The 25 best places to visit in Europe

Are you planning a vacation in European countries? We will list the long-known most beautiful places in Europe, and no less stunning locations which are hidden from the eyes of the general public. Read on to find out which best locations tourists should see first.

TOP 25 places to visit in Europe

There are many notable sights. But our list of visiting places in Europe will capture your imagination so much that once you read about them, you'll want to see everything with your own eyes.

1. Versailles (France)

The residence of the French king Louis XIV is considered one of the most impressive castles in Europe. Once it was an ordinary hunting lodge here, which the monarch decided to rebuild into a mansion, but caught up a little. Historians say that this construction drove France into final bankruptcy and revolution. Versailles was designed by the best architects of that time. Even centuries later, it strikes with a combination of stunning beauty, historical significance and extraordinary extravagance.

It is located 20 km from Paris. You can get to Versailles directly from the city center by bus, train or by taxi. Paid entrance.

2. Meteora (Greece)

This is a very interesting place in Europe to visit. One of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet is located in the north of Greece. High monolithic pillars rise from the valley to the sky. There are picturesque mountains around. And at the very top of these rocks, there is a monastery complex visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. Visitors describe the atmosphere of this place as magical and inspiring. Even if you are not religious, you should visit this place. Time seems to be frozen there, and an invisible force restores the soul, taking away all heavy burdens.

The nearest airport to Meteora is in Thessaloniki. The road to the monasteries by car or by bus will take about 4 hours from there. It’s a little longer to get there from Athens, the capital of Greece, — about 6 hours. Entrance to each monastery is paid.

3. Troll Tongue Rock (Norway)

One of the best places to visit in Europe is located in western Norway, in the Skjeggedal valley. Just imagine yourself hovering at an altitude of 700 meters! Far below, under your feet, stretches the blue expanse of Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It’s breathtaking! It will take 10-12 hours to walk to this stone cliff. In total, it is 23 km through high forests and a height difference of about 1000 meters. If you have good shoes and good physical shape, climbing will be easy.

The trekking trail to the Troll's Tongue starts from the village of Tyssedal, near the town of Odda. The nearest major city with an airport is Bergen, from there you can quickly get to Tyssedal by car. Due to the specific weather conditions, visiting the rock is possible during the summer months only.

4. Palace of Westminster and Big Ben (UK)

A beautiful and austere building, which is an excellent example of neo-Gothic architecture. The palace was built in 1840 in the very center of London, on the banks of the Thames. The extent to which it was built is impressive. As conceived by the architects, it was supposed to symbolize the greatness of the British constitutional monarchy. One of the clock towers of the Palace of Westminster was named Big Ben and is a completely independent attraction. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of Britain, used on souvenirs, English textbook covers and in movies. The height of the tower is 96 meters, and the clock on it is the third largest in the world.

It is located in the heart of the capital of Great Britain. The easiest way to get there is by subway, Westminster or Victoria station. London is convenient for independent tourists. No need to be tied to specific excursion programs.

Using the Yesim mobile application, you will always have access to the Internet. So, if necessary, you can easily figure out how to get there and where to stay for the night.

5. Kekenkof (Netherlands)

This is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The world's largest royal flower garden is located in the Netherlands, near the city of Lisse. The annual flower festival and endless tulip plantations attract a lot of visitors. Each spring, park workers plant more than 7 million flower bulbs. In addition to tulips, you can find hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations and irises here. The peak season for tulips flowering is from mid-April till early May. We recommend visiting the park on weekdays in the morning or afternoon. There are less visitors during these hours and you can take great photos.

The easiest way to get to Keukenkof is by bus or by car from Leiden. The journey will take about 30 minutes.

6. Church of La Sagrada Familia (Spain)

The most visited attraction in Barcelona and one of the most popular sightseeing in Spain. Colossal façade arches, shiny stained-glass windows and other thought out elements form an amazing masterpiece. This subject related interesting places in Europe are very diverse. But the architectural masterpiece of the great Antonio Gaudi is impressive in every detail. e. Inside the Church of Sacred Family (this is how the name of the church is translated) is no less interesting than outside. At the top of the church tower there is an observation deck from which a stunning panorama of Barcelona opens.

The church is located almost in the center of the city. It is easy to get there by any public transport. Nearby is the metro station of the same name. Entrance to the temple is paid.

7. Zaanse Schans (Netherlands)

This is a popular tourist center of the Netherlands, located 16 km from Amsterdam. The Zaanse Schans is an open-air ethnographic museum. In a small village there are huge windmills surrounded by tulip fields. Such a picture is not uncommon for the Dutch hinterland, but there is a nuance: only here the old mills fully function. The blades spin, the millstones grind the grain — everything is for real! There are coffee houses and souvenir shops nearby, they are located in pretty houses.

You can get to the Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by train, bus or by car in 20-30 minutes.

8. Eiffel Tower (France)

The symbol of modern France and the highlight of Paris. The French affectionately call it "our Iron Lady". An elegant openwork metal structure has been adorning the Champ de Mars for more than a hundred years. The height of the building is 324 meters. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Eiffel Tower was considered the tallest building in the world. Its author, engineer Gustav Eiffel, arranged a room for himself on one of the floors, so that he would literally never leave his life’s work. Now his home is open to tourists. The observation decks on the Eiffel Tower offer stunning views of Paris.

