Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world for good reason – rich history and culture, stunning scenery, world-famous landmarks, cities bursting with art and cuisine…the list goes on. Here are 25 can’t-miss spots across the continent:
1. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City needs no introduction. This epicenter of the Roman Empire still echoes the feats of gladiators in the Colosseum and inspires awe in the Sistine Chapel. Meander the streets and fountains by day, then indulge in pasta and wine at a trattoria by night.
Key Sites:
- Colosseum
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Vatican City
2. Paris, France
The City of Light dazzles with its unforgettable cityscape, especially when the Eiffel Tower sparkles over the Seine at night. Linger outside cafés, people-watch from Montmartre, and lose yourself in the vast collections of the Louvre.
Key Sites:
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Notre Dame Cathedral
3. Santorini, Greece
Soak up endless days on this Mediterranean jewel with its whitewashed villages carved into seaside cliffs. Watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea with a glass of local Assyrtiko wine in hand.
Key Sites:
- Oia
- Ancient Akrotiri
- Red Beach
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Walk the imposing medieval walls surrounding this coastal city on the sparkling Adriatic Sea. With its red-tiled roofs, narrow limestone streets, and historic buildings, Dubrovnik transports you to another time.
Key Sites:
- City Walls
- Lokrum Island
- Srđ Mountain
5. Barcelona, Spain
From Gaudi’s fantastical architecture to some of the world’s best food and nightlife, Barcelona dazzles the senses. Stroll Las Ramblas then get lost in the winding Gothic Quarter before returning for sangria and tapas.
Key Sites:
- La Sagrada Familia
- Park Güell
- La Boqueria Market
6. Norwegian Fjords
Cruise through deep blue fjords with villages scattered across the rugged landscape under snow-capped peaks and thunderous waterfalls. Base yourself in Bergen to easily access Norway’s picture-perfect Sognefjord region.
Key Sites:
- Sognefjord
- Geirangerfjord
- Nærøyfjord
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul feels cosmopolitan yet steeped in history. Take in stunning religious architecture like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Shop and dine your way through the Grand Bazaar.
Key Sites:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapı Palace
- Grand Bazaar
8. Prague, Czech Republic
Get happily lost wandering cobblestone streets and soaking up culture in Prague’s Old Town centered around Old Town Square. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge by day and sample Czech beer and dumplings by night.
Key Sites:
- Prague Castle
- Old Town Square
- Charles Bridge
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bike along the maze of canals under the gabled facades of Amsterdam. Pause to admire the Van Gogh Museum’s collection or delve into history at Anne Frank House. Cap it off by sampling distinctive Dutch beer and gin.
Key Sites:
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Anne Frank House
10. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Inspiring Disney fairytales, this 19th century Romanesque Revival palace perched in the Bavarian Alps above pint-sized villages looks surreal. Tour the extravagant interior and hike the surrounding hillsides for magical vistas.
Key Sites:
- Marienbrücke
- Pöllat Gorge
- Tegelberg Gondola
11. London, England
From royal landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to world-class museums and Endless shopping and entertainment, London dazzles on an epic scale. Ride a double-decker bus or zip in a black cab to see it all.
Key Sites:
- Buckingham Palace
- British Museum
- Westminster Abbey
12. Florence, Italy
The epicenter of the Renaissance dazzles with artistic masterpieces around every corner. Stand in awe under Brunelleschi’s dome, gaze at Michelangelo’s David, and meander the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno before dining on Italy’s finest cuisine.
Key Sites:
- The Duomo
- Uffizi Gallery
- Galleria dell’Accademia
13. Alhambra, Granada, Spain
This imposing palace fortress complex embodies 700 years of history from medieval towers of Castille to intricately ornate Moorish details. Wander through fragrant gardens and serene water features with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains as your backdrop.
Key Sites:
- Nasrid Palaces
- Generalife Gardens
- Charles V Palace
14. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Live your James Bond or Grace Kelly fantasies on the French Riviera with the thrills of F1 racing and high stakes Monte Carlo casinos, paired with exclusive designer boutiques and superyachts moored in the glittering harbor.
Key Sites:
- Casino de Monte-Carlo
- Opera de Monte-Carlo
- Port de Fontvieille
15. Venice, Italy
Cruise the Grand Canal, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and lose yourself in the tiny squares of the Floating City. After seeing iconic St Mark’s Square and Basilica, sip an Aperol spritz while snacking on cicchetti during aperitivo hour.
Key Sites:
- St. Mark’s Square
- Doge’s Palace
- Rialto Bridge
16. Moscow, Russia
With instantly recognizable landmarks like St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow mixes Soviet history with a revitalized foodie scene and cultural renaissance. Ride the metro then walk the cobblestone paths of Red Square and feast on fine Russian cuisine.
Key Sites:
- St. Basil’s Cathedral
- Bolshoi Theatre
- Red Square
17. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
One of the Adriatic’s most breathtaking bays – ringed by quaint seaside towns and imposing limestone cliffs – feels worlds away yet refreshingly crowd-free. Base yourself in medieval Kotor to explore the bay then head to the mountains for scenic day hikes.
Key Sites:
- Cathedral of St. Tryphon
- Fortress of St. John
- Lustica peninsula
18. Athens, Greece
The birthplace of democracy inspires awe with ancient ruins like the mighty Acropolis still dominating the skyline over modern Athens. Then dive into history at the Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum before enjoying Greece’s mouthwatering mezédes cuisine.
Key Sites:
- The Acropolis & Parthenon
- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
19. Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
A thundering double cascade fed by glacial runoff plunges 105 feet into a dramatic rocky river canyon that looks otherworldly when partly frozen in winter. Nearby geysers and epic landscapes complete this Icelandic adventure.
Key Sites:
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Geysir Hot Springs
- Þingvellir National Park
20. Lisbon, Portugal
Set across steep hills overlooking the Tagus River estuary, colorful Lisbon captivates with medieval castles, grand plazas, and an iconic suspension bridge. Trams wind through vibrant neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto full of soulful Fado music and tempting pastéis de nata.
Key Sites:
- Belém Tower
- Jerónimos Monastery
- São Jorge Castle
21. Budapest, Hungary
Buda and Pest’s divided cities seamlessly unite over the Danube, especially along the panoramic Chain Bridge. Explore opulent Turkish baths and 20th century history then take in the beauty along the river banks.
Key Sites:
- Buda Castle
- Szechenyi Thermal Baths
- Hungarian Parliament Building
22. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 16 crystalline turquoise lakes cascade one into another through dense forests and fascinating travertine rock formations. Walk the network of hiking trails and wooden footbridges that link waterfalls and lakes of vibrant colors.
23. Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
The world’s most photographed peak juts sharply into the sky, its 4 steep faces equally rugged from top to bottom making it a mountaineering mecca. Get close up views aboard mountain railways and gondolas in the pedestrian-only village of Zermatt.
Key Sites:
- Gornergratbahn Railway
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- Mountaineers’ Cemetery
24. Stonehenge, England
Dating back 5,000 years, this prehistoric stone circle marvel inspires speculation about its astronomical alignments and mysterious construction methods. Get a private viewing from inside the inner ring for a true one-on-one experience with history.
Key Sites:
- Stonehenge Inner Circle Access
- Stonehenge Exhibition Centre
- Woodhenge
25. Vienna, Austria
The epicenter of the former Habsburg Empire for over 600 years dazzles with resplendent Baroque architecture and world-class modern museums along the grand Ringstrasse. Pay homage to Austria’s musical legacy then indulge in the epic coffeehouse culture that has endured since the 1700s.
Key Sites:
- Schönbrunn Palace
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Kunsthistorisches Museum