Europe attractions

A historic 10th-century castle and winery situated in Catalonia, Oller del Mas has been family-owned for more than a thousand years. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Montserrat mountains, the winery is known for its organic vineyards and wine production. You'll find several tourist-centric activities on-site, including horseback riding, wine tours, restaurants, and overnight accommodations. It's a popular day trip from Barcelona.

The Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga Operan) is Sweden’s national theater and houses the Royal Swedish Opera, Ballet, Orchestra, and Choir. It was founded in 1773 by King Gustav III who was an avid supporter of the arts and paid for the opera house’s operations out of his own pocket.

Filled with Austrian art from the early 20th century, the Leopold Museum has a bold contemporary design that contrasts neatly with the Baroque architecture of Imperial Vienna that dominates the MuseumsQuartier. A must for fans of modern art, the museum is known for its collection of works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Winding through the heart of the Julian Alps, Vršič Pass is Slovenia’s highest mountain pass and one of its most scenic—and exciting—drives. Navigate hairpin turns past pine forests, sheer limestone peaks, and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re chasing alpine views or quiet hiking trails, this route is the perfect way to see more of the country’s natural landscapes.

Surrounded by the dramatic heights of Massif des Bauges Natural Park, Lake Annecy appeals to leisure travelers and watersport enthusiasts with its clear, turquoise waters,. On its shores, the lush Jardins de l’Europe and Annecy's historic Old Town add to the postcard-worthy scenery.

Visit the modernist Metropolitan Cathedral and gain insight into Liverpool’s religious history as you explore its crypts, treasury, and unique structure. As you take in its unusual circular design, learn about the Catholic cathedral’s close relationship with its Anglican sister on the other end of Hope Street, or attend a service or concert for an immersive experience.

Housed in the stunning Hôtel Salé in Paris’ Marais district, the Picasso Museum showcases over 5,000 works by the legendary artist. From paintings and sculptures to ceramics, drawings, and prints, the collection offers a deep dive into Picasso’s creative world. Beyond the art, visitors can explore thousands of personal items donated by his family—including photos, letters, and notebooks, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most influential artists.

Set on the Isle of Lewis, overlooking Loch Roag and the hills of Great Bernera, the Calanais Standing Stones comprise 13 large stones set around a monolith, with 30-something smaller stones radiating out from the center to form a Celtic cross. Built almost 5,000 years ago, this Neolithic site is even older than the pyramids of Egypt and one of Scotland’s most important prehistoric sites.

The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is a protected nature reserve that was formed by an ancient submerged volcano, off the coast of São Miguel—the largest of Portugal’s Azores islands. The area has an almost perfectly circular lagoon and a small beach, which attracts swimmers and snorkelers alike. Whale-watching cruises also explore the waters beyond the islet, making it a perfect day trip from São Miguel.

Dating back to the 9th century, the Church of St. Donatus is a circular Byzantine-style church rising out of what used to be Zadar's ancient Roman Forum. As one of only a handful of buildings to survive the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, the Church of St. Donatus is an important cultural relic and one of the most popular tourist sites in Zadar.

With its glassy blue waters framed by jagged mountains and lush alpine meadows, King’s Lake (Königssee) is one of Bavaria’s most beautiful. The natural wonder lies within Berchtesgaden National Park, offering a majestic backdrop for hiking and cruises.

Pablo Picasso had a productive period in Antibes, when he set up his painting easel in the seafront Château Grimaldi. Today, this grand building houses the Picasso Museum, where visitors can see treasures such as La Joie de Vivre that he created in Antibes, along with other sculptures, paintings, and drawings. While the museum mostly pays homage to Picasso, there are also works by notable contemporary artists such as Martial Raysse and Hans Hartung.

Lisbon’s National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) exhibits one of Portugal’s most beautiful icons: the colorful azulejo tile. It traces the evolution of the ceramic tile from the first 15th-century Spanish imports to today. A must-see for culture lovers in Lisbon, a major highlight of the museum is an 18th-century blue-and-white tile composition that depicts the city, composed of 1,300 tiles.

The pine forests and steep valleys of Cyprus’ largest mountain range shelter villages, hiking trails, and historic monasteries. The range’s literal high point is Mount Olympus, which, at 6,404 feet (1,952 meters), is the island’s tallest summit. These heights offer cool weather, making them the perfect spot to escape the summer heat.

