40 Best Places to Visit in Europe

With such a vast geographic span to explore, how do you choose the best places to visit in Europe?

There are major cities and a wealth of world-famous sights to choose between. From historic Rome to Istanbul, there are endless cultural riches to discover.

Film and photography have seared these iconic places into our consciousness. We can all recognize the blue church domes of Santorini or the mighty fortifications of Valletta. But whatever your interests, you’ll create lasting memories on any trip to Europe.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is well known for its canal network. Join a boat tour to find your bearings, taking in major sights that include the emotive Anne Frank House.

Amsterdam is also famous for its museums, including one dedicated to Van Gogh and the modern art Stedelijk Museum. The Rijksmuseum showcases Dutch art and history, including Rembrandt’s remarkable The Night Watch.

The city is easy to explore on foot, by bike, or on its tram network. Visit the shops and cafés of the Centrum, or go further afield to neighborhoods such as the arty, musical Jordaan.

Aix-en-Provence, France

The romantic city of Aix-en-Provence is a place of elegant architecture, cultural heritage, and artists. As the birthplace of painter Paul Cézanne and the childhood home of writer Emile Zola, it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe for art lovers.

Aix sits in the heart of Provence, known for its colorful lavender fields and vineyards. The mild Mediterranean climate helps produce the famous Provençal rosé wines.

Shop for these and more in the pedestrian-friendly historic center. On its edge is the famous tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau, lined with cafés, restaurants, and some of the best shopping in France.

Athens, Greece

Athens, the capital of Greece, is dominated by the ruins of the Acropolis. This ancient hill-top citadel is home to the iconic Parthenon, an essential sight for any first-time visitor.

Visit the Acropolis Museum to see artifacts from the site and learn more about the history that Greece is known for. The Temple of Zeus, the Greek mainland’s largest ancient temple, is another major sight.

Below the Acropolis, the historical neighborhood of Plaka is a maze of cobblestone streets. Bursting with cafés, shops, and taverns, it’s perfect for exploring at leisure.

Barcelona, Spain

The symbol of Barcelona is the amazing Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s unique architectural masterpiece. You can see more of Gaudí’s Modernist work at Park Güell and Casa Milà.

Las Ramblas, a pedestrian boulevard of shops, cafés, and street performers, is the modern side of the Catalan capital. Off it is the Gothic Quarter with its medieval streets and hidden plazas.

Its food scene is centered on traditional tapas bars, but includes many innovative high-end restaurants. The art scene is equally important, with museums dedicated to Picasso and Miró.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is the proud birthplace of the ill-fated Titanic, built at shipyards on Belfast Lough. On the original launch site now stands the state-of-the-art Titanic Experience, telling its story.

The Ulster Museum, in the lovely Botanic Gardens, gives a wider view of Belfast and Irish history. Other things to do in Belfast include visiting the scenic Belfast Castle, the historic Grand Opera House, and the picturesque St. George’s Market.

The city’s troubled political history is seen in its murals along the rival Falls and Shankill roads. Learn more on a tour, or explore further afield to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.

Bergen, Norway

Norway’s second-largest city sits on the coast, surrounded by seven mountains and deep fjords. Take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city and its surrounds, or for a hike.

Bergen is known as the “Gateway to the Fjords” for the many tours to nearby wonders such as Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. Indoors, don’t miss the four KODE Art Museums, or the lovely home of composer Edvard Grieg.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, with its colorful wooden harbor buildings, is another one of the best things to do in Bergen. It will introduce you to the local food scene, as will the Fish Market near the city center.

Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao, the largest city in Spain’s Basque Country and one of the best places to visit in Europe, has transformed itself around the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this titanium-clad landmark houses a major collection of modern art.

One of the best things to do in Bilbao is to visit the Casco Viejo, or Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional shops. Santiago Cathedral and the Mercado de la Ribera—Europe’s largest covered market—are other highlights.

Around the Plaza Nueva, explore the bars serving exquisite pintxos (Basque tapas). For more art, especially Spanish and Basque, don’t miss the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Bruges, Belgium

The historic center of Bruges is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities. Its beautiful mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture is best seen on a canal boat tour.

