Europe attractions

Located on the western coast of Corfu, the resort town of Agios Gordios is a paradise of pastel-colored buildings surrounded by rugged mountains, olive groves, and cypress trees. Known for its sandy beaches, Agios Gordios is also a convenient jumping-off point for exploring nearby villages on foot, by bike, or by car.

Windswept, desolate, and teetering on the cliff tops of Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire’s Slains Castle (also known as New Slains Castle) evokes such a forbidding atmosphere it’s easy to believe it provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Literary association aside, Slains Castle draws visitors with its historic appeal and coastal walks.

When in Marbella, join the locals in going for a stroll along Paseo Maritimo, a wide path that extends along the coastline. Ocean views plus restaurants, shops, arcades, and people watching all draw sunseekers to this waterfront promenade. It extends for about 4 miles (6 kilometers) out from the fishing port of Marbella toward Puerto Banús. Expect to see sandy beaches, boats bobbing in the harbor, and landmarks such as Marbella’s lighthouse.

An airy modern winery set in the hills behind Heraklion, the Scalarea Estate crafts award-winning wines that fall under the PDO Archanes. The tasting room features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views and alfresco seating. In addition to touring, tasting, and eating, you can stay amid the vineyards in one of three houses within the grounds.

If ever a postcard-perfect Norwegian lighthouse exists, it's in the minuscule fishing village of Alnes on Godøya island, a short distance west of Alesund. Visit this picturesque 1876 lighthouse to view art exhibits dedicated to local and national artists in the old lightkeeper’s quarters and climb to the top to catch sweeping sea views.

Aromatic bunches of lavender, rosemary, and thyme welcome visitors to the L’Occitane factory in the heart of Provence. Tours of the factory floor and laboratory show how those Mediterranean plants are transformed into organic products that have won a global audience. An on-site boutique features the whole line, plus hits from the past.

On the banks of the River Thames in London’s leafy Richmond, Ham House is a grand mansion with interiors that have been left largely unchanged for the last 400 years. Known for its impressive collection of artwork, furniture, and textiles, the house is a unique example of a meticulously well-preserved 17th-century Stuart mansion. It’s also said to be one of Britain’s most haunted houses.

Connected to Praia da Conceicao on the scenic and sun-soaked coast of Cascais, Praia da Duquesa boasts a prime location near the center of the resort. Year-round calm waters mean the beach is ideal for families and swimmers, while golden sands that offer parasol and sunbed rentals are perfect for relaxing.

As the smallest of Copenhagen’s three cruise port terminals, Nordre Toldbod Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of the city, making it the ideal starting point for exploring Denmark’s capital. Typically reserved for smaller cruise ships and megayachts, the port receives visitors from destinations such as the Baltics, St. Petersburg, and the United Kingdom.

Datça Peninsula straddles two sunny seas, with its northern coast looking out towards the Aegean, and its southern coast out to the Mediterranean. The last stretch of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Turquoise Coast is full of wildflower-covered hills, jagged coastal cliffs, and golden beaches. The peninsula is a popular stop when sailing from Bodrum or Marmaris.

Sony Center, situated in Berlin's bustling Potsdamer Platz, is an architectural landmark and cultural hot spot. Its distinctive glass and steel roof creates a stunning ambiance for dining, shopping, and entertainment, plus offers a great photo opportunity for architecture fans. From restaurants to hotel rooms, a LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, a cinema, and concert venues—it’s the ultimate one-stop shop for entertainment.

Genoa’s Palazzo Rosso, or Red Palace, was built in the 1670s as a private home for the wealthy Brignole-Sale family. Donated to the city 200 years later, it was turned into an art museum featuring works by Veronese, Strozzi, and van Dyck. The palace is located in the heart of Genoa’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The centuries-old Freiburg Cathedral is a dominating Gothic presence in the altstadt (old town) of Freiburg im Breisgau. A place of worship that was spared the worst of the World War II bombs, despite its unmissable 370-feet (113-meter) steeple, visitors today can climb the 335 steps up it, or admire the cathedral’s gargoyles, stained-glass windows, and Renaissance altarpiece from the ground.

Rapperswil is a town on the east side of Lake Zürich in Switzerland’s canton of St. Gallen. The lakeside location and surrounding rolling hillsides create a picturesque riviera-like feel, while the town combines history and culture with a thriving outdoor lifestyle.

Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Tracey Emin are among the headline artists represented at London’s Moco Museum, a glossy, bubblegum-esque, central London gallery dedicated to modern, contemporary, digital, and immersive art— the kind of bold, colorful art that sets your social media feed ablaze. Opened amid much buzz in 2024, the London Moco is the sister site to Moco’s Amsterdam and Barcelona outposts, following their lead and appealing to a younger generation of modern art fans.