Set within the city’s oldest park, historic Glasgow Green, the fascinating People’s Palace documents the social history of Glasgow, recounting tales of city life from 1750 through to the 20th century. Adjoining the red sandstone Victorian museum building is the Winter Gardens, a Victorian-era greenhouse packed with tropical plants.

With its history, culture, and sun-drenched beaches, Málaga ranks among the most popular destinations on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Situated close to Málaga proper, the Málaga Cruise Port also serves as a gateway to wider Andalucia with its wineries and whitewashed villages, as well as Granada, the region's capital.

Situated in a renovated 18th century building, the Flamenco Dance Museum (Museo del Baile Flamenco) is one of Seville’s most important cultural touchstones. Here, you can attend a live flamenco performance and also learn about the history of the dance form at an interactive museum—an immersive experience you won’t find at other venues.

Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) makes a dramatic first impression with its narrow gorge, steep cliffs, and white sand. Reachable only by boat, the secluded cove gets its name from the many species of butterflies and moths that breed in the valley.

Initially built in the 12th century, before being partially destroyed and then rebuilt, the Girona Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs de Girona) were inspired by Roman-style baths. Today, the small complex is a well-preserved example of medieval public baths, and features Romanesque elements, plus a series of four rooms where residents would bathe and socialize.

Development is hard to come by on the deserted Viðey Island, an idyllic green expanse a short ferry ride from Reykjavík. Besides a café and a couple of historic sights, Viðey has no buildings—just scenic nature trails that spotlight the island’s flourishing birdlife and views of Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the distance. Curiously, Viðey is also known for its art installations, including Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower.

Dedicated to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders, Aurora Reykjavik (Northern Lights Center) is a go-to resource for travelers interested in seeing the northern lights. Films and interactive exhibits showcase some of the most colorful displays of the aurora borealis to have graced the Icelandic skies, while staff members offer northern lights photography tips. The site's website lists tours that show you the natural phenomenon IRL from Reykjavik.

The largest Anglo-Norman fort in Ireland, Trim Castle occupies what was a strategic position at the boundary between the Pale—an English-occupied area of land centered on Dublin—and the rest of Ireland. The medieval fortress later served as the seat of the Irish Parliament and as a mint, before opening to the public in 2000.

Overlooking the Menai Strait with its imposing polygonal towers, Caernarfon Castle (Carnarvon Castle) has been dominating the landscape in this corner of North Wales for nearly 800 years. Built for King Edward I on the site of a Roman fortress and Norman fort, the site is a popular tourist attraction for visitors interested in learning more about the history of Great Britain.

Opened in 2000 and made famous by the popular TV showThe Bridge, the 5-mile (8-kilometer) Øresund Bridge dominates the Øresund Strait—the stretch of water separating Denmark and Sweden. The total length of the road and rail link is 10 miles (16 kilometers), which allows you to travel between the two countries in just 10 minutes.

The Romanesque Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio) is dedicated to Milan's patron saint, St. Ambrose, who founded the church in the fourth century while bishop of Milan. The saint’s remains lay beneath the stunning ninth-century Golden Altar, a masterpiece of gold, gilded silver, precious stones, and enamel. The basilica’s unique architecture makes it a must-see.

Built in 1471 as the home to a hospital chaplain, this grey-stone house is one of just a few surviving medieval buildings—and the only surviving medieval residence—in all of Glasgow. Provand’s Lordship now serves as a museum, with period-accurate rooms filled with antique furnishings and displays relating to the history of the house.

Spanning around 74 acres (30 hectares), sprawling Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire) was named in honor of the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence, which was celebrated there with the 1880 National. Today, the park is home to three museums, along with the Great Mosque of Brussels and a triumphal arch dating to 1905.

Mozart had multiple residences in Vienna, but only one survived to the present day; the Mozarthaus Vienna at Domgasse 5, which was the composer’s home during the height of his career from 1784 to 1787. Today, the residence is a fascinating museum to visit for music lovers and history buffs alike.

Overlooking the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Holy Trinity Church was where William Shakespeare was baptized and buried. One of England’s most-visited churches, it draws visitors wanting to see the grave of England’s greatest bard—and those of family members—as well as its medieval and Victorian architecture.

This saddle-shaped indentation in the St. Elia promontory overlooks Cagliari’s popular Poetto beach. It's one of the most striking natural features along the coastline and a popular destination for hikers and kayakers. Though there are a number of ancient ruins nearby, the biggest draw is the view over the Gulf of Angels from the hilltop.