Europe attractions

One of the most expensive strips of retail space in Europe, Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is known for its many luxury shops selling designer fashion, jewelry, perfume, chocolate, and, of course, watches. While many visitors only go to window shop, the street is one of the city’s main commercial areas, frequented by both locals and travelers.

Pass through the arched entrance of Florence’s stately Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) and into the serenity of the sweeping Boboli Gardens, once the private playground of the Medici family. Dating back to the 16th century, the Italian gardens are a veritable open-air museum, covering an enormous stretch of cypress-studded hillside with ornate fountains, grottoes, and sculptures from ancient Rome through the 17th century.

Perched on the water’s edge against steep green hills, Kylemore Abbey boasts a dramatic setting in this rural area in West Ireland. It’s also famous for its Benedictine history: It became a sanctuary for nuns who fled their convent in Ypres, Belgium, during World War I. A community of Benedictine nuns continues to live at Kylemore Abbey today, working in the monastery and gardens, which are open as one of Connemara’s most popular visitor attractions.

With its gothic turrets, cathedral-esque spire, and dramatic central arch, Porte Cailhau gives off fairy tale castle vibes. Built in 1495 to commemorate King Charles VIII’s Italian War victory, the historic city gate once formed part of Bordeaux’s medieval city walls. Today, it’s a landmark and viewpoint linking Place du Palais and the Garonne waterfront.

Sprawled across a mountain slope some 1,475 feet (450 meters) above the Mediterranean Sea, the whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo still looks much the same as it would have centuries ago. While the historic center retains its old-fashioned air, the Mijas Costa coastal area is dotted with golf courses and modern hotels.

The haunting chapels beneath Rome’s church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini served as the burial chambers for Capuchin friars for centuries. As there were more bodies than space, older graves were dug up, and bones of the dead were used to create intricate designs decorating the chapel walls and ceilings. Today, these bone decorations are one of the most unique sights in Rome.

For more than 130 years, Galeries Lafayette has been a popular destination store for Paris’ well-heeled shoppers. Beneath the building’s massive art nouveau domed ceiling are thousands of items from luxury fashion brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. In addition to a rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette has a 5-story gourmet food store and dining court, and it hosts weekly fashion shows on Friday afternoons.

Heldenplatz sits at the heart of Imperial Vienna, stretching out in front of the sweeping arcs of the Hofburg Palace. Commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph II as part of the city’s elegant Ringstrasse thoroughfare in the late 19th century, the square is completely surrounded by the baroque beauty of Vienna’s most important landmarks.

Behind the misleadingly plain baroque facade of St. John's Co-Cathedral (Kon-Katidral ta' San Gwann) hides one of Europe's most spectacular churches, built by the Knights of St. John following their defeat of the Ottoman Turks in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Today, this important religious site is one of Malta’s most visited attractions.

The Scottish Parliament complex, opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, sits across from Arthur’s Seat at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Known for having one of the most innovative and controversial designs in Britain, Parliament is a must-see on any Edinburgh itinerary; various tours are available for those who want to explore the building.

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Catedral de Santiago de Compostela) is one of the most important shrines in Christendom, believed to be the final resting place of St. James the Greater, one of the Twelve Apostles. The Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque structure is the terminus of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrimage routes through northern Spain and southern France.

Civita di Bagnoregio was founded by the Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago, and its remote clifftop location—now accessible only via a long footbridge—has protected its medieval cityscape. Nicknamed the Dying City due to a 1695 earthquake and subsequent erosion, the village has a semi-abandoned air. The 360-degree views over the surrounding countryside only add to its mystique. Cobblestone streets, crumbling ruins, quaint cafés, and restaurants make for a hauntingly photogenic scene.

One of the most outstanding examples of art nouveau architecture in the world, Prague’s Municipal House(Obecní Dum) is a popular destination for visitors interested in art and architecture. From the grand concert hall to the restrooms, every light fitting, chair, and tile was specially designed for the building by the leading artists of the day.

The soft sand, crescent-shaped La Concha Beach (Playa de la Concha sits tucked between the hills of Monte Urgull to the east and Monte Igueldo to the west. The beach ranks among the most lovely city beaches in all of Europe and is a big reason why San Sebastian became a seaside resort favored by Spanish royalty in the nineteenth century.

Marseille is France’s largest and busiest port, welcoming over 1.5 million cruise passengers to its shores each year. As the gateway to Provence and the south of France, Marseille is a popular stop on Europe cruise itineraries, and offers ferry connections to Corsica, Sardinia, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Blending revolutionary history and bohemian-cool atmosphere, the Bastille neighborhood of Paris is a hub for the city’s creative culture. At its heart is Place de la Bastille—where crowds stormed the Bastille prison—while the modern-day Bastille Opera House (Opéra Bastille) hosts cutting-edge performances. Browsing its covered markets, art galleries, workshops, and gardens is a chance to immerse oneself in the Parisian way of life. Nightlife draws revelers from across Paris to the neighborhood’s many venues, from cocktail bars to gourmet eateries and wine cafés.

