Europe has a rich cultural heritage and layers of history encompassing everything from medieval to ancient to baroque to art nouveau. Furthermore, with contrasting Arctic conditions in the north and beautiful Mediterranean climates in the south, there’s also a natural aspect to the region that complements its cultural offerings. Travelers can explore fascinating ATTRACTIONS to Visit IN EUROPE, ranging from submerged cities, inclining towers, and charming ancient towns to majestic Catholic churches, deep lakes, and awe-inspiring fjords. With such an extensive display of history and culture, Europe provides an enthralling destination for all adventurous souls.
Top 10 ATTRACTIONS to Visit IN EUROPE
Europe is home to many prominent tourist destinations, traveling across France, England, Germany, Italy, and more, featuring lively cities renowned for their exceptional dining establishments, museums, architecture, and nightlife. As such, determining where to commence your European excursion can prove to be a daunting endeavor. Each location has a unique and remarkable story about its history and culture, ensuring that every site is a memorable experience in its own right. Here are a few of the most notable European attractions that surpass the expectations of tourists.
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The Eifel tower, Paris (France)
The wrought-iron lattice structure in Paris, France, is possibly the most frequently photographed tourist destination throughout Europe. Its vast size, aesthetic appeal, and architectural magnificence are so remarkable that it almost defies belief when beheld in person.
Built by Gustave Eiffel between 1887 and 1889 as the gateway to the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was designed to display the engineering and artistic abilities of the French. It was the tallest human-made structure globally at the time, retaining the title for 41 years. Despite its height and significance, the tower was controversial, and many Parisians disliked it. However, it has become the most visited paid monument globally and an ideal tourist spot to visit with children, even if you have limited time in Paris.
The tower consists of three tiers, with a Michelin-starred restaurant named Le Jules Verne situated on the second level at 125 meters above Paris. Additionally, a Champagne bar is located at the very top. It is strongly advised to book tickets in advance via the official website to avoid lengthy queues.
Situated in the middle of the extensive Parc du Champs des Mars greenery, the Eiffel Tower in Paris offers a perfect setting for a pre-or post-tour picnic. It also provides a magnificent viewpoint to admire the spectacular light shows projected on the tower at night.
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The Louvre, Paris (France)
The Louvre, situated on the Right Bank of the Seine River, is a must-visit tourist attraction for those interested in history, art, and culture. As Europe’s premier art museum and the largest in the world, the Louvre has received more than 7.3 million visitors and is renowned globally. With a massive exhibition space of 782,920 square feet, the museum showcases over 38,000 items dating from prehistoric times to the modern-day, housed within the iconic Louvre Palace.
The Louvre began as a fortress constructed in the 12th century under the direction of Philip II. Still, it transformed into a museum in 1793, featuring a modest collection of 537 paintings. Nowadays, it boasts a remarkable collection of artwork from some of the most celebrated artists worldwide, including the legendary Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa painting.
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Colosseum, Rome (Italy)
Rome, one of the oldest and most renowned European cities, is home to the Flavian Amphitheater, also called the Colosseum. The oval-shaped amphitheater, constructed during the Flavian era under the reigns of emperors, is situated in the heart of Rome. Construction on the Colosseum began in AD 72 and was finalized with additional adjustments in AD 96. This colossal structure could hold more than 80,000 spectators and was initially used for gladiator battles, re-creations of battles, animal hunts, and executions. Nowadays, the Colosseum is a tourist destination, attracting visitors who witness its remains. It also includes a museum dedicated to Eros.
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Acropolis of Athens (Greece)
The ancient citadel, one of Greece’s most renowned tourist attractions, overlooks Athens from a rocky outcrop. During the fifth century BC, the Acropolis witnessed the construction of its most famous buildings under the supervision of statesman and general Pericles. The Parthenon, a temple built to express gratitude to the gods for their assistance in defeating Persian invaders (which also functioned as the city’s treasury for a period), is at the center of the Acropolis.
The Acropolis features several impressive skyscrapers, such as the Propylaea gateway, which functions as the entrance to the site. There’s the Erechtheion Temple, which is dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, and the charming Temple of Athena Nike. Unfortunately, during the Morean War in 1687, numerous structures at the Acropolis were demolished. However, the ancient artifacts that survived the catastrophe were relocated to the nearby Acropolis Museum.
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Buckingham Palace, London (UK)
When in London, the capital city, ensure that you visit Buckingham Palace, one of Europe’s most renowned sites. Its history dates back to 1703 when it was built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham and was known as Buckingham House. In 1761, King George III acquired the property for Queen Charlotte, which underwent expansion by architects John Nash and Edward Blore until the 19th century. In 1837, Queen Victoria’s reign began, and Buckingham Palace was formally designated as the British monarch’s residence. The palace now consists of three wings encircling a central courtyard.
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Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle is a must-visit attraction in the Czech Republic, drawing nearly two million visitors annually. The largest global castle complex showcases a remarkable blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles and has made it to the Guinness Book of Records. Dating back to the 9th century, Prague Castle covers an area of 70,000 square meters, with some structures added in subsequent centuries. The Castle grounds accommodate the office of the President of the Czech Republic and an underground room that safeguards the Bohemian Crown Jewels. The National Gallery maintains a minor branch inside the Castle, while the wooden toys’ museum is another popular attraction.
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Stonehenge, Wiltshire (UK)
Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument of a massive ring of standing stones near Salisbury and Amesbury, has made Wiltshire one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Each stone weighs up to 25 tons and stands over 13 feet tall, with the iconic landmark thought to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC during the Bronze and Neolithic Ages. While the monumonument’s purpose is debatable, be a part of a larger complex of hundreds of burial grounds. In 1882, Stonehenge has designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument; in 1986, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument is managed by English Heritage and owned by the Crown, while the National Trust owns the surrounding land.
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Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, Germany
The iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, which stands an impressive 26 meters high and over 65 meters long, was constructed in the 18th century by order of Prussian king Frederick William II. The gate’s name comes from its location at the beginning of the road connecting Berlin to the town of Brandenburg a der Havel. The Brandenburg Gate has significantly influenced many of Germany’s historical events over the past two centuries. After the Wall fell in 1989, 100,000 people gathered at the gate to celebrate. Despite its tumultuous past, the Brandenburg Gate has become a cherished symbol of Berlin, and visitors worldwide come to see it.
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The Matterhorn, Switzerland
The Matterhorn, towering at 4,478 meters, is among the highest peaks in Europe and dominates the Swiss town of Zermatt, straddling the Switzerland-Italy border. This mountain, shaped like a pyramid, is a popular spot for both hikers and climbers since it provides four sides for climbing. Non-technical hikers can opt for a spectacular 10-day trek around the Matterhorn, which showcases Alpine forests, flower-filled meadows, and glacial lakes.
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Amsterdam’s Canals, The Netherlands
Known as the “Venice of the North,” Amsterdam is a charming city famous for its extensive canal network stretching hundreds of kilometers. The city’s canal system is composed of three main canals: Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, connected by over 1,500 bridges that link the islands. Prinsengracht, one of the most famous canals in the Netherlands, is flanked by several notable buildings, including Anne Frank’s house and Amsterdam’s tallest church.
Singelgracht, while not as large, is famous for its adjacency to the affluent Jordaan neighborhood, where Rembrandt lived during his final years. Brouwersgrach, another famous canal, was used by ships returning from Asia with spices. Today, it is a popular spot for mooring houseboats, and its banks are lined with warehouses converted into stylish, expensive apartments and lofts.
