Europe attractions

The crown jewel of Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica blends elements of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture—testimony to the city’s political and economic dominance that spanned centuries. Topped by soaring domes and featuring an interior of shimmering mosaics, the church is so opulent that it is known as the Chiesa d’Oro, or the Golden Church. Today, it is one of the city’s symbols and the top attraction in St. Mark’s Square.

Described by Lord Byron as a “glorious Eden,” the fairy-tale district of Sintra more than lives up to its name. Emerald hills harbor buildings with extravagant architectural styles, ranging from neo-Gothic palaces and turreted Moorish castles to candy-colored mansion houses. But that’s not all—Sintra’s historic center is a lovely place to wander around and enjoy a pastel de nata (custard tart).

From medieval torture to grim executions and infamous royal prisoners, the Tower of London has long found itself at the center of the city’s dark history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the historic castle has served as a Royal Menagerie, Her Majesty’s prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a Royal Mint, and a military storehouse over the course of its existence.

The River Seine acts as a dividing line between Paris’ historically sophisticated Right Bank and bohemian Left Bank, all while hosting sightseeing riverboats and offering plenty of opportunities for romantic strolls. The banks of the river are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are lined with some of the city’s top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, the Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre.

Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world still used by resident monarchs. William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress on the site nearly 1,000 years ago—and Windsor has been a royal palace and residence since. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.

Antoni Gaudí spent 15 years designing and building the whimsical fountains, mosaic benches, pedestrian walkways, and gingerbread house-like buildings within Park Güell, one of the seven Works of Antoni Gaudí locations that together make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the Sagrada Familia, the hilltop public park sits at the top of Barcelona’s must-see list, and for good reason. The art nouveau wonderland adorns many postcards of the city.

Rivaling the Louvre as Paris’ favorite art museum, the Musée d’Orsay is known for its impressionist, post-impressionist, and art nouveau collections. Equally impressive as what’s inside the museum is its exterior: a former Beaux-Arts railway station with an enviable location on the banks of the Seine River. Both architecture and art buffs will want this museum on their Parisian itineraries.

Sitting alongside the Theatre of Dionysus on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus dates back to AD 161 and holds around 5,000 spectators. Though it fell into ruin over the millennia, the theater was restored in the 1950s. Today, the combination of classical heritage and historic setting makes it a popular venue for live performances.

The ancient city of Ephesus (Efes) is one of the eastern Mediterranean’s most impressive archaeological sites. It was a significant city in both the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Many reconstructed structures and ruins, including the Temple of Artemis (Artemision), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, can be seen here.

Buckingham Palace is one of England’s most famous landmarks. It has served as the official London residence of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Public access to the interiors is limited to the summer, but it’s well worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a top attraction on the island of Capri, located in Italy’s Bay of Naples (Golfo di Napoli). To enter this sea cave, named after the bright blue light filtering through the water via an opening in the rock below sea level, you must board a small rowboat and duck through a low opening. Once inside, you’ll have time to snap a few photos of the glowing turquoise water and—if you’re lucky—listen to a rower perform a quick Italian serenade.

Towering 702 feet (214 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point and stretching for 5 miles (8 kilometers) along the water, the famed Cliffs of Moher define the raw beauty of the west coast of Ireland. They’re also one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, with tours from Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Killarney, and Doolin.

Astonishingly intact, the Pantheon has been wowing visitors to Rome for almost two millennia, and its massive dome is still the largest of its kind built out of unreinforced concrete in the world. Stand below the central oculus to watch clouds float above, then check out the highlights inside this temple-turned-church, including the ornate tombs of Renaissance artist Raphael and the first kings of unified Italy.

The star of Athens postcards, and arguably the most impressive of the city’s ancient ruins, the Parthenon stands proudly atop the rock of the Acropolis. Completed in 438 BC, the temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena and also served as a treasury. After centuries of war, looting, and changes in rulership, the near-perfect Doric columns that remain standing today are a striking reminder of the glory of ancient Greece.

The powerful Doges ruled the Venetian Empire from the Gothic confines of the Doge’s Palace until the fall of Venice in 1797. The sprawling residence was meant to impress visitors as they sailed through the lagoon and landed at St. Mark’s Square, and the Doges ruled with an iron fist—often meting out justice in the courtrooms and prisons here. The marble facade and art-filled interiors continue to inspire awe today.

To understand why Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is so popular, just imagine bathing in steaming milky-blue waters, sipping a cocktail at a swim-up bar, and looking out over an otherworldly landscape of jagged peaks and black lava fields. This geothermal pool—the most visited of Iceland’s many such oases—boasts mineral-rich waters, a luxurious spa, and a magnificent setting, all just minutes from Reykjavik.

