and a scenic belvedere.

Two rust-colored pyramids may mark the location of the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, but they don’t reveal much from the outside. Inside, you’ll see a collection of works by acclaimed painter Dame Paula Rego, spanning hundreds of her prints, drawings, and paintings—which often examine the issue of women’s rights—and some works by her husband, Victor Willing.

Half an hour outside of Reykjavik, the harbor town of Hafnarfjordur is a quaint home base for exploring the rest of Iceland. It’s also a destination in its own right, with a walkable center full of museums and art galleries, plus curious local folklore that will have you looking out for hidden elves in the city’s parks and gardens. Icelandic nature is yet another draw of Hafnarfjordur, known for nearby hiking trails and volcanic landscapes.

Connecting Linz with the hilltop community of Pöstlingberg, a historic pilgrimage site, the Pöstlingbergbahn is among the world's steepest adhesion railways. Today it's used both for local transportation and as a tourist attraction. There's even a museum dedicated to the Pöstlingbergbahn right by the train's terminus station in Linz.

A quintessential Tuscan villa, Villa Gamberaia has long inspired landscape architects and designers across Europe. While some interior rooms are open by reservation, the main draw is the immaculate 17th-century gardens, largely preserved since their creation. Visitors need no special expertise—simply enjoying the sweeping views over the Arno Valley is reason enough to come.

Black bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos are the standout sights in Camargue Regional Nature Park, a rugged marshland between the Rhône Delta and the Mediterranean. Wildlife aside, the coastal scenery here is unique—salt flats, rice fields, canals, and bull ranches form its backdrop. You can explore on foot, bike or horseback, or on a Jeep tour.

An idyllic and well-heeled resort town that’s just a quick trip from Palma de Mallorca, Camp Mar has long appealed to jet-setters and A-listers, as well as visiting families. Set on the island’s southwest, on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains, it’s known for its well-serviced, 590-foot (180-meter) beach.

Limoges has long been known for its exquisite porcelain production that dates back to the 1770s, but this city offers more than ornate dishes. Explore the cobblestone lanes of the medieval Cité Quartier and high-end shopping and dining in the elegant Château Quartier, plus experience the student-fueled nightlife of this university town.

Nynäshamn Cruise Port is a gateway to the Swedish capital of Stockholm, as well as a jumping-off point for ferries servicing the region and as far as Gdansk. Visitors can explore the wider Swedish archipelago from Nynäshamn, or reach Stockholm—which is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south—by train, bus, or taxi in around an hour.

While it’s a tributary of the international Rhine River, the Aare River runs exclusively through Switzerland. You’ll find it flowing through major Swiss cities, including the capital of Bern, whose surrounding 15th and 16th century architecture makes the Aare even more picturesque.

Just outside Edinburgh, Portobello Beach provides a sandy retreat with stunning views of the Firth of Forth. This charming seaside destination has a wide promenade perfect for strolls, as well as cozy cafés and independent shops. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics, it’s a beloved spot for locals and visitors looking for a relaxing day by the sea.

Just west of central Ayia Napa, on the southern coast of Cyprus, Makronissos Beach has long been known for its powdery sands and its great swimming, sunbathing, and water-sports opportunities. Though it once was considered a party beach, it's shed its reputation and now attracts a fair number of families and couples looking for a place to soak in the sun.

At Prague’s Gallery of Steel Figures (Galerie Ocelových Figurín), prepare to be amazed by the variety of sculptures that have been fashioned out of scrap steel. Life-size sculptures of cars, animals, robots, and more are all assembled and welded by hand, and their construction takes months to complete. Everyone from families to art enthusiasts will enjoy this niche museum in the heart of Prague.

Norway’s second-busiest port, after Bergen, the Port of Oslo (Oslo Havn) is a popular destination on Scandinavian cruises, welcoming over a hundred annual cruise calls. Located at the head of the Oslo Fjord, cruise passengers at the Port of Oslo benefit from easy access to the Norwegian capital, with its many lakes, parks, and museums.

Perched over the ocean in the charming Portuguese town of Cascais, Casa da Guia is a magnet for travelers of all tastes. Housed in a 19th-century mansion and surrounded by lush gardens, it’s home to a diverse collection of shops and an art gallery. Outside, restaurants and cafés offer outdoor dining with stunning views of the sea.

Dresden hosts several markets around the holidays, but the Dresdner Striezelmarkt, or Dresden Christmas Market, is the oldest and most popular, dating back to 1434. If you happen to be in the city in December, you can’t miss shopping, eating and drinking, and soaking in the atmosphere at the market. In fact, it’s worth planning a whole Germany trip around visiting.

Often touted as one of the best beaches near Alghero, Spiaggia di Maria Pia is famous for its soft white sand and a stunning pine forest backdrop. With clear, clean waters and scenic views of Alghero Bay and Fertilia, it’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing in nature, making it a must-visit for beach lovers.

The 19th-century palace that houses this museum is the same color as the custard inside a Portuguese egg tart or pastel de nata. Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães is a cultural highlight in Cascais. The museum exhibits art, artifacts dating to the prehistoric period, rare Indo-Portuguese furniture, and rooms that appear as if royal visitors have just left.

Jules Verne, acclaimed author of Around the World in 80 Days, was born in Nantes, where today a museum pays homage to his life and literary works. Personal objects, first-edition manuscripts, and handwritten edits are among the treasures inside, making a trip there a treat for book lovers and Verne enthusiasts alike.