Europe attractions

Île de la Cité lies at the historic center of Paris, in the middle of the Seine River. Visitors come to this natural island to see a variety of top landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais de Justice, and Sainte-Chapelle. It’s also notable for being the birthplace of Paris, where the Parisii tribe created a settlement nearly 2,300 years ago.

One of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Europe, Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Baths (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő) are one of Hungary’s most visited attractions. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the blue pools is a quintessential Budapest experience. It’s also a luxurious one, especially when coupled with a visit to the spa, which offers everything from saunas and mudpacks to rejuvenating massages and balneal therapies.

The atmospheric Royal Mile thoroughfare cuts through the historic heart of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, extending for just over 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Partially-pedestrianized, the street is lined with historic stone buildings selling tartan, whisky, and Scottish souvenirs. In between the former tenements and taverns are narrow alleyways known locally as closes.

Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most important and elegant squares in the heart of Florence, lined with porticoed 19th-century palazzi, Grand Dame hotels, high-end boutiques, bustling restaurants, and historic cafés. A stroll through this beautiful public space is a must during any Florence sightseeing tour.

In the culture-rich district of central Portugal lies Fátima, one of the Catholic Church’s most important pilgrimage sites. The now sacred shrine first became known in May 1917, when three shepherd children reported that the Virgin Mary had appeared to them. A marble pillar with a statue of Our Lady marks the exact spot in the Chapel of Apparitions (Capelinha das Aparições), and the complex also consists of two basilicas: Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Fátima and Basílica da Santíssima Trindade.

London Bridge, often confused with the more well-known Tower Bridge, is a functional but historically significant crossing over the River Thames. First built by the Romans in AD 50, the bridge has been replaced several times over the centuries. The current structure might not have the grandeur of its predecessors, but it offers visitors great views of the Thames and London landmarks, including The Shard and the Tower of London.

St. Mary of the Sea Cathedral (Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar) reigns over the atmospheric Passeig del Born, and is the only surviving church in Catalan Gothic style. Built in the 14th century, the cathedral is characterized by its architectural elegance and harmony. Highlights include exquisite stained-glass windows, tombs of medieval brotherhood members, and 360-degree views of Barcelona from the church’s rooftop terrace.

The gigantic town square of Rynek Główny (most often translated Main Market Square) is the centrepiece of Krakow’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and the largest medieval square in Europe. Dominated by the Renaissance-style Cloth Hall and flanked by colorful neoclassical buildings, the square is both an architectural landmark and the main hub of local life.

Matthias Church (Matays-templom), is a top sight in Budapest's must-see Castle Hill district. This Roman Catholic church boasts neo-Gothic architecture and intricate detailing, from ornately tiled roof and carved gargoyles, to frescoes and stained-glass windows. Visit Matthias Church as part of a Buda Castle complex tour.

The Monument to the Great Fire of London—better known as simply the Monument—commemorates the devastating fire that swept London in 1666, leaving around 85 percent of Londoners homeless and forever changing the city. The Doric column stands exactly 202 feet (61-meters) from where the fire began—the distance is mirrored in its exact height. Today, visitors can ascend the landmark for panoramic views of the city.

The sheer cliffs, sweeping views, epic sunsets, and photogenic ruins of Cape Sounion (also written Cape Sounio) form one of the most popular Athens day trips. Built around 444–440 BC, the Temple of Poseidon and its elegant white-marble columns are the star of the show, but there’s a small beach below and a wealth of dining options nearby.

Tucked between Amalfi Coast superstars Positano and Amalfi, Praiano has managed to retain the feel of a quiet fishing village, with a slower pace and fewer crowds than its flashier neighbors. Rocky beaches and steep, winding lanes deliver views of colorful clifftop houses and the Li Galli rock formations in the distance. Admire local landmarks such as the beautifully tiled Piazza San Gennaro, then leave plenty of time to linger by the seaside.

Don’t be fooled by the name—Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo was built as a tomb, not a castle. Commissioned in the second century, this imposing cylindrical structure once held the mausoleum of Hadrian and subsequent Roman emperors. Today, it’s home to the Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum, which commemorates the evolving structure’s time as a fortress, prison, and papal residence. It also has a sweeping terrace with some of the best views over the Eternal City.

Forming a grand walkway between Prague Old Town, and the Lesser Town and Castle District, the 15th-century Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. The magnificent Gothic bridge features 16 stone arches, two watchtowers, and 30 blackened baroque statues depicting various saints.

The Great Geysir (Great Geyser) is considered the world’s original geyser, as the source of the English word after which all other geysers are named. While this natural phenomenon in Iceland’s Haukadalur valley is now almost dormant, the Great Geysir and its surrounding geothermal field are still impressive geological sites and popular stops for anyone exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle.