Formerly a humble hunting lodge, the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) is the extravagant creation of King Louis XIV. Embellished in royal decadence, Versailles features hundreds of rooms with frescoed ceilings and carvings, plus the Versailles Gardens (Jardins de Versailles), which brim with geometrically designed walkways and fountains. No visit to France is complete without visiting the UNESCO-listed marvel.

Ancient and sprawling, the city of Pompeii offers glimpses of a distant past. Rather than viewing museum displays behind glass, you’ll stroll the cobbled streets, see ancient graffiti, and likely be struck by the similarities to a modern city. From restaurants to public bathrooms to amphitheaters, ancient Romans followed many of the habits we do today. Wandering this almost 2,000-year-old city is a way to remember that people from all ages share commonalities.

Built on a hill overlooking Granada and set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the Alhambra (Alhambra de Granada) is a sprawling complex of intricately decorated palaces, pristine gardens, and a once-mighty fortress. With its mix of Renaissance and Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace is the most sought-after attraction for visitors to Granada, sitting high on most must-see lists for Andalucia and Spain.

The historic center of Rome boasts more than 300 monumental fountains, but none are more famous than the ornate Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi). Centered around the sea god Oceanus (and including Tritons, horses, and other figures symbolizing Rome’s abundance of water), the baroque fountain has made many cameos on the silver screen and is thought to bring good luck; just throw in a coin and make a wish.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a legacy dating back more than a millennium, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most popular historical landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana’s funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. But it’s not just a pretty face; inside, you’ll find dramatic chapels and regal tombs.

Perhaps one of the world’s most beloved architectural mistakes, the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s inimitable tilt has made the UNESCO World Heritage Site an Italian icon. While travelers flock to snap photos of themselves “holding up” the tilted tower—originally intended as a bell tower for Pisa Cathedral—you can also ascend the 294-step spiral staircase for stunning views over Pisa.

From Catherine de’ Medici to Napoleon Bonaparte, centuries of royal history have played out against the idyllic backdrop of the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries). While its namesake palace burned down in the 19th century, the magnificent gardens—the work of Versailles landscaper André Le Nôtre—remain one of Paris’ most beloved public parks, with views of the Louvre Museum and the Seine River.

One of the most famous and sumptuous squares in Rome, Piazza Navona is home to the baroque Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, overlooking Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s monumental Fountain of the Four Rivers, and sitting atop the ancient remains of the Stadium of Domitian. Bustling outdoor restaurants, street artists and performers, and the occasional market lend a lively air to the otherwise stately square, making it a place to be both morning and night.

One of the most famous sights in all of Tuscany—perhaps all of Italy—stands in the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. This grassy expanse is home to the city’s cathedral complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Duomo, Monumental Cemetery, and Opera del Duomo Museum. The headliner, however, is the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Home to what may be the most famous sculpture in the world, the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) is one of the top museums in Florence. Aside from Michelangelo’s renowned statue of David, other works of art on display include Renaissance paintings by artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Filippino Lippi, unfinished Michelangelo sculptures, and a rare collection of musical instruments.

An Athenian landmark and feat of contemporary architecture, the Acropolis Museum sits at the base of the Acropolis, with the ruins of an ancient settlement visible beneath its floor. This must-see for ancient art enthusiasts is home to one of the premier archaeological collections in Greece. The art and artifacts span pre-classical times to the Roman era, but fifth-century BC treasures from the temples of the Acropolis are the focus, especially the recreated Parthenon frieze.

More than 500 years in the making, Milan Duomo is the city’s grand cathedral that’s resplendent with its Gothic gargoyles, spires, statues, and pinnacles. Many visit it to discover its wow factor rather than its religious significance, soaking up the views that sweep from its rooftop terraces over Milan. A museum and small archaeological area are also on-site.

The Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis) in Amsterdam was where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Overlooking a canal called Prinsengracht, it’s now a museum dedicated to preserving her legacy. Take a self-guided tour through the attic and see personal items belonging to Anne and her family, plus film clips and photographs. You can also watch films about Anne’s life and hear talks by experts on topics such as anti-Semitism in the auditorium. The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions, and booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended.

No matter where you are in Florence, chances are you’ll spot this famous Duomo, a defining element of the city’s history, geography, and identity. Beneath its red-tiled dome lies Florence’s largest church, officially called the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The Duomo complex, which houses the Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), the Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni), and Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto), is the city’s most famous landmark.