The attraction is located in the very center of the capital of France, next to land transport and metro stops.

9. Colored Mountains (Iceland)

The pearl of Iceland is a geothermal wonderland called Landmannalaugar. One of the most unusual places in Europe to visit. Ridges of colorful mountains go beyond the horizon. The magical atmosphere is complemented by the fields of hardened volcanic lava and the evaporation of hot springs. The colored mountains impress tourists so much that they feel like they are on another planet. A true paradise for photographers and hikers. After walking, you can relax in the natural hot pool.

The Internet in this remote southern corner of Iceland is no problem with the Yesim mobile app. You can get from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar by direct bus, taxi or by car. The journey will take about 4 hours.

10. Colosseum (Italy)

A magnificent architectural monument of ancient Rome — a huge amphitheater with 65 000 seats. It is considered to be one of the 7 modern wonders of the world. In ancient times gladiators fought wild animals and each other in its arena. The size of this thousand-year-old structure is amazing: the height of the walls reaches 50 meters, and the size is larger than that of modern football fields. Among the ruins, one can see the structure of the internal and underground premises of the ancient stadium.

The Colosseum is located in the very center of Rome, close to land transport stops and the metro station.

11. Rakotsbrück Bridge (Germany)

Very interesting European tourist place. In German Saxony, in a small park there is a beautiful bridge, the photo with which is good at any time of the year. Translated from German, the name means "Devil's Bridge". According to folk legend, such complex structures could not be built without the help of the otherworldly. Of course this magical creation is the work of human hands. Rakotsbryuk was built in 1860 and its author clearly had a good imagination. Exquisite arch, jagged rock spires at both ends make it a true work of art.

The bridge is located on the border of the town of Gablenz, in the southeastern part of Germany. The journey from Leipzig by car will take about 3-4 hours.

12. Acropolis and Parthenon temple (Greece)

This historical complex is an outstanding example of ancient Greek culture and one of the main tourist centers of Southeast Europe. The Greeks are very devoted to their history, so all the sights in this country are maintained in excellent condition. Tourists love Greece especially for the opportunity to touch the history, which is more than 2000 years old. The Acropolis is a huge citadel, spread over an area of about 4 football fields and containing more than 20 monuments. One of the most impressive is the Parthenon (the temple of the goddess Athena, the patroness of the capital Athens).

The Acropolis is located in the center of Athens, close to land transport stops and the metro station. Paid entrance.

13. Lavender fields of Provence (France)

Scenery with lush lilac and purple stripes make you want to come back here again and again. The visiting card of the south-east of France is the lavender fields of Provence, one of the most picturesque European tourist places . This landscape is known and admired by photographers all over the world. Ordinary nature lovers also do not ignore the attractive countryside. The best time to visit the lavender fields is summer, starting from mid-June.

The fields are located in the southeast of France. You can get to the Valensole plateau with the most beautiful landscapes by train, bus or by car from Marseille or Avignon, the journey will take about 3 hours.

14. Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)

A visit to the romantic palace is the perfect day trip option from Munich. Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular palaces and castles in Europe. It was built by King Ludwig II for comfortable solitude.Shortly after his death, the castle was opened to the public. Every year, about 1.4 million visitors come to see this fabulous place. The castle impressed Walt Disney so much that he took it as the base for his famous Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Located in 10 minutes drive from the small town of Schwangau. From Munich you can get by train to the city of Flussen in 2 hours and from there travel another 10 minutes by bus to the foot of the castle hill.

15. Charles Bridge (Czech Republic)

This is a very interesting place in Europe to visit. One of the most famous sights of Prague, in the very center of the city. This is the oldest bridge across the Vltava and the second oldest bridge in the Czech Republic. It was built under King Charles IV, between 1352 and 1402. We recommend visiting it in the morning when there are few visitors. In the evening, in the light of lanterns, the stone bridge with sculptural compositions is especially gorgeous. According to the legend, the statue of John of Nepomuk makes wishes come true. You should place the fingers of your right hand on the five stars and the left hand on the feet of the saint at the same time, and with the right foot step on the golden nail. Make a wish and it will surely come true!

The bridge is located in the center of Prague, within walking distance from the Prague Castle.

16. Oludeniz (Turkey)

One of the most beautiful European beaches is located in the south of Turkey. Its other name is the Blue Lagoon. A popular resort for swimming, diving and paragliding, surrounded by picturesque pine hills. A favorite vacation destination for tourists with children, as the water is perfectly clean and without strong waves. The number of attractions for children and adults here is off the charts. Be sure to fly over Oludeniz on a paraglider — this is an experience of a lifetime!

The nearest airport to the beach is Dalaman. From there, by bus or by car, you can reach Oludeniz in about 40 minutes. Entrance to most of the beaches is free.

17. Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)

The main tourist attraction in Ireland is the sea cliffs in County Clare, in the west of the country. Spectacular cliffs rise 214 meters above the swirling ocean and have a coastline of about 8 kilometers. They offer stunning views. On one of the peaks stands O'Brien's Tower — an observation post and another recognizable symbol of Ireland. For centuries, this structure has stood firmly against the strong winds of the Atlantic.

The journey from Dublin will take about 4 hours by car. There is a car park next to the rocks.

18. Trakai Castle (Lithuania)

The only water castle in Eastern Europe. The castle was built in the 14th-15th centuries on an island in the middle of Lake Galvė. The citadel made of red brick and gray stone looks very impressive and not only externally, but also inside. It has an excellent location, it is a favorite vacation destination for guests and residents of Lithuania. Now Trakai Castle houses the Museum of the History of Lithuania. Events, festivals and concerts are constantly held in the courtyard. The castle is located 27 kilometers from Vilnius. Buses, trains and electric trains run to Trakai from Vilnius. The entrance to the castle is paid, but you can walk free on the island.

19. Rhine Falls (Switzerland)

The most powerful waterfall in Europe is located on the Swiss-German border, near the town of Schaffhausen. If you stay above itt, you can feel the powerful vibration of the earth. The width of the waterfall is 150 meters, and the water rushes at a speed of 23 meters per second here. In the middle of it rises a rock, where you can swim on a sightseeing boat. The most adventurous tourists can rent canoes. In the middle of the falls, you can stand on platforms that protrude and are partially suspended above the Rhine. Nearby there is a playground and an interactive exhibition, a picturesque trekking trail is equipped.

You can get from Schaffhausen to the waterfall by city bus in 10 minutes.

20. Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)

One of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, those that can often be found in the Balkans. This is the largest park in Croatia. It has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pride of the park is a cascade of 16 large breathtaking emerald lakes connected by about 100 dazzling blue waterfalls. Here you can fully experience the dominance of nature and take a break from the city bustle. One-day tours from Zagreb, Zadar or Split are popular. But it is best to give Plitvice Lakes at least two days.

The most convenient way to get there is by bus from Zagreb Central Station. The trip will take approximately 3 hours. Entrance to the lakes is paid.

21. Salt mine in Wieliczka (Poland)

One of the most unusual sights in Poland. It is a very interesting European tourist place. The mine operated from the 13th to the 20th century and only recently became a tourist attraction. The total length of underground corridors is about 245 km, and the maximum working depth reaches 327 m. Even the descent into the mine to the depth of 135 meters is an adventure. Large salt landscapes are hollowed out in the salt rock, complemented by sculptures and spectacular lighting. All this is the work of miners, real professionals in this sphere.

Wieliczka is located in the southern suburbs of Krakow. The journey from the city center by bus or train will take only 20-30 minutes. To get into the mine is only possible as a part of an organized tour.

22. Lauterbrunnen Valley (Switzerland)

This attraction is located in one of the most majestic valleys of the Alps, between giant rocks and snow-capped mountain peaks. It is considered to be the most beautiful place in Switzerland. Tourists will see dozens of waterfalls, flowering mountain slopes and famous alpine meadows, which have long been popular thanks to advertising. Lauterbrunnen is considered a paradise for fans of active tourism as well as for gourmets — the food is really delicious in the local cafes and restaurants. You can get to Lauterbrunnen from the neighboring town of Interlaken, but before you need to get to it by train from Bern.

23. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Ukraine)

The main monastery complex of Ukraine, one of the largest monasteries in Europe and a tourist attraction of Kyiv. A 1000-year-old monument of history, which is located on the high steeps of the right bank of the Dnieper. This historical and cultural reserve attracts many tourists from all over the world. On the territory of the Lavra there are several museums and exhibitions with artifacts from the times of Kievan Rus. The cave mazes of the Lavra leave a lasting impression. At the very top of the large Lavra bell tower (it is also called the Ukrainian Leaning Tower of Pisa) there is an observation deck. It opens beautiful panoramas of Kyiv.

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is within walking distance from the center of the Ukrainian capital.

24. Bay of Kotor (Montenegro)

The most beautiful bay of the Adriatic Sea is located in Montenegro. It cuts 20 km deep into the mainland and its landscape resembles the northern fjords. The Gulf Coast is an original mixture of ancient architecture and modern atmosphere. The exterior of the resort towns of Kotor, Tivat, Prcanj and Herceg Novi features the lasting influence of the Venetian period. An ideal place for fans of a tranquil and relaxing holiday in the picturesque nature.

You can quickly get there by public transport or by car from the capital of Montenegro — Podgorica.

25. Santa Claus Village (Finland)

Top places to visit in Europe are impressive — you can even meet a fairy-tale character! It is enough to come to hospitable Finland and visit Santa's residence — the village of Rovaniemi. Santa's guests will enjoy walking along the cozy paths to the main square, surrounded by souvenir shops. Local cafes and restaurants serve delicious local, so-called arctic cuisine. It will be interesting to visit the post office of Santa Claus, where children send letters from all over the world, to see the red Christmas house of Mrs. Santa Claus. There is also active recreation — snowmobiling.

There are daily trains from Helsinki to the fairytale village. There is a good highway. The trip will take approximately 10 hours.

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