30 Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe & How to Visit Them

What’s on your European bucket list?

From world class museums and ancient archaeological sites to stunning natural wonders, Europe boasts a diverse array of attractions that attract millions of visitors every year.

The Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Acropolis top the list for many first time visitors to Europe, but you can also explore the fjords of Norway, get a history lesson at Pompeii, and cruise through the canals in Venice.

This list includes many of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe. These famous spots attract huge numbers of visitors each year, so if you are the type of traveler that prefers quieter, off the beaten path places, this list may not be for you.

However, these sites are popular for good reason. With their history, their beauty, and their iconic status, these places frequently make the must-see list for many travelers.

Join us as we journey through the top tourist attractions in Europe and give you tips on exactly how to visit them.

4. The Louvre

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world. In 2023, it was the world’s most visited museum (with the Vatican Museums taking the #2 spot), with 8.9 million visitors.

With that being said, the Louvre draws enormous crowds. Many people come here for a glimpse of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but several other art pieces, such as Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, are also extremely popular.

A visit to the Louvre is more than just gazing at a few famous works of art. It also has a long, rich historical background and was once the palace of French Kings.

The Louvre started out as a fortification, became one of the most extravagant palaces in Europe, and in 1793 during the French Revolution, was converted into a public museum.

The Louvre contains over 600,000 works of art, of which roughly 35,000 are on display. These works of art span almost 10,000 years. The exhibition area inside of the Louvre is an incredible 73,000 square meters (783,000 square feet). It would take weeks to see every piece of art on display.

7. Big Ben & Tower Bridge

Yes, I just listed two attractions. London is filled with iconic buildings, with Big Ben and Tower Bridge being two of the most popular. Other sites that could have made this list include the amazing Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Big Ben

For a first timer in London, it’s thrilling to get that first glimpse of Big Ben. Big Ben is the name for the largest of the five bells inside of the clock tower but nowadays, the nickname Big Ben includes both the bell and the clock tower.

This iconic tower sits on the north end of the Houses of Parliament. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently, only UK residents are allowed to tour the inside of Big Ben.

One of the best places to get a view of Big Ben is from Westminster Bridge, where you can photograph Big Ben along with the iconic red double decker buses, black taxis, and views of the Parliament building.

Tower Bridge

This London icon was constructed in 1894 to complement its neighbor, the Tower of London (yet another popular tourist attraction in London). Getting a view of this bridge is one of the best free things to do in London but for a small fee, you can climb the towers of the bridge.

LEARN MORE: See more of London’s amazing sights in our London Bucket List and plan your trip with our 5 Day London Itinerary.

8. The Fjords of Norway

Carved by glaciers and lined with waterfalls and tiny villages, the fjords of Norway are one of the most picturesque places to visit in Europe. Connecting these small towns by car is one of Europe’s best road trip destinations and active, adventurous travelers can make the trip even more memorable by adding in some truly epic hikes.

There are more than 1,000 fjords in Norway and some of the most famous are located in the southern half of the country. Naeroyfjord, Hardangerfjord, Lysefjord, and Aurlandsfjord are some of the most famous, and gorgeous Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kjeragbolten

9. The Old Town of Prague

During World War II, Prague was one of only a few cities that survived with minimal bombing, leaving its historic buildings and cultural treasures intact. What remains are its original Gothic towers, cobblestoned streets, and hundreds of church spires.

The Old Town of Prague is filled with historic charm. In just a few hours, travelers can visit Old Town Square, stroll the historic streets, climb a Gothic tower or two for a bird’s eye view of Prague, and go for a walk across the Charles Bridge, one of the most famous pedestrian bridges in Europe.

Prague is also home to Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world.

10. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein is a fairytale palace in Bavaria, Germany. It was constructed in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat. The palace was never completed and soon after his death, it became a tourist attraction. Neuschwanstein was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s castle.

11. Pompeii

In 79 AD, the city of Pompeii was buried in ash following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The city was later excavated and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pompeii archaeological site is located in Campania, Italy, with the closest cities being Naples, Sorrento, and Rome. All three of these cities are popular places to stay to visit Pompeii.

12. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Tucked away in the Julian Alps of Slovenia sits one of the loveliest lakes in Europe. Visiting its hilltop castle, hiking to viewpoints of the lake, swimming, taking a boat trip out to the tiny island, and indulging on Bled Cream Cake are the best things to do here.

LEARN MORE: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Lake Bled

13. St. Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museums

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It is located in Rome and contains three important places to visit: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican Museums display the massive collection of art that was amassed by the Catholic Church. There are 70,000 works of art on display in roughly 2,000 rooms of this maze of a museum.

