Europe attractions

Spread over eight islands in the Helsinki archipelago, Suomenlinna Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. Just a short ferry ride from central Helsinki, here you can enjoy scenic walking trails, multiple museums, historic fortifications, and even a preserved submarine. Come here for picnics, museum-hopping, pretty walks, and a break from city life.

The Temple of Hadrian makes up one of the Eternal City’s most unique monuments. Visitors can still see 11 hulking columns dating back to the 2nd century AD, all that remains of the temple built to honor the Emperor Hadrian, who was revered in ancient times as a deity. The row of columns protrudes from a neoclassical building built in 1831, a dramatic focal point of Rome’s pleasant Piazza di Pietra.

One of three memorials dedicated to Soviet soldiers who fell during the Battle of Berlin in World War II, the memorial in Tiergarten was the first built and is probably the most known due to its location near the Brandenburg Gate. The site lies near the Holocaust Memorial and other memorials dedicated to groups persecuted by the Nazis in Berlin.

Dating from between 2900 and 2600 BC, Avebury is the world’s largest Neolithic stone circle. Originally composed of three stone circles—the largest of which comprised 98 standing stones (though only 27 now remain)—Avebury is truly immense. Though the function of Avebury is not fully understood, it was likely used for pagan ceremonies.

The Latvian National Opera (Latvijas Nacionala Opera un Balets) is a major cultural and architectural landmark in Riga. Gardens and a fountain frame the building’s refined neoclassical exterior, while the inside is full of rich golden detail. Fans of the arts can catch performances of opera and ballet in its four halls.

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is an oasis of calm compared to the busy streets of Sarajevo’s surrounding Old Town. Except, that is, during prayer times when its courtyard fills with people. Since the 16th century, it has been the main and largest mosque for Sarajevo, although only its exterior and ornate well retain their Ottoman design.

Stroll the cobblestoned streets of Old Town Lyon (Vieux Lyon) and Place St-Jean to discover the Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Jean). Among the draws of the 12th-century cathedral are stained-glass windows and a 16th-century astronomical clock. A top Lyon attraction, Cathédrale St-Jean is a must-see for Old Town visitors.

The Portela Viewpoint (Miradouro da Portela), nestled between Porto da Cruz and Machico, provides an unrivaled vantage point to marvel at the beautiful landscapes of Madeira. From mountains to villages, the sweeping coastal panorama showcases the island's captivating scenery. A visit to this lookout is a must, and dining at Restaurante Miradouro da Portela nearby will make it all the more memorable.

With its cobblestone streets and rows of elegant townhouses flanking a central tree-lined park, Place Dauphine is the epitome of a Parisian square—albeit a triangular-shaped one. Come here on a sunny afternoon and you’ll find terrace cafés spilling out onto the triangular plaza and locals gathering to sip coffee, share a bottle of wine, and play a game of pétanque (boules) on the shaded lawn.

The bright turquoise waters of the Greek Islands have inspired many a postcard, but perhaps no spot is more idyllic than the Blue Caves of Zakynthos. Visit these sea grottoes, carved by thousands of years of erosion, on a day cruise or a short boat excursion from the island’s port towns to bask in the glow of the cobalt-blue water that creates a magical reflection on the caves' pale stone walls.

Built in the 15th century by architect Haci Ivaz Pasha, the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) in Bursa takes its name from the green-and-blue tiles that decorate its interior. The mosque is notable for its ornate decorative stonework. The Green Tomb, near the prayer building, contains the tomb of Sultan Mehmed I, who commissioned the building.

Home to one of the world’s largest collections of manuscripts, Matenadaran name (Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts) is both a museum and a research institution. It boasts thousands of old printed books, illuminated manuscripts, and other rare documents, plus an online database. The museum is one of Yerevan’s top attractions for tourists and scholars alike.

Built in the 14th century, the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) remains among the most important churches in Amsterdam, used by the Dutch Royal Family for coronations and weddings. Outside of its royal duties, the neo-Gothic landmark no longer serves as a house of worship. Instead, it’s a cultural venue that hosts organ recitals, as well as exhibitions on art, history, and photography.

Standing on a small hill in northern Lithuania are over 100,000 crosses, a powerful symbol of Lithuanian national faith and identity. The exact origins of the site remain a mystery, but over the years, not only crosses, but rosaries, statues of the Virgin Mary, and tiny carvings have been placed there by religious pilgrims.

Rising majestically from the cliffs above the Mediterranean, Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum (Musee Oceanographique) is one of the most renowned marine science centers in the world. Discover a highly varied collection of marine life and objects, and come face-to-face with your favorite sea creatures in the aquarium.