Prominent buildings include the Church of Our Lady, with its 379-foot-high brick tower. Visiting the Belfry on Market Square, known locally as Markt, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are also some of the best things to do in Bruges.

The center of Bruges is unique for the wonderful works of art still in the places they were designed for. These include Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture in the Church of Our Lady.

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

The capital of Sardinia has grown around the Castello district, which sits on a hill overlooking the city. Start any visit here for its medieval architecture, characterful streets, and views of the Gulf of Cagliari.

Poetto Beach, stretching for five miles, is one of Sardinia’s best beaches. Popular with visitors and locals, it has crystal-clear waters and busy beach cafés.

Food is a passion here and your journey of discovery begins at San Benedetto Market. Then move on to the seafood restaurants in the lively Marina district.

Chania, Crete, Greece

The Old Venetian Harbor of Chania dates back to the time of Venetian rule over Crete in the 14th century. Sitting on the northwest coast, it was once an important trading port and naval base.

Today, it’s a pretty harbor where you can sit in a cozy restaurant looking out over colorful fishing boats. You’ll also see sights such as the 16th-century Firkas Fortress and the ancient Etz Hayyim Synagogue.

Other buildings around the harbor display a mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Egyptian influences. With their soft pastel colors reflected in the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean, it’s a picture-perfect scene.

Read: Best Things to Do in Crete

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a ravishing coastal area in Italy’s Liguria region. Its name, meaning “Five Lands”, comes from the five fishing villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

The villages of Cinque Terre are known for their colorful traditional houses, built on steep terraces. The hillsides are covered in picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and ancient stone walls.

A network of hiking trails, boats, and a scenic coastal railway connect the villages. Along the way, you’ll find pretty hidden beaches and restaurants specializing in the local cuisine.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and one of the best places in Europe to visit, is famous for its bicycle culture, food scene, and modern design. Scandinavian style influences its architecture, furniture, and fashion.

An unmissable thing to do in Copenhagen is to see the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. Sitting on a rock by the waterside, it has become a symbol of the city.

Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, and both Amalienborg and Christiansborg Palace will keep your camera busy. Equally picturesque is Nyhavn, a waterfront area of colorful 17th-century waterfront houses, cafés, and boats.

Cork, Ireland

Cork has a compact center, easy to explore on foot, belying its size as Ireland’s second city. Standing on the River Lee, it is split by canals, but with many pedestrian bridges.

One of the best things to do in Cork is to visit The English Market, a covered food market dating back to 1788. St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, built in Gothic Revival style, has beautiful stained glass windows.

Just outside the city is Blarney Castle, famous for its Blarney Stone granting eloquence to those who kiss it. That “gift of the gab” reveals itself in the city’ music, theater, and pub scenes.

Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia

Old Town Dubrovnik is another medieval wonder that looms over the busy port it once protected. It’s one of the best preserved and most beautiful walled cities in Europe.

Sitting on the southern coast of Croatia, Dubrovnik was an important, independent Mediterranean sea power from 1358 to 1808. That legacy has left many significant buildings and a broad main street, Stradun, paved in limestone.

Walk the massive 16th-century stone walls for the best overview of the city. Up to 80 feet in height, they stretch for well over a mile.

Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is the historic center of Stockholm, Sweden. It’s a picturesque mix of medieval and Renaissance buildings lining narrow cobblestone streets.

The town stands on several islands, connected by bridges, and is best explored on a guided walking tour. Highlights include Stockholm Palace, which holds several museums and the Royal Armoury, and the gothic Storkyrkan, or Stockholm Cathedral.

Photographers also love Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest alley in Stockholm at just 35 inches wide. The area is also full of cozy restaurants and lovely shops selling Swedish crafts, antiques, and souvenirs.

Hanseatic Town of Visby, Sweden

Sitting on the Baltic Sea, the historic city of Visby was an important trading center during the 12th and 13th centuries. As part of the Hanseatic League trading bloc, it dealt in products such as Baltic herring, timber, and furs.

In 1995, it was recognized by UNESCO for its uniquely preserved medieval townscape. The original town wall survives, along with many wooden buildings of that era.

