Landmarks and cities
Many people build a first trip around a handful of famous sights. Frequently listed favorites include:
- Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a Seine river cruise and a stroll through Montmartre. See our travel guide to Paris.
- Rome: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Vatican.
- Barcelona: the Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi buildings.
- London: the Tower of London, the British Museum and the Thames.
- Amsterdam: canal cruises and cycling, plus museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.
- Athens: the Acropolis and its museum.
Which is the “number one” attraction is a matter of opinion. The Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum and the Sagrada Familia are among the names that come up most often.
Museums and history
Europe has an exceptional concentration of museums and historic sites. Some travelers enjoy a few well-chosen visits more than trying to see everything in a single day. Consider:
- Art museums such as the Louvre, the Prado, the Uffizi and the Rijksmuseum.
- Castles and palaces, from Versailles to the castles of Bavaria. See the best place to travel in Germany.
- Ancient ruins in Italy, Greece and Spain.
- Cathedrals, old towns and city walls in places like Prague, Tallinn and Dubrovnik.
Tickets for the most popular sites often sell out, so reserve timed entry in advance where possible.
Food and drink
Eating is one of the easiest ways to feel a place:
- Tapas crawls in Spain, especially across Andalusia
- Pasta, pizza and gelato across Italy
- Bakeries, markets and cafes in France
- Beer halls and beer gardens in Bavaria
- Chocolate and waffles in Belgium
- Pastel de nata in Portugal (see Lisbon tips)
A cooking class or a market visit can be a good way to learn about regional food. Check opening hours, because many restaurants close between lunch and dinner in Southern Europe.
Mountains, coast and hiking
- The Alps in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France, for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
- The Dolomites in northern Italy, known for dramatic peaks and well-marked trails.
- Cinque Terre coastal paths in Italy; check which trails are open before you go.
- Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, famous for its waterfalls and boardwalks.
- The Scottish Highlands, for hills, lochs and castles. Our best UK travel itinerary covers Scotland.
- The Algarve and Greek islands for beaches.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so check forecasts and bring appropriate layers and sturdy footwear. For more trail ideas, see the best travel destinations for hiking.
Road trips and scenic rail
Driving suits places where public transport is limited. Iceland’s Ring Road, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Scotland’s North Coast 500 and Portugal’s countryside are popular options. For scenic train rides, Switzerland and Norway have well-known routes. Compare the cost and convenience of a car with trains before deciding.
Winter, festivals and northern lights
Winter brings Christmas markets in Germany and Austria, ski resorts in the Alps and, in the far north, a chance of seeing the northern lights. See our top winter destinations in Europe. Seasonal events and festivals, such as carnival celebrations or music festivals, often need early booking.
Tips for popular sights
- Visit early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.
- Pre-book major attractions.
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
- Dress appropriately for churches and cathedrals, where covered shoulders and knees are often expected.
- Combine a famous sight with a quieter neighborhood nearby.
FAQ
What are the top 5 tourist attractions in Europe? Rankings vary, but the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Sagrada Familia, the Louvre and the Acropolis are among the most commonly cited.
Is $5000 enough for two weeks in Europe? It depends on destinations, season, and travel style, so there is no single answer. See our breakdown in planning a 2 week trip to Europe.
Where should I go first? Use our top Europe destinations overview to match places to your interests, then choose activities from the lists above.