One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, the medieval Bilbao Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) is best known for its 15th-century Siete Calles (Seven Streets), now lined with pintxo bars and cafés. Here, visit the Santiago Cathedral, stop by one of the largest covered markets in Europe, and catch a show at the lavish Arriaga Theater.

The grand dame of London’s railway stations, St. Pancras International welcomes travelers with Gothic revival architecture and Victorian engineering. Set right next to the 5-star St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London (formerly the Midland Grand Hotel), the train terminal lives up to its impressive surroundings with a wide range of rail services that connect England’s capital to other domestic and European destinations.

One of the most historic zoos in the world, ARTIS has roots dating back to the 1830s. What began with just a few birds and monkeys has grown into a sprawling, sustainability-minded zoological park featuring conservation programs and animal residents ranging from the bat-eared fox to the turquoise dwarf gecko. Visitors can appreciate the world’s stunning biodiversity without ever leaving the Dutch capital.

With its picture-perfect church and ornate steeple peeking out above the treeline and perched on Bled Lake, tiny Bled Island (Bled Island (Blejski Otok) looks like something out of a fairy tale. Local tradition has it that a groom must carry his bride up all 99 steps that lead from the island’s dock to the church to ensure a happy marriage.

The Ávila Cathedral is said to be the first Gothic cathedral ever built in Spain. Constructed to fit into the city’s fortified walls, it’s reminiscent of a castle—and this undoubtedly helped it survive hundreds of years of conflicts. Home to artworks and 15th-century stained glass windows, it’s a grand and unspoiled example of a Roman Catholic cathedral.

Experience the natural beauty of County Kerry with a visit to the Torc Waterfall. Located a short walk from the Killarney–Kenmare road, in Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall is part of the River Owengariff and flows into Muckross (Middle) Lake. The site is a popular spot on the area’s scenic drives and hiking routes.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of Florence’s star Renaissance attractions. Its Gothic geometric marble facade in green and white immediately draws the eye, yet you’ll find the most important artwork inside. Just a few highlights include Masaccio’s Holy Trinity, a crucifix by Giotto, Domenico Ghirlandaio’s frescoes of the Virgin Mary, and works by Botticelli, Brunelleschi, and other masters from the 13th to 15th centuries.

At 1,752 acres (709 hectares), Dublin's Phoenix Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. This is the home of the Dublin Zoo, as well as the Victorian People’s Flower Garden, Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the president of Ireland), and a herd of about 300 deer, which roam freely around the woodland areas and grassy lawns.

One of the most historically important churches in Siena, the Basilica of San Domenico (Basilica di San Domenico) is famous for another saint: the city’s own Saint Catherine. It was here that Catherine took her vows in 1363 at the age of 15, and the church holds a number of her relics, including her head, thumb, and whip used for self-flagellation.

Norway’s cosmopolitan capital lies at the head of Oslofjord, a narrow body of water 68 miles (107 kilometers) in length that leads out to the strait of Skagerrak and eventually to the Baltic and North Seas. The fjord’s islets are its main attraction, home to sandy beaches, cycling and hiking routes, and historic lighthouses.

Amsterdam’s Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) shopping area offers more than just retail. Spanning nine side streets, the pedestrian neighborhood dates back to the 17th century and boasts historical architecture and the capital’s first photography museum. Boutiques, cafés, and fine dining restaurants line the cobbled pavements, creating a boho vibe that draws the city’s fashionable crowd. Other claims to fame include a houseboat museum and the world’s first monument to gay rights.

Home to more than 200 animals from 50 species native to the Arctic, the Ranua Wildlife Park offers a close look at polar bears, reindeer, elk, arctic fox, lynx, and wolverines. Take a turn around the park’s outdoor trail to watch the animals frolic and feed, visit the petting zoo, and ride ponies and Finnish horses.

Porta Borsari is a white limestone gate that once marked an entrance point into the Italian city of Verona. With two arched entrances and two sets of windows above, it’s a lasting example of the impressive scale of Roman monumental architecture.

Sitting atop a headland at the western tip of the Algarve, Sagres was—up until the discovery of the Americas—believed to be the end of the world. Surfers flock to the fishing town to ride waves off its golden-sand beaches, and soak up the scenery at Cape Saint Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente, where Atlantic swells pummel the craggy cliffs.

The second oldest church in Vienna, St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) is an 18th-century baroque confection with a gilded pulpit and Technicolor frescoes. Considered one of the city’s prettiest churches, St. Peter’s is a highlight of tours through the old town and a magnificent venue for classical music concerts.