25 Best Places to Visit in Europe - Travel Europe
Although it is the world’s second smallest continent, Europe welcomes more than half of all the
tourists worldwide. In fact, 7 of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations.
It’s easy to see why; a well-preserved cultural heritage, rich history, safety and efficient infrastructure
makes visiting Europe a breeze. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Europe:
tourists worldwide. In fact, 7 of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations.
It’s easy to see why; a well-preserved cultural heritage, rich history, safety and efficient infrastructure
makes visiting Europe a breeze. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Europe:
Number 25.
Vienna As the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire, Vienna is awash with impressive imperial
buildings and palaces, which so comprehensively convey the wealth and power of its former
monarchs. Now the capital of Austria, the city is a delight to get lost in. Nicknamed ‘the City
of Music’, the names of its famous residents roll off the tongue, with Mozart, Beethoven and
Schubert among those who once graced its streets.
buildings and palaces, which so comprehensively convey the wealth and power of its former
monarchs. Now the capital of Austria, the city is a delight to get lost in. Nicknamed ‘the City
of Music’, the names of its famous residents roll off the tongue, with Mozart, Beethoven and
Schubert among those who once graced its streets.
Number 24.
Stonehenge You have to marvel at the determination of prehistoric man when you look at
Stonehenge. Construction started about 3000 BC on what was originally burial grounds. Huge
monoliths, weighing 25 tons, were dragged 150 miles to the site a few hundred years later.
Stonehenge. Construction started about 3000 BC on what was originally burial grounds. Huge
monoliths, weighing 25 tons, were dragged 150 miles to the site a few hundred years later.
It’s not known exactly how many humungous rocks were moved to a field near Amesbury but there
are 13 standing today. It’s also not known why Stonehenge was built, but many believe this great
English landmark is associated with early astrology.
are 13 standing today. It’s also not known why Stonehenge was built, but many believe this great
English landmark is associated with early astrology.
Number 23.
Matterhorn Egypt may have its pyramids, but Italy and Switzerland have a nature-made pyramid of
their own: the Matterhorn. At 14,692 feet high, this famous mountain is one of the highest in Europe.
The mountain has four faces, each equally rugged. The legendary mountain has been popular with
climbers since the first ascent in 1865; during the summer 150 people a day try to climb it. Couch
potatoes may be just as happy to stay below and gaze in awe at the summit playing hide and seek
with the clouds.
their own: the Matterhorn. At 14,692 feet high, this famous mountain is one of the highest in Europe.
The mountain has four faces, each equally rugged. The legendary mountain has been popular with
climbers since the first ascent in 1865; during the summer 150 people a day try to climb it. Couch
potatoes may be just as happy to stay below and gaze in awe at the summit playing hide and seek
with the clouds.
Number 22.
Plitvice Lakes The Plitvice Lakes are so pretty, officials turned them into a national park. Located in
central Croatia, Plitvice Lakes consists of 16 lakes that attract more than a million visitors a year.
The lakes are surrounded by lush forests and connected by waterfalls cascading down from one lake
to another. The lakes are divided into two sections, lower and upper, because of the difference in
elevation. The best way to see the lakes is walking; on the route you might even see some wildlife.
central Croatia, Plitvice Lakes consists of 16 lakes that attract more than a million visitors a year.
The lakes are surrounded by lush forests and connected by waterfalls cascading down from one lake
to another. The lakes are divided into two sections, lower and upper, because of the difference in
elevation. The best way to see the lakes is walking; on the route you might even see some wildlife.
Number 21.
Budapest Budapest was already an established city when the Hungarians took over in the ninth
century. Today, Budapest is the country’s capital and largest city.In between these two events,
Budapest was ruled by the Mongols and Ottomans, among others.
century. Today, Budapest is the country’s capital and largest city.In between these two events,
Budapest was ruled by the Mongols and Ottomans, among others.
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is home to the Museum of Fine Arts
with its collection of more than 100,000 works.Be sure to visit the centrally located Old Town with its
many museums, churches, palaces and Parliament building.
with its collection of more than 100,000 works.Be sure to visit the centrally located Old Town with its
many museums, churches, palaces and Parliament building.
Number 20.
Lisbon The Portuguese capital of Lisbon lies on the Tagus River along the Atlantic coast. It is this
location that encouraged explorers to sail far and wide around the world in the 15th, 16th and 17th
centuries. One of the things you’ll want to see is Belem Tower, a 16th century fortress on the Tagus’
north bank. If you’re looking for good views of old Lisbon, head to Saint George Castle that was built
on a hilltop by the Moors.
location that encouraged explorers to sail far and wide around the world in the 15th, 16th and 17th
centuries. One of the things you’ll want to see is Belem Tower, a 16th century fortress on the Tagus’
north bank. If you’re looking for good views of old Lisbon, head to Saint George Castle that was built
on a hilltop by the Moors.
Number 19.
Gullfoss You probably don’t know too too many people who’ve been to Iceland. But it may be worth
a trip there to visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls. Located in southern Iceland, Gullfoss is one of
Iceland’s top tourist attractions. At times it almost appears glacier-like, appropriate, perhaps, since it
is fed by a glacier. The waterfalls begins just after the Ölfusá River makes a perpendicular turn and
then cascades down a three-step staircase into a canyon that is 115 feet deep.
a trip there to visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls. Located in southern Iceland, Gullfoss is one of
Iceland’s top tourist attractions. At times it almost appears glacier-like, appropriate, perhaps, since it
is fed by a glacier. The waterfalls begins just after the Ölfusá River makes a perpendicular turn and
then cascades down a three-step staircase into a canyon that is 115 feet deep.
Number 18.
Athens Athens, a city that’s been inhabited since the fifth century BC, gave the world the concept of
democracy and is the birthplace of Western civilization. Many of the city’s major landmarks can be
found in the old town, particularly around the Acropolis.
democracy and is the birthplace of Western civilization. Many of the city’s major landmarks can be
found in the old town, particularly around the Acropolis.
The list includes the temple of Zeus; the Theatre of Dionysus where Sophocles works were performed
and the Parthenon, which sits atop the Acropolis.
and the Parthenon, which sits atop the Acropolis.
Number 17.
Montenegro This bay off the Adriatic is just downright picturesque: hemmed in by mountains, with
quaint villages sandwiched between the cliffs and the gorgeous blue water. Several well-preserved
medieval towns ring the bay.
quaint villages sandwiched between the cliffs and the gorgeous blue water. Several well-preserved
medieval towns ring the bay.
People make pilgrimages here, not only to take in the scenery but also to visit the many Orthodox and
Christian churches spread among the villages.
Christian churches spread among the villages.
Number 16.
Moscow For nearly 900 years, Moscow has been the capital of Russia. As such, this old city has
plenty to offer visitors. Let’s start with the 15th century Red Square since many of the city’s key
attractions surround it.
plenty to offer visitors. Let’s start with the 15th century Red Square since many of the city’s key
attractions surround it.
A top landmark is the Kremlin, a former fortress that houses museums and the president of the
Russian federation. Lenin’s Tomb sits in the middle of the square, while the iconic onion-domed
St. Basil’s Cathedral, now a museum, is on one side.
Russian federation. Lenin’s Tomb sits in the middle of the square, while the iconic onion-domed
St. Basil’s Cathedral, now a museum, is on one side.
Number 15.
Venice Venice is for romantics who love gliding through the Grand Canal with a gondolier singing
Italian love songs. This is, after all, the city that sent Marco Polo off on his journey to China. Start
your exploration of Venice at San Marco Square, the city’s most famous square. Here you’ll find the
Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian government, and St. Mark’s Basilica, the main church in Venice
with stunning views from the tower. Venice also is famous for its bridges across the canals.
Italian love songs. This is, after all, the city that sent Marco Polo off on his journey to China. Start
your exploration of Venice at San Marco Square, the city’s most famous square. Here you’ll find the
Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian government, and St. Mark’s Basilica, the main church in Venice
with stunning views from the tower. Venice also is famous for its bridges across the canals.
Number 14.
Monte Carlo If you’re into glitz and glamour, look no further than Monte Carlo, the major city in the
tiny principality of Monaco. Monaco has always been known for these qualities which reached new
heights when its prince made Grace Kelly his princess. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean,
Monte Carlo is known for fast car races and its elite casino. Take a walk along the harbor to see
yachts that belong to the rich and famous.
tiny principality of Monaco. Monaco has always been known for these qualities which reached new
heights when its prince made Grace Kelly his princess. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean,
Monte Carlo is known for fast car races and its elite casino. Take a walk along the harbor to see
yachts that belong to the rich and famous.
Get more information flight
Number 13.
