Europe attractions

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.

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.

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.

With a history that includes serving as a Roman forum, a medieval market square, and a Renaissance-era Jewish grotto, Piazza della Repubblica is a Florence square with a storied past. While little remains of its early life after a 19th-century regeneration scheme known as il risanamento, the square remains a popular destination in the old center, enticing sightseers with historic cafés, porticoed palazzi, restaurants, and even a retro carousel.

A popular meeting place for tourists and locals, Plaza Mayor dates back to the early 17th century, during King Felipe III's reign; its central equestrian statue is a nod to the king's role in overseeing the square's completion. Forming the outer walls are a series of three-story buildings with balconies overlooking the lively scene.

Beautiful yet eerie, the 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, earning it the nickname “The Sunken Palace” (Yerebatan Sarayi).

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.

Piazza del Campidoglio, the first modern civic square in Rome, was designed by none other than Michelangelo in 1536. Perched at the top of the Capitoline Hill overlooking the Roman Forum (Foro Romano), the square is lined by the monumental Cordonata staircase and three Renaissance palaces that are now home to the Capitoline Museums. And you thought Michelangelo only did ceilings and statues.

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.

One third of the Hansen brothers’ neoclassical Athenian Trilogy, the National Library (Vallianeion) is inspired by a Doric temple, fronted by twin winding staircases, and an utter delight for architecture enthusiasts. While the 2-million strong collection has now moved to a new modernist building designed by Renzo Piano, the building continues to serve as a reading room.

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.

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.

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.

Perched on one of two small islands in the Bay of Kotor, just off the coast of Perast, the 17th-century Our Lady of the Rocks church is a majestic sight. Framed by mountain peaks and cobalt blue waters, the church appears to float on the water’s surface, and has fast become one of Montenegro’s most photographed landmarks.

With its emerald-green lakes, rocky caves, and cascading waterfalls—all framed by soaring limestone cliffs, ancient woodlands, and fields of wild orchids—Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most postcard-worthy natural playgrounds. The UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises more than 73,000 acres (20,500 hectares) of unspoiled landscapes and boasts a chain of 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls, all linked by a network of hiking and biking trails.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks is the massive 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), which bears a close resemblance to the Golden Gate Bridge. Unlike that US landmark, it boasts the accolade of Europe’s longest suspension bridge. And while you can’t walk over the bridge, driving or riding the train over it is well worth it, or visit the Pilar 7 experience for panoramic views.

Perched high above Sintra with sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Castle of the Moors dates back to the eighth century, when it was built during the Moorish reign in Portugal. Now partially restored, this atmospheric hilltop fortress is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come to walk its ancient stone walls, explore crumbling towers, and take in panoramic views of Sintra National Palace and the surrounding forest.

A central square that befits its title, the Grand-Place (Grote Markt) in Brussels is one of the grandest public spaces you might ever meet. The cobblestone square is surrounded by historic merchant buildings, known as guildhalls, each complete with lavish statues, gables, and guild signs. While it’s especially popular with photographers and architecture buffs, the Grand-Place has something for all, and is free to visit all day, every day.

Presiding over the UNESCO-listed city from its hilltop spot, the fortress-like Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto) is a reminder of Porto’s diverse history. Featuring Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture, this is one of Porto’s largest and oldest churches, so it’s a must-visit for architecture and history aficionados. One of its most photogenic features is the cloisters, which lead to a treasury featuring priceless religious artifacts.

There is no more representative symbol of Seville’s layered history than the 322-foot (98-meter) The Giralda (El Giraldillo). The bell tower of the city’s cathedral stands a little apart from the main building; it was once the minaret of a mosque that stood on the site before it was razed to make way for the cathedral.

Though Rome’s Jewish Ghetto no longer exists (it was abolished in 1882), the neighborhood is still the center of Rome’s Jewish community, the oldest in Italy. The city’s 19th-century synagogue— home to the Jewish Museum of Rome— is here, surrounded by winding lanes lined with kosher restaurants and markets. In addition to its Jewish cultural sights, the Ghetto is home to ruins, including the Portico of Octavia, Theater of Marcellus, and Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth).