Europe attractions

A slim cascade of water slicing through the air and pooling in the Seljalands River below, Seljalandsfoss might not be Iceland’s mightiest waterfall, but it’s certainly one of its most famous. Plunging from a height of around 197 feet (60 meters), the cascade forms a dramatic arch of water that dominates the picturesque Thórsmörk valley. And because the falls’ chute of water is so narrow, you can also step behind it.

Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument in Port Vell. Walking the tree-shaded boulevard of La Rambla is a rite of passage for both first-time and repeat tourists. Day and night, you’ll find florists displaying their arrangements, waiters serving tapas and paella to outdoor diners, and street artists and performers catching the eyes of passersby—it’s a microcosm of Barcelona.

Patchwork stone hints at the many restorations that Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) has undergone over its more than 800 years, following repeated attempts by earthquakes to topple it. A signature site in the popular neighborhood of Alfama, the cathedral features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, excavated Roman ruins in its cloister, and various significant relics in its treasury.

A place of stark, wild beauty, this black-sand beach on Iceland's south coast is one of the country's most photogenic locations. Here, roaring Atlantic waves batter the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the black pebble shoreline, and the pyramid-like cliff of basalt columns known as Garðar, where you can spot puffins and guillemots.

Erected in 1960, Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) stands at the edge of the Tagus River and depicts a caravel (a ship commonly used by Portugal’s 15th-century explorers) about to set sail. Aboard the ship are 32 sculptures of leading figures from Portugal’s seafaring heyday, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. Climbing to the observation deck atop the 170-foot (52-meter) sculpture affords panoramic views of Portugal’s capital.

Ask a Londoner to name a famous food market, and chances are they’ll say Borough Market. This iconic foodie spot is lively, bustling, and full of sensory appeal—with everything from artisan cheese and sizzling street food to seasonal produce for those planning to cook at home. With a history spanning back over 1,000 years and a loyal following that includes celebrity chefs, it’s a go-to destination for anyone looking to eat, drink, and explore.

In the fashion capital of Italy, the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade—one of the oldest in Europe—never goes out of style. Sandwiched by the Milan Duomo on one side and the Piazza di Marino on the other, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a bright and airy 4-story center full of restaurants and shops. Come for the neoclassical architecture; stay for the brands and fresh baked panzerotti.

A short drive from Lisbon on the Portuguese Riviera, Estoril is known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and waterfront promenade that winds all the way to the neighboring town of Cascais. Many of Estoril’s luxurious amenities date back to World War II, when neutral Portugal was an escape for soldiers and civilians. This includes its star attraction, Casino Estoril—said to have inspired Ian Fleming while writing the James Bond novel, Casino Royale.

Behold the imperial complex of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), the royal residence in Istanbul throughout the first 400 years of the Ottoman Empire. The palace contains myriad buildings and courtyards, including a treasury, harems, an armory, imperial halls, and royal chambers—all with intricate Iznik tilework and opulent architecture.

Flowing through the city of Budapest, the Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe, and it has shaped trade, defense, and daily life for centuries. Splitting the historic Buda side from the bustling Pest side, the waterfront is also part of Budapest's UNESCO World Heritage Site—home to landmarks such as the Central Market Hall, Margaret Island, and the Castle District.

The tree-lined Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the world’s most famous boulevards and one of Paris’ most magnificent sights. Stretching in a straight line all the way from the proud Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, the avenue draws visitors as much with its elegant architecture as with the boutiques, hotels, and restaurants that line it.

Among the many palaces in Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) stands apart due to its location away from the city center and its sheer scale and baroque grandeur. Once a summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, with private imperial apartments used by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), as well as extensive gardens, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit highlight in Vienna.

In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular hubs for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Thanks to the many street performers, market stalls, and world-class restaurants, there’s never a dull moment in this lively district. Home to the Royal Opera House, several top theaters, and major brand stores, it’s a buzzing destination that draws in London visitors seeking culture, food, and great entertainment.

Dramatically positioned on the coastal cliffs of Cape Sounion, this temple is one of the most evocative sites of ancient Greece. It’s dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, and dates back to the 5th century BC. Today, all that remains of the magnificent structure is a series of gleaming white marble columns, standing proudly atop the cape and overlooking the Aegean Sea.

On a hill overlooking the Vltava River, Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is a huge complex of museums, churches, palaces, and gardens, the oldest of which date back to the 9th century. On the edge of Prague’s historic center—all of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s an outstanding testament to Prague’s architectural history and a must for any visitor to the City of a Hundred Spires.