Alhambra The Alhambra is one of the great wonders of Spain. It’s a gorgeous palace-fortress
complex that can be found in Granada in southern Spain’s Andalusia province. This imposing
complex started out as a small fortress in the late ninth century, though it was built on the ruins of a
former Roman
complex that can be found in Granada in southern Spain’s Andalusia province. This imposing
complex started out as a small fortress in the late ninth century, though it was built on the ruins of a
former Roman
fortress. Taken over by Christian rulers, it is the site where Columbus got the go-ahead to discover
the New World. The blending of architectural styles over the centuries is stunning. You’ll find great
art and grand gardens throughout.
the New World. The blending of architectural styles over the centuries is stunning. You’ll find great
art and grand gardens throughout.
Number 12.
Florence If it weren’t for Florence, the Renaissance might not have happened. Florence is generally
credited with bringing Europe out of the dark ages with great artists like Michelangelo. You can see
their works at the Uffizi gallery, or the Academia that displays the original David.
credited with bringing Europe out of the dark ages with great artists like Michelangelo. You can see
their works at the Uffizi gallery, or the Academia that displays the original David.
Eat a gelato while strolling the Ponte Vecchio that bridges the Arno River.
Ogle the over-the-top riches of the Medici family at the Pitti Palace. Marvel at the early engineering
that created the great Duomo. This is Florence at its best.
that created the great Duomo. This is Florence at its best.
Number 11.
London English history buffs will have a field day in London. This city on the Thames is chock full of
palaces, from Buckingham Palace to Hampton Court Palace.
palaces, from Buckingham Palace to Hampton Court Palace.
More a prison than a palace, the Tower of London is home to the crowns jewels. And from
Knightsbridge – don’t forget to visit the magnificent food halls at Harrods
Knightsbridge – don’t forget to visit the magnificent food halls at Harrods
– to Carnaby Street, the shopping is awesome. You can get around London quickly and efficiently
by riding the famous Tube.
by riding the famous Tube.
Number 10.
Neuschwanstein Castle “Fairy tale castle” is a phrase that aptly describes Neuschwanstein
Castle in the Bavarian Alps. This 19th century Romanesque Revival castles looks like it just
stepped out of a fairy tale; some say Neuschwanstein provided the inspiration for the castle in
Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
Castle in the Bavarian Alps. This 19th century Romanesque Revival castles looks like it just
stepped out of a fairy tale; some say Neuschwanstein provided the inspiration for the castle in
Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
The castle was built as a retreat for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who viewed it as a romanticization
of the Middle Ages The castle was built of brick, then covered in rock, including the white limestone
that is visible from afar.
of the Middle Ages The castle was built of brick, then covered in rock, including the white limestone
that is visible from afar.
Number 9.
Amsterdam Amsterdam is a pleasant city marked with meandering canals lined with tall, narrow
row houses. It is the city where Anne Frank kept her famous diary, so visiting the house where she
wrote is a must. This “Venice of the North” also is a city of great art, beginning with the Rijksmuseum,
home to great European masterpieces; Rembrandt’s house and the more modern van Gogh
museum. Take a break from sightseeing to tour and sample Holland’s beer at the Heineken Brewery.
row houses. It is the city where Anne Frank kept her famous diary, so visiting the house where she
wrote is a must. This “Venice of the North” also is a city of great art, beginning with the Rijksmuseum,
home to great European masterpieces; Rembrandt’s house and the more modern van Gogh
museum. Take a break from sightseeing to tour and sample Holland’s beer at the Heineken Brewery.
Number 8.
Prague Prague, with a long history of war and destruction, is considered one of the best places to
visit in Europe. Despite devastation caused by World War II, Prague has a very nice Old Town that
is worth more than a few hours of your time. Prague has many pedestrian zones, which making
walking a delight, as you wander by Prague Castle, through the Jewish Quarter and over the Charles
Bridge. Wenceslas Square, situated in the New Town, hums with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment
air.
visit in Europe. Despite devastation caused by World War II, Prague has a very nice Old Town that
is worth more than a few hours of your time. Prague has many pedestrian zones, which making
walking a delight, as you wander by Prague Castle, through the Jewish Quarter and over the Charles
Bridge. Wenceslas Square, situated in the New Town, hums with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment
air.
Number 7.
Istanbul Istanbul may be on the outer fringes of Europe but well worth a visit when you’re traveling
abroad. Turkey’s biggest city is a fascinating place, filled with rich history, colorful markets and
mosques.
abroad. Turkey’s biggest city is a fascinating place, filled with rich history, colorful markets and
mosques.
