Europe attractions

Spread out over 18 hectares (44 acres), the Zoo d’Amnéville is an expansive animal park that's home to around 2,000 animals representing 360 species from five continents. Wander through the park at your leisure or pause to witness one of many demonstrations on offer, from birds-of-prey shows to gorilla feedings.

The LWL Museum Zeche Zollern—a 19th-century former colliery turned industrial history museum—shines the spotlight on Dortmund’s coal-mining past. Unexpectedly, for a former colliery, its setting is quite easy on the eye. Visitors are greeted by aristocratic-style architecture, which exists in stark contrast to the miners’ harsh working conditions, as explained in the museum.

The Chiesa di Sant’Orso (or the Collegiate Church and Cloister of Saint Ursus) is one of Aosta’s most atmospheric religious complexes. Its understated facade and bell tower reflect the area’s Romanesque style, and an ornately carved choir was added inside during a major Renaissance restyling. The serene cloister adjacent to the church has remained largely untouched for almost 1,000 years.

With its stately Jacobean-style façade, magnificent oak furniture, and rolling parklands, Stokesay Court is a striking example of a late-Victorian English country estate. Best known as the setting of the 2007 film, Atonement, the estate is open to visitors who can admire locations such as the library, gardens, and outdoor fountain.

A small beachside village, Karydi (Karidi) is one of the many summer getaways that grace the coast of Greece’s Halkidiki region. Shallow, sheltered coves line Karydi’s shore, offering soft sand beaches and picturesque rocky shores. Swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling are the main activities for visitors, making the area especially popular among families after a beach getaway.

Attracting both car enthusiasts and history buffs, the medieval Loizaga Tower not only delivers fantastic Basque Country scenery, but is home to a car museum showcasing a remarkable Rolls-Royce collection. Admire rare and iconic vehicles from all over the world, including up to 45 different models from the 1900s.

One of Ostrava’s most popular tourist attractions, the Viewing Tower of the New City Hall offers a panoramic view of this regional Czech capital. On a clear day, it is possible to see the entire city, the nearby Beskydy Mountains, and even Poland in the not-too-far-off distance.

If the UNESCO-listed Provins is known as one of France’s most emblematic medieval towns, then the Cesar Tower (Tour César) is its literal and figurative high point. Dating back to the 12th century and built by the Counts of Champagne, the multi-turreted stone tower was used as a dungeon and watchtower before becoming a symbol of the town.

Sandwiched between Weston Woods and the headland at Sand Point, Sand Bay in Somerset is a sweeping sand and shingle beach backed by unspoiled dunes. A favorite for hiking, horseback riding, dog walking, and seaside strolling—as well as birdwatching at Sand Point—Sand Bay also offers vistas of the River Severn and its two suspension bridges on a clear day.

A scenic beach in County Kerry, Banna Strand is a 7-mile (11-kilometer) stretch of sand that’s popular for beach walks, swimming, and surfing. Along with its inviting setting for activities ranging from family picnics to kite-surfing, the beach is known as an important landmark in local history—in the lead-up to the 1916 Easter Rising, it’s the location where Irish revolutionary Roger Casement was captured.

The Moses Fountain (Mosesbrunnen) in Bern’s Münsterplatz was first built in the 16th century, and then replaced by the current one in 1791. Its statue depicts Moses in blue and gold robes, holding the Ten Commandments. One of the abundant sculptural fountains in Bern’s historical center, it’s an artistic place to pause and refresh—the water can be sipped.

Set in and around Malaga Airport’s original first passenger terminal, the Malaga Aeronautical Museum (Museo Aeronautico de Malaga) whisks you back to the golden age of mid-20th-century air travel in Spain. Marvel at a 1940s control tower, view an original check-in counter, enter the cockpit of restored airplanes, and see displays that recapture the days when flying was a rare luxury.

The Geneva Contemporary Art Center, a space dedicated to the research and production of works of art, fufills travelers' needs for an art-filled day in Geneva. The center hosts numerous exhibitions and screenings, and since it shares space with three other notable art institutions, you'll see more of Geneva's art scene in less time.

The echoing halls of an art deco terminal that once welcomed arriving transatlantic liners now house one of Cherbourg’s star attractions, Cité de la Mer, a modern, interactive maritime museum. Exhibits include submarines—among them Le Redoutable, the world’s largest tourable sub—aquariums, displays on the Titanic and emigration, and films on Normandy and the D-Day landings.