The Pinecone Courtyard at the Vatican Museums | Tourist Attractions in Europe

The Sistine Chapel is located in the Vatican Museums. It is famous for its ceiling, which was painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century.

Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel | Sergii Figurnyi/shutterstock.com

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world. The inside is awe inspiring. Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Donato Bramante all played a part in designing and decorating the basilica. On a visit here, you can climb to the top of the dome for one of the most famous views of Rome and see La Pietà, a statue carved by Michelangelo when he was only 23 years old.

14. The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is an iconic mountain that straddles the border of Switzerland and Italy. Its pyramidal shape makes it one of the most recognizable mountains in the world.

The best way to see the Matterhorn and get the classic view of it is to plan a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland. Once in Zermatt, trains and cable cars whisk visitors high into the mountains for a view of the Matterhorn. Those who are very fit and adventurous can summit the Matterhorn.

The view on the hiking trail between Gornergrat and Riffelberg

15. The Alhambra

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as being one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world.

The first buildings date back to the 9th century. The complex of palaces that we see today were started in 1238 by the first Nasrid ruler, Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar. It took several hundred years for them to be completed.

In 1492, after the Reconquista, the Alhambra became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. This is where Christopher Columbus received his endorsement to voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

Now the Alhambra is one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most visited attractions.

Court of the Lions | Tourist attractions in Europe

17. The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. Over one million people visit the Cliffs of Moher every year, making this one of Ireland’s most popular attractions.

18. The Hagia Sophia

Located in Istanbul, Turkey and constructed between 532 and 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the Hagia Sophia started out as a church. It was the first building to have a pendentive dome and it was the largest building in the world until the Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.

In 1453, after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque. The Christian iconography was removed and minarets, a minbar, and a mihrab were added. The Hagia Sophia became a museum in 1935 and in 2020 once again became classified as a mosque.

Learn more in our article Best Things to Do in Istanbul.

19. The Canals of Venice

Venice, with its maze of canals, historic buildings and bridges, and coastal setting make it one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Going for a stroll along the canals and taking a gondola ride draws millions of visitors to Venice each year.

The most famous of Venice’s canals is the Grand Canal. This major waterway is spanned by the Rialto Bridge and Ponte dell’Accademia, two great places to capture an iconic photo of Venice. Leading off of the Grand Canal is a network of smaller canals, each with their own charm.

20. The Palaces & Castles of Sintra

Sintra, Portugal is a land of fairytale palaces, historic estates, and stunning coastlines.

Pena Palace is Sintra’s most famous sight, but the Initiation Well and gardens at Quinta da Regaleira are also very popular. The Castle of the Moors is an ancient castle located high in the hills. Walking the walls here is one of our favorite experiences in Sintra. Venturing out to Monserrate Palace is also well worth it, with its gorgeous palace and gardens.

Pena Palace | Tourist Attractions in Europe

21. The Walls of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia is an absolute joy to visit. Its small, compact city center (yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by ancient walls that date back to the Middle Ages. Walking these walls are one of the most memorable experiences in Dubrovnik.

LEARN MORE: How to Walk the Dubrovnik Walls

22. The Hungarian Parliament Building

This grand building, also called the Parliament of Budapest, sits on the bank of the Danube River. Construction started in 1885 and was completed in 1906, and Imre Steindl, the architect, designed the building taking inspiration from the Palace of Westminster in London.

Visiting the Hungarian Parliament is one of the top attractions in Budapest. Getting the iconic view of the bridge from the Buda side of Budapest is another one of the city’s top experiences for visitors.

Plan Your Visit to Budapest: How to Spend 2 Days in Budapest

23. The Isle of Skye

Located in the Highlands of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is renowned for its mystical landscapes, scenic drives, waterfalls and rock formations, quaint towns, and hiking trails.

Top experiences include seeing the Old Man of Storr, touring Dunvegan Castle, photographing Neist Point, tasting whisky at Talisker Distillery, hiking the Quiraing, and visiting the Fairy Pools and the Fairy Glen.

Neist Point | Tourist attractions in Europe

24. The Palace of Versailles

For over 100 years, French kings lived and ruled from the opulent Palace of Versailles. The Peace of Paris was signed here in 1783 and the Treaty of Versailles, which formally ended World War I, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in 1919.

Now, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Like many other popular tourist attractions in Europe, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

25. The Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany.

The structure we see today was built between 1788 and 1791 and its name meant ‘Peace Gate.’ In 1806, not long after its construction, Napoleon took the bronze sculpture of a horse and chariot when he invaded Berlin. This statue was later returned.

For almost 30 years, from World War II until 1989, the Brandenburg Gate was blocked by the Berlin Wall, and it became a symbol of the city’s division.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of unity and peace, its original intention when it was constructed 200 years earlier.