The Santorini volcano exploded around 1600 BC, blowing away more than half the island of Thera and creating a submerged caldera. That caldera is now surrounded by the Santorini archipelago in the Cyclades island group, which includes the famous bow-shaped island of Santorini, plus the volcanic islets Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni—where travelers visit to see rocky, volcanic craters that continue to puff steam.

Commissioned by Julius Caesar in the final years of the Roman Republic and completed under the reign of Emperor Augustus, the Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello) predates the Colosseum, which it resembles in style. Visiting offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Romans, with far fewer crowds than the better-known Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Beautiful yet eerie, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) isn’t your average underground well. Dating back to the Byzantine era, the huge cistern was built in the mid-500s on the former site of a basilica. More than 300 marble columns provide a grand, serene atmosphere to what was essentially subterranean water storage.

Like a mini Times Square, Piccadilly Circus in the West End has appeared on countless TV shows and movies, capturing the buzz of London life. With its flashy billboards, high footfall, and nearby tourist hot spots, visitors often pass through Piccadilly Circus on sightseeing tours or en route to some of the city’s major attractions. It’s also a great place to shop and is close to other top destinations, including Leicester Square and Regent Street.

Puccini, Rossini, and Verdi are among the famous composers who premiered their operas at La Scala, giving it status as one of the world’s most prestigious theaters. And, a visit inside this 18th-century Milan theater makes you feel just as prestigious, where the red-and-gold decor and the elegantly dressed audience frame the action on stage. Operas, ballets, and concerts take place here, along with La Scala tours that include entry to the on-site museum.

The Tiber River (Fiume Tevere) has run through Italy’s capital city since ancient Roman times, and Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina) has a history that’s just as long. Once the site of the ancient temple of Aesculapius (the Greek god of medicine), Romans have visited the island since antiquity to seek healing. Today, one of Rome’s main hospitals is still located here, as is the historic Church of San Bartolomeo all’Isola.

Home to over 2 million books, microfilms, newspapers, ancient manuscripts, and historic documents, the National Library (Vallianeion) is the heart of Greek literary history, and its neoclassical design inspired by a Doric temple and fronted by twin winding staircases is a delight for architecture enthusiasts.

Riomaggiore is photogenic at every angle, thanks to its multicolored buildings cocooned between sea cliffs and fronted by the ocean. The largest and southernmost of northern Italy’s five Cinque Terre villages, Riomaggiore is the place for taking romantic promenades, sipping coffee in cafés, and bird-watching along the rocky shores.

Few places showcase the Netherlands’ iconic tulips better than Keukenhof Gardens, a colorful sea of flowers with millions of new bulbs planted every year. An easy day trip from Amsterdam, the gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and snapping photos of flowers in bloom. It’s a Holland tradition that attracts visitors from around the globe—and one you certainly won’t want to miss.

Tucked away on the south coast of Santorini, White Beach (Aspri Paralia) is sheltered by chalk-grey cliffs. This minuscule strand is actually composed of coarse black—not white—sand, and liberally peppered with grey and white pebbles as well as massive white volcanic boulders.

Since 1932, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has presided over Athens’ Syntagma Square, honoring the Greek soldiers who lost their lives in battle. The monument is inscribed with the names of significant conflicts and battles, with a relief of a fallen Greek soldier at its center. Every day, crowds come to witness the famed Changing of the Guard ceremony, one of the most popular spectacles in Athens.

Commissioned by King Henry VIII, St. James’s Palace has been a royal residence for centuries and the site of notable events, such as Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert. Today, the official palace houses members of the royal family and often hosts receptions, state visits, and grand ceremonies, though you can now peek inside on an exclusive tour. Much of the original Tudor brickwork remains, making it popular among architecture buffs.

Tucked beneath the famous highway that skirts Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is one of the most popular attractions on this iconic stretch of coastline. Named for the unique color of its water, which turns emerald when the sun shines just so, the marine cave also has stalagmites and stalactites more commonly associated with inland caves, plus an underwater nativity scene.

Downtown Athens] highest point, Mt. Lycabettus (also known as Lykavittos) looms 909 feet (277 meters) over the urban sprawl of Greece’s capital. Views from the top are unmatched and come with the bonus of having far fewer crowds than better-known hilltop attractions, such as the Acropolis. A couple of restaurants, a theater, and two chapels (one in a cave) add to the hill’s charms.

10 Downing Street is the official residence of the British prime minister and one of London’s most famous addresses. The Chancellor of the Exchequer lives at number 11. On any given day, you can see streams of important politicians walking through the doors of these two famed addresses. Downing Street has been home to some of the most influential figures in the UK government for over 300 years, including Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and Tony Blair.