21 things you should not miss in Europe
From white sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges and breathtaking landscapes, to beautiful architecture, you can find it all in Europe. If you’re trying to decide where to go next, here’s our list of 21 things not to miss in Europe.
1. Acropolis of Athens (Greece)
The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient Greek building complex located on top of a rocky hill in the city of Athens, Greece. One of the most famous buildings on the Acropolis is undoubtedly the Parthenon, which is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. When visiting the Acropolis, it is recommended to hire a tour guide to discover the history behind those buildings.
2. Algarve (Portugal)
Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, made up of Faro, its capital, and 15 other towns. It is known for its characteristic coastline, full of beautiful golden beaches hidden between rock formations. Furthermore, it is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe and attracts a large number of tourists every year.
3. Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in the southwest of Iceland. It receives more than a million visitors a year who go there to relax in the milky blue waters. In addition to the spa, you can also find accommodation, dining, and skin care services within the complex. The Blue Lagoon is listed as one of the 25 wonders of the world, so don’t miss it!
Find out everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoon!
The Charles Bridge is one of the most emblematic places in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. It is the second oldest bridge in the country, since it was built in the 14th century by order of Carlos IV, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Cinque Terre Italy (Italy)
Cinque Terre is a coastal area in northwestern Italy, made up of 5 different beautiful fishing villages. It is well known for the impressive view of the Mediterranean Sea it offers, the colorful houses and terraces built into the cliffs, and the good wine and food. The towns are connected by roads, trains and boats, and the whole area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Are you planning a vacation near the beach? Here is a list of the best seaside towns in the world!
The Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheater in the world, located in the center of Rome, Italy. It was used by the Roman Empire to host all kinds of shows, such as battles, animal exhibitions or even executions. Today the Colosseum is the most notable symbol of Rome, and in 2007 it was categorized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Find out what the rest of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World are and add them to your bucket list!
Dubrovnik is a beautiful old coastal city in southern Croatia visited by many tourists, especially in summer. When you are in the city, do not forget to visit the part of the old town, the cathedral, the Lovrijenac fort, the city walls and the beautiful beaches. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will surely recognize different parts of the city!
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When you think of Paris, the first image that probably comes to mind is the Eiffel Tower. There is nothing quite as iconic as the tall iron tower located on the Champ de Mars. If you are not afraid of heights, you can reach the top of the tower either by elevator or stairs, to enjoy the most spectacular views of the city. If you prefer to see it from the ground, going there at night to see the light show can be a wonderful experience.
Are you planning your trip to the capital of France? Here is a list of underrated places in Paris not to be missed!
Formentera is one of the smallest islands of the Balearic Islands, in Spain, and yet one of the most beautiful places you will ever see, for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. If you visit the island, be sure to visit beaches like Calo des Mort, Cala Saona or Ses Illetes. Please note that the island is only accessible by boat as there is no airport.
10. Glenfinnan Viaduct (UK)
Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct located on top of Loch Shiel in western Scotland. The viaduct creates spectacular scenery in the area and is famous for appearing multiple times in the second and third Harry Potter movies, attracting many fans who visit each year.
11. Town of Hallstatt (Austria)
Hallstatt is a small town in Austria, known for its salt production and the unique beauty that is created through the combination of the nearby mountains, the lake and its characteristic houses. If you visit the village, be sure to walk to Hallstatter See, visit the old town, the market square and the Hallstatt Salt Mine.
12. Interlaken (Switzerland)
Interlaken is a city in Switzerland, near the Swiss Alps. It lies between the mountain peaks and the lakes of Thun and Brienz, creating a spectacular landscape. It is the perfect destination for a rural holiday to enjoy nature, go hiking or cycling, do different water activities in summer or enjoy the snow in winter.
13. The Holy Family (Spain)
Designed by the well-known Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia is a modernist basilica located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. Its construction began in 1882 and it is still not finished today due to numerous events that delayed the completion of the construction, which is now estimated to be finished in 2030. If you visit the Sagrada Familia, be sure to get a ticket to see it too this masterpiece of the interior to appreciate the unique architectural forms.
Do you want to know more places to visit in Barcelona? We have more information on what you can see and do during a 48-hour layover in Barcelona!
Lofoten is an archipelago located off the northeast coast of Norway. It is known for the beautiful contrast that the mountain peaks create next to the sea. In Lofoten you can do all kinds of activities, such as surfing lessons, horseback riding by the sea, climbing, fishing… and if you go between September and March, you have many possibilities. may you see the aurora borealis!
15. Mont Saint-Michel (France)
Mont Saint-Michel is a small island with medieval buildings and an abbey on top, located in a bay between Normandy and Brittany, in France. It is one of the most popular destinations in France as it creates a unique and unforgettable setting. In 1979 it received the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the history it treasures.
16. Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)
Neuschwanstein Castle is an impressive 19th century castle located in southern Germany, which used to be the home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. After his death, the castle was opened to the public and became a major tourist attraction, with more than 1.3 million visitors a year. Visits inside the castle are only available through tour guides, and outside the castle you can find different viewpoints to get the best panoramic views.
Would you like to discover more castles? Here is a list of the most beautiful castles in the world!
Provence is a region located in the southeastern part of France, famous for its beautiful coastline, villages, good food and wine, old buildings, and castles. To capture the most impressive landscapes, the best time to visit Provence is in the summer, when all the lavender fields are in bloom, creating a beautiful sea of purple flowers.
Provence is also known to be a perfect destination for weddings. Discover more unique wedding venues around the world!
Santorini is a Greek volcanic island located in the Aegean Sea, south of Greece. It is instantly recognizable for its white buildings with blue roofs built on the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the blue sea. Santorini is the summer destination of many tourists, since, in addition to its beauty, it offers many different activities such as wine tasting, cruises, water sports, hiking and much more!
19. The Great Geysir (Iceland)
The Great Geysir is a hot spring located two hours from Reykjavik, in the southwest of Iceland. It shoots large amounts of boiling water that can reach up to 40 meters, leaving everyone with their mouths open at such a phenomenon. It usually erupts every 5 minutes, so make sure you’re ready to capture the moment!
20. Tulip Fields (The Netherlands)
There is no more beautiful setting than fields filled with colorful tulips during the spring season in the Netherlands. One of the best regions to find those vast fields of tulips is in the Noordoostpolder in Flevoland. It is also recommended to visit Keukenhof, one of the most beautiful spring gardens in the world with more than 7 million flower bulbs planted there each year.
21. White Cliffs of Dover (UK)
The well-known White Cliffs are located in Dover, on the southeast coast of England. The combination of the white chalk on the cliff face with the green grass on top and the blue ocean next to it creates an unforgettable landscape that you can enjoy walking the different trails to get the best views.