26. The Prado National Museum

Adorning the walls of the Prado National Museum are works of art by Titian, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Diego Velázquez, and Bosch, with Francisco Goya being the most represented artist in the museum. This museum contains the largest collection of Spanish art in the world and it is the #1 visited attraction in Madrid, Spain.

The Prado Museum, Museo Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum form a trio of art museums which is called Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art.

27. The Florence Cathedral

The Florence Duomo (also called the Duomo di Firenze and Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world. It is considered to be one of the most important projects during the Renaissance.

The Duomo is most famous for its dome, which was designed by Brunelleschi, constructed between 1420 and 1436, and then painted with scenes from the Last Judgement.

A visit to this cathedral is more than just walking through the cathedral and seeing the dome. You can also climb Giotto’s bell tower, walk the stairs to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome, and visit the Baptistery.

28. Stonehenge

This semicircular ring of standing stones is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom. Archaeologists estimate that these stones were placed sometime between 2400 and 2200 BC.

There is still debate about why Stonehenge was built, with theories being it was a burial site, a calendar, or a meeting place.

30. The South Coast of Iceland

The south coast of Iceland is home to several of Europe’s most recognizable waterfalls and natural attractions. For first time visitors to Iceland, this small area is a must see.

The mighty Skogafoss waterfall is one of the most iconic sites, but you can also walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, go kayaking in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, hike on a glacier, see the amazing Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and get a view of Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano that erupted in 2010.

Bonus! 10 More Famous Attractions in Europe

Here are a few more famous attractions in Europe. Several of these are still on our to-do list.

Westminster Abbey. This is where English kings and queens are crowned, the site of royal weddings, and the burial place of more than 3,300 people, including Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, and many of the Kings and Queens of England. It is one of London’s top attractions.

Westminster Abbey

Mont Saint-Michel. Located in northern France, this island is surrounded by medieval walls and topped with an ancient village and abbey. Most of the time it is surrounded by sand but when the tide is high, Mont Saint-Michel looks like a floating island.

Mont Saint-Michel | shutterstock.com

Grand Place. This is the centerpiece of Brussels and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

Grand Place, Brussels

Plitvice Lakes National Park. Located in Croatia, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and boardwalk trails create one of the most unique parks to visit in Europe.

Plitvice Lakes

Jerónimos Monastery. This architectural masterpiece was built to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. Located in Lisbon, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

The cloister of Jerónimos Monastery

The Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline that runs along the Sorrentino peninsula in Italy. This is a popular vacation spot from late spring through early fall, with Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello being some of its most popular towns to visit.

Positano, Amalfi Coast

Nyhavn, Copenhagen. Brightly colored buildings run along a canal, creating Copenhagen’s most photographed spot. It’s a must-see on a visit to the city, the starting place for many cruises of the harbor, and a scenic spot to have a meal in an outdoor café.

Nyhavn 

Santiago de Compostela. This cathedral, which is located in northwest Spain, is famous for being the end point of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a series of pilgrimage routes that have become one of Europe’s most famous long distance walking routes.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela | shutterstock.com

The Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and visit the cathedral, baptistery, and museums, all part of the Duomo Complex.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Meteora. In northern Greece, six monasteries are perched on top of immense natural pillars. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meteora, Greece | shutterstock.com

Top Europe Tourist Attractions: On a Map

How to Plan a Trip to Europe

If you are a first-time visitor to Europe, we recommend starting with our article 7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe, which has many tips to help you plan your trip.

We also have quite a few Europe itineraries, many of which include one or more of the top attractions in Europe.

Whether you have one week or 10 days, here are two guides that list several options, a good start for picking an itinerary if you don’t really know where to go or how to put several cities together:

• One Week in Europe: 25 Epic Itineraries
• 10 Days in Europe: 10 Ways to Plan Your Trip

We also have a long list of itineraries in our Travel Itineraries page, but here are a few of the most popular:

• 10 Days in Greece: Santorini, Naxos, Mykonos & Athens
• 10 Days in Italy: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice
• 10 Days in Portugal: 5 Ways to Plan Your Trip
• 10 Days on Iceland’s Ring Road
• 10 Days in Central Europe: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
• 10 Day Scotland Itinerary: Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Isle of Skye
• The Best of London & Paris in 10 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most visited attractions in Europe?

The most visited attractions in Europe include the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Acropolis, the Alhambra, the Palace of Versailles, the Prado National Museum, the Sagrada Familia, the Hofburg Palace, and the canals of Venice.

What to do with one week in Europe?

With one week in Europe, you have enough time to visit two big cities or one city and take day trips. A road through one small region can also easily be done if you have one week in Europe.

If you have any questions about the top tourist attractions in Europe let us know in the comment section below.

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