Ten ruined churches remain of an original 17, with the 12th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral still in use. The town’s Gotlands Museum has the largest silver treasure in Europe, which includes 14,000 coins.

Read: What Is Sweden Known For?

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is notable for its Modernist architecture and many parks. Nearby, Nuuksio National Park showcases the country’s haunting wilderness areas.

Some of the best things to do in Helsinki include visiting the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral and Temppeliaukio Church, carved out of rock. The Design District highlights other arts, with its fashion boutiques, art galleries, and Design Museum.

Suomenlinna, a sea fortress spread across six islands, and the unique Sibelius Monument are other must-sees. You also have to experience one of the signature saunas that Finland is known for.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city of wonders, with palaces, mosques, and bazaars that have drawn visitors for centuries. Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, it has stood here since it was called Byzantium around 660 BCE.

The iconic Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet, once a church and now a mosque, traces its design roots to Rome’s Parthenon. In turn, it has influenced the wonderful Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.

The Topkapi Palace, former home to Ottoman sultans, gives insight into that imperial life. Shoppers will find their own luxuries in the ancient Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and the modern, pedestrianized Istiklal Avenue.

Kinderdijk, Netherlands

Kinderdijk is a Dutch village near Rotterdam that’s famous for its 19 old windmills and scenic landscapes. The windmills were built around 1740 as part of a water management system to control flooding.

You can take a boat ride, cycle or walk to explore the area, or tour two of the windmills that the Netherlands are known for. One windmill is a museum of Dutch windmill engineering, old and new, and its success in reclaiming low-lying land.

The Vogeltheater, or Bird Theatre is a must-see for birdwatchers, who can spot many rare species here. A café and restaurants in the nearby town of Ridderkerk highlight fresh local food.

Lisbon, Portugal

The capital of Portugal once ruled over an empire that stretched from Brazil to Mozambique. The symbol of this Age of Discovery is the Belém Tower, in a district that also holds the sprawling Jerónimos Monastery.

For many visitors to Lisbon, Belém is also famous as the home of the original pastéis de nata, or custard tart. Explore the rest of the city using its famous yellow trams and historic elevators.

From São Jorge Castle, atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills, you have sweeping views of the city and the Tagus River. In the charming Alfama district, below the castle, you’ll find narrow streets filled with Fado music.

Malaga, Spain

Málaga, one of the best places to visit in Europe, sits on Spain’s Costa del Sol, behind a long, curving, sandy beach that is thronged in summer.

At its heart is the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress-palace, overlooking the more modern Málaga Cathedral. Around the cathedral, you’ll find interesting shops and busy restaurants. Visitors come and go from sights such as the Picasso Museum and the scenic port.

Further out is the Atarazanas Market, with its fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. You’ll also enjoy the quirky Automobile and Fashion Museum with its many beautiful old cars.

Marseille, France

Sailing into Marseille, you can’t miss the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, gleaming from the highest point. The city and its seafarers have been under the protection of “la Bonne Mère” since 1864.

The picturesque Old Port. or Vieux-Port, is the heart of France’s oldest city. It’s now filled with restaurants and you can still watch fishermen bargaining over their morning catch.

One of the best things to do in Marseille is to visit the historic Le Panier district, a maze of colorful houses and artisanal shops. Being in France, you’ll not want to leave without tasting local specialties, including bouillabaisse, the famous fish stew.

Mykonos Town, Greece

The narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed churches of Mykonos Town make the perfect picture of Greek island life. The sparkling Aegean Sea is the perfect backdrop to this now-familiar Mediterranean image.

Mykonos has a history as a trading and fishing port dating back to ancient times. Nowadays, it’s a popular holiday destination for its beaches, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Notable things to do in Mykonos include visiting the 16th-century windmills overlooking the town and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. Visit the Aegean Maritime Museum to learn more about the island’s history and culture.

Naples, Italy

Famous for pizza and shopping, Naples is also a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. Stretching along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, this is one of the world’s most scenic drives.

Hanging over Naples is Mount Vesuvius, which wiped out but also preserved the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Either one is special but combined they make for a poignant but fascinating look at the daily life of the ancient Romans.

