The best 20 places to visit in Europe in 2024

 

1. Paris, France

   • Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris, offering stunning views of the city from its observation decks.
   • Louvre Museum: home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
   • Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, known for its impressive façade and stained glass windows.
   • Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: A famous avenue for shopping, leading to the grand arch honouring those who fought for France.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
     
     
     

2. Rome, Italy

   • Colosseum: an ancient amphitheatre that hosted gladiatorial games and public spectacles.
   • Vatican City is an independent city-state home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling.
   • Roman Forum: Central area of ancient Rome, filled with ruins of important governmental buildings.
   • Pantheon: A former Roman temple, now a church, famous for its large dome and oculus.                                                                                                                                                              
     
     
     

3. Barcelona, Spain

   • Sagrada Família is Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, a basilica with intricate facades and a stunning interior.
   • Park Güell is a public park designed by Gaudí, featuring colourful mosaics, whimsical buildings, and beautiful views of the city.
   • La Rambla is a bustling street with shops, cafes, and street performers, leading to the waterfront.
   • Gothic Quarter: a historic centre with narrow mediaeval streets, charming squares, and the Barcelona Cathedral.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
     
     
     

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

   • Canal Ring: a UNESCO World Heritage site with picturesque canals lined with historic houses.
   • Rijksmuseum: a national museum with a vast collection of Dutch art, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
   • Anne Frank House: A museum dedicated to the Jewish diarist Anne Frank is located in the house where she hid during WWII.
   • Van Gogh Museum: The world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings and drawings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
     
     
     

5. Santorini, Greece

   • Oia is a village known for its whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets over the caldera.
   • Fira is the capital of Santorini, offering views of the volcano, shops, and vibrant nightlife.
   • Red Beach: Unique beach with red volcanic sand and cliffs.
   • Ancient Thira is an archaeological site with ruins from various historical periods, offering insights into the island’s past.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
     
     
     

6. Vienna, Austria

   • Schönbrunn Palace: Former imperial summer residence with lavish rooms and extensive gardens.
   • Hofburg Palace: the winter palace of the Habsburgs, now housing several museums and the Austrian President’s office.
   • Vienna State Opera: One of the leading opera houses in the world, known for its outstanding performances.
   • St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral with a striking multicoloured tile roof and impressive interior.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
     
     
     

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

   • Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress dominating the skyline, home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
   • Royal Mile: a historic street connecting the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with shops, pubs, and attractions.
   • Arthur’s Seat: an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
   • Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across various genres.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
     
     
     

8. Dubrovnik, Croatia

   • City Walls: well-preserved mediaeval walls offering stunning views of the old town and Adriatic Sea.
   • Stradun is the main street of the old town, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
   • Lovrijenac Fort is a historic fortress located outside the city walls, offering great views and historical exhibits.
   • Lokrum Island is a nearby island with beautiful gardens, a monastery, and opportunities for swimming and hiking.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
     
     
     

9. Prague, Czech Republic

   • Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world, including the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace.
   • Charles Bridge: a historic bridge adorned with statues, offering picturesque views of the Vltava River.
   • Old Town Square is the heart of Prague, featuring the Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and colourful baroque buildings.
   • Jewish Quarter: a historic area with synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
     
     
     

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

    • Blue Lagoon: A geothermal spa known for its warm, mineral-rich waters and striking blue colour.
    • Golden Circle: Popular tourist route including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
    • Northern Lights: Best viewed in winter, these natural light displays are a major attraction.
    • Harpa Concert Hall is a modern cultural centre with distinctive glass architecture, hosting concerts and events.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
      
      
      

11. Lisbon, Portugal

    • Belém Tower is a historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insights into Portugal’s maritime history.
    • Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning Manueline-style monastery with impressive architecture and historical significance.
    • Alfama District: the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, known for its narrow streets, Fado music, and vibrant atmosphere.
    • LX Factory: a trendy cultural and commercial space with shops, restaurants, and art installations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
      
      
                

12. Budapest, Hungary

    • Buda Castle is a historic castle complex offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Hungarian National Gallery.
    • Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe, known for its medicinal waters.
    • Parliament Building: an iconic Gothic Revival building on the banks of the Danube, home to the Hungarian National Assembly.
    • Fisherman’s Bastion: Neo-Gothic terrace offering some of the best views of the city and the Danube River.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
      
      
      

13. Stockholm, Sweden

    • Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s old town, with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and historic sites like the Royal Palace.
    • Vasa Museum: a maritime museum housing the well-preserved 17th-century warship Vasa.
    • Skansen: an open-air museum showcasing traditional Swedish life with historic buildings, crafts, and a zoo.
    • ABBA Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to the famous Swedish pop group ABBA.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
      
      
      

14. Florence, Italy

    • Uffizi Gallery: One of the most famous art museums in the world, with works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
    • Duomo: Florence’s cathedral, known for its massive dome designed by Brunelleschi and stunning interior.
    • Ponte Vecchio: a mediaeval stone bridge lined with shops, a famous landmark of the city.
    • Palazzo Pitti: Renaissance palace housing several important museums and the beautiful Boboli Gardens.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
      
      
                         

15. Copenhagen, Denmark

    • Nyhavn is an iconic waterfront area with colourful 17th-century buildings, restaurants, and historic ships.
    • Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, offering rides, performances, and beautiful gardens.
    • The Little Mermaid is a famous statue based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, located by the harbour.
    • Christiania is a freetown and alternative community known for its unique lifestyle and artistic expressions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
      
      
           

16. Berlin, Germany

    • Brandenburg Gate: Symbol of Berlin and Germany, an 18th-century neoclassical monument.
    • Berlin Wall Memorial: Remnants of the Berlin Wall with exhibits explaining its history and impact.
    • Museum Island is a complex of five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum.
    • East Side Gallery: an open-air gallery on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, featuring murals by artists from around the world.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
      
      
      

17. Venice, Italy

    • St. Mark’s Basilica: Stunning basilica with Byzantine architecture, mosaics, and the famous Horses of Saint Mark.
    • Grand Canal: a major waterway lined with beautiful buildings, best experienced via a gondola or vaporetto ride.
    • Rialto Bridge is an iconic bridge with shops, offering great views of the Grand Canal.
    • Doge’s Palace: historic palace and former residence of the Doge, with opulent rooms and the famous Bridge of Sighs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
      
      
                        

18. Bruges, Belgium

    • Market Square: a central square with the Belfry of Bruges, historic buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
    • Canals: Picturesque canals winding through the city are best explored by boat or on foot.
    • Church of Our Lady: a Gothic church housing Michelangelo’s sculpture of the Madonna and Child.
    • Choco-Story: A museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate is a must-visit for chocolate lovers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
      
      
               
      Seville, Spain
19. • Alcázar of Seville: a royal palace with beautiful Mudejar architecture, lush gardens, and historic significance.
    • Seville Cathedral: the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda Tower.
    • Plaza de España: a grand square with a semi-circular building, bridges, and beautiful tile work.
    • Barrio Santa Cruz is a charming neighbourhood with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and lively tapas bars.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
      
      
      

20. Athens, Greece

    • Acropolis: an ancient citadel with iconic structures like the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
    • Acropolis Museum: A modern museum showcasing artefacts from the Acropolis and providing insights into ancient Greek culture.
    • Plaka: a historic neighbourhood with narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and numerous shops and cafes.
    • Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest ancient temples, dedicated to Zeus, with impressive columns and ruins.

These destinations offer a blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences, making them some of the best places to visit in Europe in 2024.