A 14th-century gate for Bratislava’s city walls, Michael’s Tower is the last remaining of the original four, with additional construction increasing its height until the 18th century. The gate is a landmark of Bratislaval’s Old Town, and today is a popular tourist attraction.

The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is a cluster of ruined temples and subsidiary buildings that once welcomed pilgrims to Delphi, and is now home to the site’s most-photographed spot: the circular “tholos” temple with its three remaining columns and a fragment of frieze. The tholos looks spectacular framed against the rugged mountain backdrop.

The stunning coastline of Beachy Head is famous for having some of the UK's tallest chalk sea cliffs. Renowned for its red and white lighthouse, this natural landmark comprises the Seven Sisters cliffs and offers views of the English Channel. It's a loved spot for hiking and has appeared in movies and TV shows, such as Harry Potter, James Bond, and Luther.

A symbol of Dublin’s hope for the future, and a landmark in its own right, the Spire is a tapering pinnacle that soars over the city, higher than an NFL football field is long. During the day, it gently reflects the hustle and bustle of vibrant O’Connell Street; by night, the slender summit gleams with thousands of points of light, making it a beacon for the city.

Though Paris may be best known for arts and culture, Discovery Palace (Palais de la Découverte) is a must-see attraction for science enthusiasts. Open since 1937, the Palais hosts exhibits and interactive experiments on everything from acoustics to genetics. Though the planetarium show is only in French, English speakers enjoy a Palais tour.

At the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Wistman’s Wood is among the most pristine and ancient forests left in England. With its twisted oak trees climbing with lichen, giant moss-blanketed boulders, and a backdrop of heather-dappled moors, this enchanting landscape is a favorite among hikers and naturalists.

Stoupa’s sandiest beach, Kalogria Beach (Paralia Kalogria), has more to offer than silica alone. Cool springs provide welcome blasts of chill in the high-season heat; a handful of beach bars and tavernas serve food and drinks; and sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent at warmer times of the year.

Created by architect Daniel Libeskind of One World Trade Center fame, this contemporary complex houses more than 50 shops, 10 restaurants, a cinema, event spaces, an indoor playground with laser tag, and a water park. The biggest draw in Bern’s western suburbs, Westside Shopping Center is a great place to break up a day of sightseeing in the UNESCO-listed old town.

Scotland’s first design museum, and the only Victoria and Albert museum outside of London, the V&A Dundee is a prominent landmark in Scotland’s fourth-largest city. The first UK project designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it’s a must-visit for its building as well as what’s contained within.

Formula 1 racing enthusiasts will love visiting the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, one of the most famous car and motorcycle race tracks in the world. There are three tracks on the grounds surrounding a historic royal palace; the main 3.6-mile (8-kilometer track hosts both the Formula 1 and the motorcycle Italian Grands Prix each year.

Go for a stroll in Hamburg’s Old Town (Altstadt) to get a sense of the city’s history. See restored 18th-century homes along the Deichstrasse and charming old churches such as Saint Petri. The center of the Old Town is the Rathaus, or city hall, located on the old market square.

Though this theater was built in the 1970s, the site where it stands has centuries of performance history: In the 18th century, it was a song-filled tavern known as the Mogul Saloon. Today, the Gillian Lynne Theatre (formerly called the New London) is known for hit plays and musicals like War Horse and School of Rock, as well as having been the home of Andrew Llyod Webber’s Cats for over 20 years.

Built in 1030, San Sepolcro Church (Chiesa di San Sepolcro) was originally designed in the Romanesque style, though Baroque additions were made in the 17th century. Most visitors come to visit the church’s crypt, known as the Crypt of Leonardo after da Vinci, who appreciated the crypt so much that he placed it at the center of a map of Milan.

Kamppi Chapel, or the Chapel of Silence, provides a serene escape in Helsinki's busy city center. Its minimalist and modern curved wooden design is a big draw for architecture enthusiasts. Open to all, regardless of faith, the Lutheran chapel hosts no traditional religious ceremonies like Sunday services or weddings. Instead, it offers a peaceful haven for anyone seeking tranquility when exploring the city.

Dating back to the 17th century, Frogmore House in Windsor is a Grade I-listed Crown Estate property. It has served as a temporary residence for British royals, including Queen Charlotte, Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria. Notably, it was the reception venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Today, visitors explore its opulent rooms and gardens and learn about its royal connections.