Far from its namesake palace, Nantes’ Île de Versailles is a picturesque island set along the Erdre River in the heart of the city. Cross the footbridge to the small man-made island and follow the tree-lined walkways through an idyllic Japanese garden, complete with wooden bridges, red-painted pavilions, and water features.

While there’s not a great deal left of it to see, Minerva’s Shrine in Edgar’s Park remains an important piece of Chester’s Roman history. The remains of the rock-carved shrine to the pagan Roman goddess date back to the second century, when Chester was occupied by the Romans and known to its people as the city of Deva.

High-quality, palm oil–free Belgian chocolate meets Yorkshire innovation and craftsmanship at The Little Chocolate Shop in North Yorkshire, which runs daily chocolate-making workshops for all ages and abilities. Browse for a pick-and-mix selection of locally made chocolate at the store, grab a decadent hot chocolate in the on-site café, or simply watch the chocolatiers at work at this delicious destination.

Den Haag’s hypermodern science museum, one of the Dutch city’s top family-friendly attractions, succeeds at its mission of being both educational and fun. A very hands-on affair, Museon has plenty of buttons to press, smells to sniff, and movies to watch in the permanent exhibition, which deals with the development of life on Earth.

Footwear fanatics especially enjoy visiting the Rossimoda Shoe Museum (Museo della Calzatura), housed in the magnificent Villa Foscarini Rossi. Come to see the museum's 1,500-plus shoes on display, including examples of historic Venetian footwear and iconic styles from some of the biggest names in fashion.

Austrian composer Franz Schubert spent the last few weeks of his life in this apartment in 1828, completing a series of piano sonatas and his last work, Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (The Shepherd on the Rock) just before his death. The 2-room apartment is now the poignant Schubert Sterbewohnung museum, which documents his final days.

Occupying a 16th-century fortification in old Valletta, the St. James’ Cavalier Centre for Creativity is Malta’s liveliest arts and culture hub. Dedicated to promoting cultural expression, this vibrant, government-funded complex features a theater, an arthouse cinema, and rolling art exhibitions, creative events, and workshops.

With its fantastic views and fresh, crisp mountain air, Lobicky Peak has been a popular destination for generations. A cable car ferries passengers up to the peak during summer, though some intrepid travelers prefer to climb on foot.

Situated within the Walled Garden of Burn Hall Hotel, the York Bird of Prey Centre is home to more than 80 birds of prey, including owls, falcons, hawks, and eagles. Watch flight demonstrations and take the opportunity to both feed and handle these magnificent creatures at indoor and outdoor exhibits.

One of Chester’s top family-friendly attractions, Sick to Death is dedicated to the history of medicine, in all its gross, gory, and shocking detail. Full of interactive exhibits and themed areas that focus on topics ranging from plagues and pandemics to autopsies and apothecaries, the museum is housed within the Grade II listed St. Michael’s Church in the medieval Chester Rows.

Billed as a “modern traditional market,” this culinary hub has become one of the city’s most popular destinations for food lovers and shoppers since opening in 2022. Home to several dozen vendors—including stalls selling hot prepared foods, ingredients, homewares, and other goods—it makes a convenient stop right in the heart of town.

The Agrippabad offers a vibrant aquatic experience in the heart of Cologne, near Neumarkt. Loved by sports enthusiasts and families, it features an 82-foot (25-meter) sports pool, slides, a 33-foot (10-meter) diving tower, and a kiddie paddling pool. With indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and a fitness area, it's a haven for water lovers of all ages and skills.

One of Birmingham’s most popular markets—and a must if you’re a shopper who loves hunting for bargains—is the Birmingham Rag Market, right in the city center. Also known as the Bull Ring Rag Market or St. Martin’s Rag Market, the vast indoor space houses some 350 vendors, and specializes in clothing, fabrics, homewares, and other items.

Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic bookThe Little Prince, this destination is a theme park with a twist. Marketing itself as the world’s first “aerial park,” it offers rides and attractions designed to take you up into the sky.

A family-friendly water park located an hour outside Venice, Aquafollie has pools, waterslides, and games for kids, plus high-adrenaline attractions such as the Kamikaze slide for thrill seekers. Adults appreciate the umbrella-dotted relaxation area, and parents of the youngest guests can spend time at the nursery pool.

For an immersive day out certain to delight the whole family, head to South Lakes Safari Zoo. Tour the park on foot to catch a glimpse of rhinos, jaguars, and other animals; hand-feed giraffes, penguins, or tigers; or learn more at one of the many educational talks.