Europe attractions

One of four UNESCO-listed Brussels townhomes constructed by Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta, this beautifully preserved home provides an excellent window into the architectural and design aesthetic that dominated late 19th-century Europe. It's considered the most ambitious of the lot and was commissioned with an unlimited budget.

Housed in an elegant 18th-century hotel building in the heart of Brussels, the BELvue Museum is dedicated to the history of the Belgian capital. Walk through the chronologically-ordered exhibits, and learn about the political and social changes that this small but important city has undergone over the past few centuries. There are also royal artifacts on show.

Rocky coastline skirts the edges of Golden Cape Forest Park, a large recreation space covered in man-made forest, south of Rovinj. Also known as Punta Corrente or Zlatni Rt Forest Park, the park features green spaces lined by trees and connected by trails, as well as a string of pebble beaches along its north shore.

The Ah Amália - Living Experience tells the story of fado singer Amália Rodrigues, who is the best-selling Portuguese artist of all time. Immersive exhibits take you through her personal and professional journey, from watching holograms of her performances to seeing her life story told through virtual reality.

Through a rich collection of photography, artifacts, and other artisan objects, the Museu Regional do Algarve paints a picture of life in the Algarve before it became a popular holiday destination. Before then, it was a rural region that relied on fishing and agriculture. This cultural spot pays homage to the Algarvian way of life in the first half of the 20th century.

Located where a royal palace once stood (later demolished in 1810), the Valencia Royal Gardens (Jardines del Real) are one of the city’s loveliest public green spaces. Connected to the larger Turia Riverbed Gardens, the gardens brim with orange and palm trees and host walking paths and ornamental gardens.

A district of many monikers, Paris’ 3rd Arrondissement has come to be dubbed Upper Marais or Haut Marais, the Temple District, and le troisième (the 3rd). No matter what you call it, this trendy neighborhood is an interesting one, offering cultural attractions and nightlife, along with a diverse vibe from the expat, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities who live here. Among its visitor highlights are standout museums such as the Picasso Museum and cocktail bars that spill out onto the streets.

The oldest, longest, and most complete urban fortifications in the UK, Chester’s City Walls date back more than 2,000 years to when Chester was a Roman outpost. Today, the City Walls remain one of the most popular attractions in town, offering a scenic walking circuit around the city and a chance to immerse yourself in Chester’s rich history.

The Musée Fabre in Montpellier is celebrated for being one of the largest museums in France, showcasing European art from the 15th century to the present day. With thousands of paintings and drawings, it features masterpieces by artists such as Jacques-Louis David, Nicolas Poussin, Alessandro Allori, and Francisco Zurbarán, making it a true art lover’s wonderland.

Large, open terraces surround the tiny stone beach at Paphos Municipal Beach, also known as the Paphos Municipal Baths. Unlike the open sand beaches farther down the coast, this small beach in the heart of Kato Paphos features wooden decks for sunbathing and a small break in the rocky coastline for entering the water to cool off.

Rothenburg Market Square is a historical and architectural hub in the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Dominated by a photogenic town hall, this vibrant square hosts markets, events, and traditional festivals throughout the year. Visitors from around the world flock to admire Renaissance architecture, soak up the fairytale atmosphere, and people-watch from cafés.

Delve into Frankfurt’s past at the Historisches Museum Frankfurt, an engaging museum dedicated to the history of the city. The complex holds two main permanent exhibits that explore Frankfurt’s evolution over the centuries and the contemporary city, depicted in a scale model designed by artist Herman Helle. Other highlights include the giant Snow Globe and the Staufer and Toll Tower, with unearthed remains of a medieval quay.

Near to the luxurious resort of Vilamoura in eastern Albufeira, Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a long stretch of the Algarve’s trademark golden sand. Stretching for 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), the Blue Flag beach is backed by cliffs that transform into sand dunes the further along you go. The terracotta-colored rocks contrast beautifully against the turquoise of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Western Approaches Museum, housed in a former World War II bunker in Liverpool, serves as both a memorial and a museum. Once the Western Approaches Command headquarters, this top-secret underground facility was crucial in the Battle of the Atlantic. Visitors can explore its labyrinth of rooms and uncover the strategies and secrets that were pivotal to the British Armed Forces' success.

Forum Istanbul is one of the city’s premier locations for shoppers seeking everything from designer shoes to the latest in electronics. Beyond its many retail stores, you’ll find a range of entertainment activities, including a bowling alley, arcade, and aquarium, making it an ideal destination for the entire family.