You can’t leave Naples without strolling on Via Toleda, its most exclusive shopping street. And of course, you have to try a pizza, or the local seafood.

Nice, France

Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, is fronted by the famed Promenade des Anglais. Stretching for four miles along the seafront, it enjoys perfect views of the Baie des Anges.

In the Old Town, Vieux Nice, you’ll find winding streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets. Climb Castle Hill, or Colline du Château, for even more views of the city and the Mediterranean.

Art lovers should not miss some of the best museums in France, the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall. Food lovers will enjoy local provencal dishes such as socca and the iconic salade niçoise.

Oia, Santorini, Greece

Perched on the rim of an ancient caldera cliff, Oia is one of the most beautiful places to photograph in the world. The black rock is a perfect background for the town’s white-washed walls and blue-domed churches.

Oia stands on the northwestern tip of Santorini, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It was traditionally reached by 300 steps leading up from Ammoudi Bay.

Ammoudi Bay is now known for seafood restaurants and scenic swimming spots. More restaurants line the high points of Oia, with dramatic views of the sunken volcano and surrounding islands.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway’s capital, blends Nordic urban style and natural beauty. The Viking Ship Museum and the Munch Museum add history and art to its appeal.

Take in unusual views of the city from the roof of the angular Oslo Opera House. Then visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring 200 lifelike, mostly naked sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland.

Oslo’s lively harborfront area includes the Aker Brygge district, popular for shopping and dining. Don’t miss the Norwegian Folk Museum for its displays of traditional architecture and culture.

Read: Best Things to Do in Oslo

Palermo, Italy

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is also about history, culture, and culinary delights. The first stop for visitors must be Palermo Cathedral, with its mix of styles, royal tombs, and other treasures.

Visit the Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, for its architectural beauty and world-class performances. Art lovers will also enjoy the Regional Archaeological Museum, holding some of Italy’s best Punic and Ancient Greek art.

That will build an appetite to explore the energetic outdoor markets, such as Ballarò and Vucciria. You’ll find the best in local produce and street food here, as well as a glimpse of daily life.

Palma De Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca is overlooked by the unique circular Bellver Castle, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of this Mallorcan town. Its spiritual partner is La Seu, the majestic Palma Cathedral which also overlooks the sea.

The 14th-century Royal Palace of La Almudaina shows the blend of Moorish and Spanish styles that reflect Mallorca’s history. Then, explore the interesting old town of Palma, a mix of narrow streets, lively squares, and street cafés.

The scenic train journey to the beautiful town of Soller in northern Mallorca is a delight. Relax afterward on one of Mallorca’s many lively beaches, such as Cala Major or Playa de Palma.

Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, straddles the Douro River. Wine lovers flock here to taste the famous port wines and tour the vineyards of the beautiful Douro Valley.

From the striking Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, you have great views of this lovely city. Major buildings in Porto include the Stock Exchange Palace, or Palácio da Bolsa, and São Bento Railway Station.

Visit the ornate Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, which is so popular that you need to book a time slot to get in. There are many other handsome buildings in the cobblestoned Ribeira district, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Portofino, Italy

The picturesque fishing village of Portofino is on the Italian Riviera, southeast of Genoa. Once a fishing village, it is now an upscale resort within a Marine Protected Area.

Brightly colored houses surround a small harbor that is backed by a large square. The Piazzetta is the place to see and be seen while strolling or sitting at a café table.

Landmarks in the town include the Church of San Giorgio and the 16th-century Castello Brown. Visiting this fortress is a popular thing to do in Portofino for its view over the town and the Ligurian Coast.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Can you go to Reykjavík without a plunge into the Blue Lagoon? This outdoor geothermal pool is a key draw for the world’s northernmost capital and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

The country’s volcanic landscape has inspired the distinctive design of Hallgrímskirkja church of Reykjavík. Another architectural marvel is the Harpa Concert Hall, with its striking glass facade.

The National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavík Art Museum, and the Perlan Museum are all fascinating in their own ways. Relax afterward in the old harbor area, sampling fresh seafood before catching a whale-watching tour.

