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Want to find out the best famous places in Europe to visit? You’re in the right place!
Europe is known around the world for its iconic landmarks, famous buildings, stunning landscapes and pretty towns and villages.
As a continent with lots of history and an abundance of different cultures, there are loads of famous places in Europe worth visiting.
To help make planning a trip across Europe easier, this list compiles the best famous places you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
So let’s not waste any more time, and get right into it!
Famous Places in Europe
1. Paris
Paris is a city that everyone is familiar with. There are so many infamous sights to see in Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Notre Dame, the Palace of Versailles, and so many more. A trip to Paris is simply magical – even without visiting Disney. It’s a special feeling walking through a city that you have dreamed of visiting forever. Whether your imagination about Paris comes from movies, books, photos, or stories, it’s sure to live up to your expectations. It’s an amazing city, and it’s definitely one of the best famous places in Europe, without a doubt.
2. Rome
Rome is a similar city to Paris. Again, it’s filled with landmarks that are known across the globe. A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona, just to name a few. The atmosphere in Rome is also a special one. Especially at night; one of the best things to do is to take a night tour of Rome. It’s a completely different experience to during the day, and arguably better. Seeing the Colosseum at night is an unforgettable moment.
3. Santorini
If you use Instagram, there’s an extremely high chance that you’ll have seen a post of someone posing by the famous white houses and buildings of Santorini. The Greek Island has become a super popular destination in Europe and there’s more to the island than taking that photo. There are so many gorgeous beaches to choose from, but if the ocean water isn’t good enough for you, how does a volcanic tour of Santorini where you get to bathe in hot springs sound? Seeing Santorini for yourself is so different to seeing social media posts, and it’s a must-see in Europe.
4. Pompeii
Although it’s no longer a functioning city and is now a historical attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii remains one of the most famous places in Europe. And for good reason. Walking through the streets of Pompeii is an indescribable feeling. It’s one of the best immersive experiences you can have for imagining what life was like in civilizations before us. You can also take Pompeii trips from Rome if you want to tick off two places in the space of a few days. However you visit, Pompeii is going to leave you speechless.
5. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is infamous for its warm and relaxing turquoise-blue water along with its spa treatments and photo opportunities. The water is warmed naturally by the volcanic activity in Iceland, and people travel from all over the world just to spend a few hours in the Blue Lagoon. Admittedly, there are lots of other lagoons in Iceland which are equally as good, but the Blue Lagoon is undeniably the most popular.
6. The Acropolis
In terms of landmarks, few come close to the Acropolis. Although it’s not one of the seven wonders of the world, it’s as close as you can get, and a trip to the Acropolis is definitely wonderful. The citadel can be seen from all across Anthens, and like the Colosseum in Rome, it looks especially spectacular when lit up at night. The golden glow the lighting creates is stunning. But nothing beats getting up close to the Acropolis and seeing the detail on all of the stonework. It’s very impressive and gives a trip to Athens a worthy spot on anyone’s bucket list.
7. The Alps
The Alps are by no means the most famous mountain range in the world. Nothing comes close to the Himalayas…they have Everest after all. But the Alps are still one of the most famous places in Europe, and the hype is deserved. Spanning across eight different countries, the mountain range is known for its abundance of ski resorts, and they’re some of the best in the world. Even if you don’t know the Alps by name, if you’ve ever eaten some Toberlone chocolate, you’ll recognize the shape of the Matterhorn, in the Swiss Alps.
8. Vatican City
Small by nature, but big by reputation, the Vatican City is another must-have on any trip throughout Europe. The city-state is famous for lots of things, but the three main reasons would be: being the home of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, and being the smallest country in the world. Visiting the Vatican for yourself is an amazing way to spend a day. It’s right in the heart of Rome and features some of the best museums in the world. How can anything compete with the Sistine Chapel, right? You could spend hours in that room simply admiring the attention to detail.
9. Plitvice Lakes
When it comes to natural beauty, it’s hard to find anywhere that will beat Plitvice Lakes. It’s clear to see why the Croatian national park is one of the most famous places in Europe. The waterfalls can only be described as “beautiful”, and the whole experience of walking along the wooden boardwalks, surrounded by incredible greenery, with the fresh smell of the gorgeous blue water combined with the natural earthy smell of the trees, and the sun beating down from above. It’s a sensory experience like no other, and everyone should aim to experience it.
10. Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is a super famous basilica found in Barcelona. Regardless of whether you know Barcelona because of its football (soccer) team, or the landmarks and culture of the city, you can’t visit without spending some time outside or inside the Sagrada Familia. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of gothic architecture, the gothic architecture of this basilica will change your opinion. The basilica is stunning, and the inside is equally as impressive.
11. Loch Ness
Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, although it’s beautiful and offers lots of walks, campsites and other mountain-y activities, Loch Ness is famous for one thing and one thing only: the Loch Ness Monster. The infamous folklore is known all around Europe and beyond for the mythical (or real??) monster that lives in the loch. Known as Nessie, it’s quite a fun story to tell and learn more about while in the area. And yes, you will find no shortage of Loch Ness Monster souvenirs.
12. Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are yet another famous place in Europe. And yes, they are in Europe. The group of Spanish islands are a popular holiday or vacation getaway, with sunny skies and warm temperatures all throughout the year. They’re just as popular to visit in Winter as in Summer. Aside from warm weather, the islands are quite unique in their landscapes too. There are active volcanoes, dusty deserts, black sand beaches, rugged coastlines and more. The Canaries are more than worth a visit.
13. Big Ben
Whilst there are plenty of famous spots in London – Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Tower Bridge, just to name a few – the most famous is Big Ben, the iconic clock tower. Or is it? Big Ben actually refers to the name of the bell inside the clock, not the tower itself. Aside from this common minor name mistake, Big Ben does not disappoint. Especially since it’s been refurbished, the golden nature of the clock is unbelievable and nothing beats seeing it for the first time.
It would be impossible to have a list of famous places in Europe without including Scandinavia. This region of Europe includes countries like Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. Countries that are typically known for being cold, and being expensive. One of the best reasons to visit any of these countries is for the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The auroras are one of the best experiences you will ever have in your life, and having the true experience of standing outside at 3 am in the morning, wrapped up warm in the Scandinavian countryside, is by far the best way of experiencing the natural phenomenon.
15. The Giant’s Causeway
Last but by no means least of these famous places in Europe is the Giant’s Causeway in the north of Northern Ireland. The attraction is famous for its cobblestone columns and pillars, which create a unique and unexplainable pattern of rock. There are also local myths and legends such as that of the giant of Finn McCool about how the Causeway was formed. But the whole of the Causeway Coast is beautiful, with things like the Carrick-A-Rede Ropebridge and Dunluce Castle also making for popular stops.
Famous Places in Europe: Conclusion
And there you have it, a complete guide to famous places in Europe.
Each of these destinations, landmarks, or attractions offers the trip of a lifetime.
Europe has such a great diversity, and this list perfectly summarises it. Every country is slightly different, and by visiting everywhere on this list, you get a bit of everything.
From Santorini to Scandinavia and everything in between, you’re guaranteed to enjoy all of these famous places in Europe.
So what are you waiting for? Book those flights, jump on that plane, and have the time of your life!
This post was written by Josh Band from A Backpacker’s World. Josh loves to write about backpacking all around the world. From Southeast Asia to Europe, and everything in between, Josh loves to explore and spend as little as possible while doing so. Who doesn’t love budget travelling, right?!
Check out these other related posts:
- Best Sights in Spain
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- Central Europe Itinerary
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.