A cluster of ancient 2-story homes spread across three tiers, the Ephesus Terrace Houses reveal how wealthy Romans lived during the city’s glory days. Glass floors let you admire geometric mosaics and still-colorful frescoes gleaming on the walls—it’s a small wonder some compare the site to Pompeii.

It's no surprise that the Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid is a top Budapest attraction since this 19th-century landmark offers fantastic views of Castle Hill. You can walk across for waterfront views, pose for a snapshot with the Buda Castle in the background, and marvel at the bridge's stone towers while crossing the Danube.

Sometimes translated as Constitution Square, Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos) is a huge public plaza stretching out in front of Athens’ Parliament Building (Vouli). Gleaming with white marble statues and anchored by a fountain, it’s a great place for people-watching. Many of the city's most important streets begin here, including Ermou Street and Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.

Built in the third century, the Hippodrome was the home of now-named Istanbul’s sporting entertainment during the Byzantine era, with a wide track for chariot racing. Today, the route of the old track is covered by Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydani), a wide open space in the center of the old city, punctuated by ancient obelisks.

Facing the Florence Cathedral (aka the Duomo) and flaunting matching green and white marble, the Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) is one of the oldest structures in the Tuscan capital. The octagonal building is thought to have been built in the fourth century, with artistic masterpieces added over time. These include Byzantine-style mosaics covering the ceiling and Lorenzo Ghiberti’s intricate bronze entry doors, which an impressed Michelangelo declared the “Gates of Paradise.”

Once Capri’s main harbor, Marina Piccola today is simply one of the picturesque spots on the island’s southern coast. The towering Faraglioni sea stacks loom just offshore, and the tiny cove is home to exclusive beach clubs and waterfront restaurants. To get a taste of Capri’s chic la dolce vita vibe, this is the place to head.

Perched on the steep edge of a caldera, looking out over the glittering Mediterranean, Oia is famed for its dreamy sunsets. It’s also one of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, with its striking white buildings, blue-domed churches, and atmospheric cave houses that burrow into the volcanic rock. Two historic harbors nestle below the village, which is the end point of the popular Fira–Oia Hike.

While most famous for its sex work scene, Amsterdam’s Red Light District (De Wallen) also houses UNESCO–listed canals, bustling restaurants, bars, and plenty of shopping opportunities. While this controversial neighborhood may not be for everyone, its winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleys evoke Amsterdam’s rich history and laid-back culture.

Originally the site of the Christian Visigoth Church San Vicente dating back to AD 600, the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba) stands as the city's most proud monument and one of the most exquisite Islamic structures in the Western world. Learn about its rich history while taking in the 850 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite.

The ruins of this ancient Roman city, now the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, live in the shadow of their more famous neighbor, Pompeii. However, many enthusiasts consider this smaller site—one of Italy’s oldest UNESCO-listed spots—to be equally engaging. Following the AD 79 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio), Herculaneum was buried in a thicker layer of volcanic debris than Pompeii, leaving its ruins remarkably well preserved, including intact home interiors with furnishings, jewelry, and even food.

Expect bright lights, extravagant costumes, and raucous music at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Opened in the Belle Époque of 1889 to celebrate Paris’ thriving creative scene, the windmill-slash-cabaret hall has never stopped basking in fun and frivolity. As a staple of Parisian nightlife, an unforgettable evening at the Moulin Rouge is a must on any traveler’s France itinerary.

Few natural landmarks are as emblematic of Sicily as Mt. Etna, the conical-shaped volcano that stands watch over Catania on the east coast. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed geological wonder takes the title of the world’s most active stratovolcano, with its first eruption dating back more than 500,000 years and its most recent in 2025. When it’s not spurting lava, it’s known for its hiking, skiing, and scenic train and cable car rides.

This picturesque hillside village is set on a volcanic crater at the highest point on Santorini, offering panoramic views over the island. With whitewashed Cycladic architecture, Byzantine churches, and small winding cobblestone lanes, Pyrgos (Pyrgos Kallistis offers the historic charm of the Greek islands without the tourist crowds.

Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles takes the award for the most visited chateau in France, and André le Nôtre’s magnificent Versailles Gardens (Jardins de Versailles) are world-renowned. The series of beautifully landscaped gardens features show-stopping fountains, tree-lined pathways, and the cross-shaped Grand Canal at its center. Spectacular fountain shows, some with fireworks and musical performances, illuminate the gardens during the summer months.

St. James’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks, with arguably one of the best locations—adjacent to Buckingham Palace. The park features a lake, flower-filled gardens, and plenty of spaces to sit and relax. It’s also famed for its birdlife, including its resident pelicans who are fed daily by the park’s wildlife team.