Medieval City of Rhodes, Greece

Surrounded by impressive medieval walls and moats, the Old Town of Rhodes is a living museum. Its palaces and other buildings are a showcase of Gothic, Renaissance, and Ottoman architecture.

Although founded in 408 BC, most of the town dates to the time of the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th to 16th centuries. The Street of the Knights is lined with the former grand residences of the Knights of St. John.

Tour the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Master, now a museum dedicated to medieval Rhodes. Then relax in Hippocrates Square, surrounded by interesting shops and busy cafés.

Rome, Italy

“The Eternal City” is a living museum, filled with ancient buildings, art, and culture with roots going back three millennia. Symbolic of this is the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that still inspires awe.

Nearby, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill reflect the more everyday life of Ancient Rome. The Pantheon, still an engineering marvel, is even more impressive inside than out.

Art lovers must visit the Borghese Gallery, a popular museum in Rome for its works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Finally, don’t forget to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return. All the coins are collected and donated to charity.

Seville, Spain

Stand in front of Seville Cathedral, resting place of Christopher Columbus, and you know you are somewhere special. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral dominates Seville’s skyline with its Giralda tower.

Equally impressive is the Royal Alcázar, a palace complex with wonderful Mudéjar architecture and lush gardens. In front is Plaza de España, an intricately tiled space opened for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

But Seville is also all about its food, especially tapas, and flamenco music. Explore the Santa Cruz neighborhood with its flower-filled patios and orange-scented squares to find the best of both.

Read: Best Things to Do in Seville

Stari Bar, Montenegro

Stari Bar, or Old Bar, is an abandoned fortress town a few miles inland from the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. It was abandoned after a siege in 1878 caused a massive explosion.

The town dates back to at least the sixth century and its ruins include Roman, Gothic, and Ottoman-style buildings. Notable structures include the citadel, clock tower, and several churches.

Surrounded by olive groves, with some trees over 2,000 years old, the ruins represent a town frozen in time. There’s a small museum and several cafés.

Tallinn Old Town, Estonia

Tallinn Old Town was listed by UNESCO in 1997 for its exceptional medieval architecture. This historic part of Estonia’s capital is dominated by St. Olaf’s Church, the tallest building in the world in the 16th century.

The town was a major center of the Hanseatic League during the 14th and 15th centuries. The wealth of this trade built numerous medieval churches, merchant houses, and guild halls.

Don’t miss the ornate Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Town Hall Square, or Raekoja plats, the heart of the old city of Tallinn. Walk on the original city wall and explore St. Catherine’s Passage, full of artisan workshops.

Trieste, Italy

The grand Piazza Unità d’Italia, Europe’s largest seaside square, serves as the living room of Trieste. Opening on to the Adriatic Sea, it is surrounded by handsome Habsburg-era architecture.

Book and coffee lovers will head to Caffè San Marco, former haunt of writers such as James Joyce and Italo Svevo. The Roman Theatre, dating back 1st century AD, hints at an even older artistic life.

Other things to do in Trieste include visiting the blue-domed Serbian Orthodox Church of San Spiridione and the underground Grotta Gigante. The beautiful Revoltella Museum holds an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century art.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences houses Europe’s largest aquarium, a science museum, and an opera house. It’s a bold marker for the ambition of Spain’s third-largest city.

In contrast, Valencia’s historic old town is centered around the beautiful Valencia Cathedral, which claims to hold the Holy Grail. Climb its Micalet tower for a special view of the city radiating out below.

The Central Market of Valencia, one of Europe’s oldest, is a feast for all the senses with its fresh produce and art nouveau design. Don’t leave without trying paella, this region’s most famous culinary delight.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John. Its massive defensive walls and bastions were built by slaves after the defeat of an Ottoman siege in 1565.

The fortifications were designed to help defend the Grand Harbor, one of the largest natural harbors in the Mediterranean. The island of Malta has long been a strategic crossroads, fought over for centuries.

Major sights in Valletta include the Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral, with its ornate interior and Caravaggio paintings. Caravaggio’s grisly Beheading of St. John the Baptist is his largest painting and only signed work.

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