North Iceland’s cultural life is centered around Hof Cultural and Conference Center (Menningarhúsið Hof) in Akureyri, the capital of the north. The modern circular building, which is inspired by Iceland’s columnar basalt igneous rocks, is one of Akureyri’s architectural gems and hosts musical and theatrical performances.

This nature reserve in the heart of the Italian Dolomite Mountains is (relatively) small but mighty, with a concentration of majestic peaks and scenic hiking trails found almost nowhere else in the mountain chain. Hit any number of trails in Puez-Odle, and you’re just as likely to find storybook Swiss and spruce pine forest as high-altitude rock deserts.

Glen Moray Distillery’s single-malt whisky has been crafted since 1897 in Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region in the Scottish Highlands. Travelers can learn about this whisky-making heritage—and sample a “wee dram” or two—at Glen Moray’s small, atmospheric distillery.

Located in central Germany, the small city of Weimar is a cultural heavyweight. Associated with the German Enlightenment, the city was once home to luminaries like Goethe and Schiller; in the 20th century, the Bauhaus movement was established here. Today, Weimar boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites that reflect its legacy.

Located in the heart of Paris—a stone’s throw from the Louvre Museum—the Église Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the French capital. The church boasts a centuries-long storied history: It served as a royal church in the 14th century, hosting kings and queens for Mass, and its bells signalled the start of the infamous 1572 St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre.

Situated near the western coast of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, the town of Santiago del Teide offers a picturesque setting in the foothills of the Macizo de Teno mountains. It is conveniently close to the charming mountain town of Masca and overlooks the awe-inspiring Cliffs of the Giants, which dramatically plunge into the sparkling ocean.

A rare example of Ottoman architecture in Athens, the newly restored 17th-century Fethiye Mosque is only open to the public for special exhibitions and cultural events. Its tiled domes, arched portico, marble columns, and other architectural details are visible from the outside, however, and easy to admire along with the neighboring Tower of the Winds.

Occupying a prime perch on Funchal Bay, Santa Catarina Park (Parque de Santa Catarina) is one of Madeira’s most popular outdoor spaces. At 387,500 square feet (36,000-square meters), it’s home to lush trees and flowerbeds, sculptures commemorating Prince Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus, and the Chapel of Santa Catarina.

Mullersches Volksbad is an art nouveau structure that dates back to 1901, when it opened as Munich’s first public swimming baths. The space has undergone renovations to preserve its original features, with ornaments and paintings that give a twist to modern swimming pools. Along with taking a dip, visitors can relax in a Finnish sauna and a Roman-Irish steam bath.

Dubbed by some as the “miracle house,” the Waldehuset Museum showcases the only home that didn’t go up in flames in the Ålesund fire of 1904 (at least, in the eastern half of town). Showcasing what late 19th-century life was like in Western Norway, the Waldehuset Museum is a tiny slice of time travel just a few blocks from downtown.

Often cited as Britain’s most picturesque waterway, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal stretches through the leafy Usk Valley for around 35 miles (56 kilometers) between Brecon and Cwmbran, south of Pontypool. You can explore it by narrowboat, operating the six locks yourself, or experience it from dry land, enjoying walks or cycles along the historical towpaths.

Come summertime, Lake Attersee becomes a haven for water sports enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Spread out over more than 18 square miles (47 square kilometers), it’s among the largest lakes in Austria, and its proximity to both Salzburg and Vienna make it an ideal destination for day trips.

Located in the southern part of the island, Monkey Park Tenerife is a breeding and refuge center for endangered primates. The park is home to free-roaming lemurs, gibbons, and squirrel monkeys—to name a few—and gives you the chance to enjoy close contact with the semi-wild primates.

Set in the formerly industrial neighborhood of Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market is a little off the typical tourist trail, and offers a more relaxed alternative to Borough Market. This lesser-known gem is popular with locals and features around 30 food and drink vendors. Expect everything from dumplings and tacos to vegan baked goods and cheese toasties, plus creative global street food fusions. It’s a worthwhile detour for food lovers keen to taste their way around London.

The Croissant Museum in Poznan offers a delectable journey into the history and craftsmanship of the iconic St. Martin's croissant. Located in a Renaissance tenement house opposite the Town Hall, the museum hosts live shows, providing insight into the croissant's origins, ingredients, and preparation. Visitors can satisfy their taste buds by tasting croissants, while learning about the 150-year legacy of Poznan's beloved sweet treat.