Reaching 10,626 feet (3,239 meters) above sea level, Mt. Titlis is Central Switzerland’s highest peak and probably its finest vantage point. The mountain has a cutting-edge transportation system—including, most famously, a revolving cable car that turns 360 degrees during the ride to the top station at 9,908 feet (3,020 meters). During the journey, riders are treated to stunning panoramic views of Alpine peaks, sheer rock faces, and an icy crevasse-cracked glacier.

Once the city’s commercial maritime hub, the Old Port of Marseille (Vieux Port) has been in use since antiquity and is now used by yachts, fishing craft, and pleasure boats. The picturesque and vibrant quays are the setting for fish markets and historical buildings, as well as cafés and restaurants that specialize in fresh-from-the-boat seafood.

The Amsterdam Museum offers a crash course in the city’s fascinating history and culture. While its usual home is undergoing renovation, this smaller, temporary museum shows some of the exhibitions and highlights of the permanent collection. With interactive multimedia exhibits and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, the space is designed for visitors of all ages.

The Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je T’aime) is a massive work of art featuring the words “I love you” written in over 250 languages. This piece by artist Frédéric Baron and calligrapher Claire Kito, composed of 612 dark blue tiles, is a favorite meeting spot for lovers. It’s yet another example proving that Paris is, in fact, the City of Love.

To give you a sense of just how far the Vasco da Gama Bridge—Europe’s longest bridge—stretches from Lisbon, it would take almost four hours to walk across it at an average pace. Don’t get any ideas about hiking or cycling it, though: The 10.7-mile (17.2-kilometer) bridge is part of the A12 expressway, which crosses the Tagus Estuary between Lisbon and Setúbal.

The medieval quays of Graslei and Korenlei are boat tour departure points by day and a vibrant dining and drinks district by night. These quaysides in the heart of Ghent originally formed part of the city’s thriving harbor; today, they're home to some of Ghent’s most scenic gabled houses.

On the bank of the Keizersgracht canal in central Amsterdam, the Homomonument is a memorial to the gay men and women who lost their lives at the hands of the Nazis in World War II. Unveiled in 1987, this monument was the first of its kind and takes the form of three connected pink triangles made of granite, reclaiming a symbol that the Nazis used to oppress this population.

Stroll cobblestone streets, stop for tapas, and marvel at centuries-old architecture in Seville's Historic Center (Centro Historico de Sevilla). This destination may be best known for its trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Cathedral, Alcázar, and the Archivo de Indias—making it a prime destination to uncover Spanish history.

A former hunting ground for Berlin’s aristocracy, Tiergarten Park is Berlin’s green heart. Measuring 0.8 square miles (2.1 square kilometers), it features shaded pathways, gardens, lakes and streams, and wide-open parkland. Locals and travelers alike come here for picnics and to run, walk, and cycle along the trails.

Dotted with landscaped gardens, century-old trees, and lovely fountains, Zrinjevac Park (also known as Nikola Subic Zrinski Square) is a popular relaxation spot for Zagreb locals. Take a break from exploring the city and stroll along the tree-lined paths or simply rest on a park bench, watch the fountains, and enjoy the aroma of fresh flowers.

Beatles fans flock to this black-and-white-striped crosswalk in northwest London for the ultimate photo opportunity. Day in and day out, you can see pop culture aficionados trying to recreate the band’s 1969 Abbey Road album cover photo at this famed pedestrian crossing, flanked by affluent London townhouses. Nearby is Abbey Road Studios, the famous studio where The Beatles recorded many hits.

The junction of High Street, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, and St. Aldgate’s, Carfax is a major meeting point in the heart of Oxford. The lofty St. Martin’s Tower (Carfax Tower), which offers some of the best views of the “city of dreaming spires,” sits at the intersection.

St. Peter’s Dome (Cupola di San Pietro), one of Italy’s most famous monuments, doesn’t technically stand on Italian soil—it sits atop St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, surrounded by Rome on all sides. Michelangelo’s architectural masterpiece is a symbol for Catholics around the globe and, as the highest dome in the world, offers spectacular views across St. Peter’s Square and the Roman cityscape. Reachable by elevator and stairs, this sky-high perch is a highlight of any Vatican visit.

The Basilica di San Nicola is a centerpiece of Bari Vecchia, the old town at the heart of the modern city of Bari. The largest city in the region of Puglia and a major port on the Adriatic, Bari has a rich and varied history, and a visit to its imposing 12th-century Romanesque basilica is a must for architecture enthusiasts.