Top attractions include the Bosporus that separates Europe and Asia; the ecumenical Hagia Sophia
that’s been a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque and now a museum, and
the 15th century Topkapi Palace, also a museum today. Get in a little shopping at the Grand Bazaar
that’s been in operation since 1461.
that’s been a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque and now a museum, and
the 15th century Topkapi Palace, also a museum today. Get in a little shopping at the Grand Bazaar
that’s been in operation since 1461.
Number 6.
Geirangerfjord When the summer heat of Europe gets you down, head to Norway with its pretty
cool scenery. Geirangerfjord is a 9.3-mile long fjord with crystal blue waters fed by picturesque
cascading waterfalls.
cool scenery. Geirangerfjord is a 9.3-mile long fjord with crystal blue waters fed by picturesque
cascading waterfalls.
Take a sightseeing trip on a car ferry through the fjord, passing villages on the shores. Look out for the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls so named because legend says he’s trying to court the sisters. Also look for Bridal Veil – when the light is right, it looks like a thin veil covering the rocks.
Number 5.
Barcelona Founded by the Romans, Barcelona today is a bustling city on the Mediterranean Sea.
As the capital of Catalonia, it is a powerhouse in the region.
As the capital of Catalonia, it is a powerhouse in the region.
It is perhaps best known for the unusual buildings designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi. These
landmark structures include La Sagrada Familia, a church
landmark structures include La Sagrada Familia, a church
that’s been under construction since 1892. You could build your entire visit around his buildings, but
then you’d miss out on other Barcelona delights,
then you’d miss out on other Barcelona delights,
such as La Rambla, a popular pedestrian street in the central part of the city.
Number 4.
Dubrovnik As European cities go, Dubrovnik isn’t very big, but don’t let its size deter you. This little
jewel, with less than 43,000 people, is one of the most visited cities on the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik
transports visitors back to a time when the fortified city was a major maritime power commanding the
jewel, with less than 43,000 people, is one of the most visited cities on the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik
transports visitors back to a time when the fortified city was a major maritime power commanding the
third-largest navy in the Mediterranean. As you wander the streets, you’ll likely come across
sculptures of St. Viaho, the city’s patron saint whose life is celebrated every February.
sculptures of St. Viaho, the city’s patron saint whose life is celebrated every February.
Number 3.
Santorini When it’s time to sit back and relax, take yourself to to Santorini, an island in the Aegean.
Top travel magazines consider this a prime destination; once there, you can’t help but agree.
The island has picture-postcard villages, an active volcano and stunning sunsets. Be sure to visit
Fira, a village perched atop a cliff. You’ll also want to sample wines, such as the dessert wine
Vincanto as well as the produce that is made sweeter and tastier because of the volcanic ash soil it
grows in.
Top travel magazines consider this a prime destination; once there, you can’t help but agree.
The island has picture-postcard villages, an active volcano and stunning sunsets. Be sure to visit
Fira, a village perched atop a cliff. You’ll also want to sample wines, such as the dessert wine
Vincanto as well as the produce that is made sweeter and tastier because of the volcanic ash soil it
grows in.
Number 2.
Paris Songs laud Paris in the springtime, but any time of year is a good time to visit this riveting city
on the River Seine. It’s a city loaded to the brim with history, culture, great food and high fashion.
The iconic Eiffel Tower is one landmark you won’t want to miss.
on the River Seine. It’s a city loaded to the brim with history, culture, great food and high fashion.
The iconic Eiffel Tower is one landmark you won’t want to miss.
The Louvre houses one of the greatest art collections in the world. Its great churches include Sacred
Heart and Notre Dame. When it comes to opulence, there’s Versailles with its famed Hall of Mirrors.
Heart and Notre Dame. When it comes to opulence, there’s Versailles with its famed Hall of Mirrors.
Number 1.
Rome The ancient Romans established outposts as far away as Great Britain. They didn’t ignore
their home city, however, when it came to building great monuments. One must-see landmark is the
Colosseum, an arena that could hold up to 80,000 people for gladiator contests. One of the biggest
draws is a tiny country inside the city: The Vatican City, with its impressive St. Peter’s Basilica with
art provided by Michelangelo. Maybe you’ll get a glimpse of the pope at his Wednesday audiences.
their home city, however, when it came to building great monuments. One must-see landmark is the
Colosseum, an arena that could hold up to 80,000 people for gladiator contests. One of the biggest
draws is a tiny country inside the city: The Vatican City, with its impressive St. Peter’s Basilica with
art provided by Michelangelo. Maybe you’ll get a glimpse of the pope at his Wednesday audiences.
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