What are the famous landmarks in Europe? The classic favorites that thousands of tourists come to see every year includes the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, Big Ben in London, and Versaille in France.
But do you know that there are tons of amazing landmarks on the continent that are worth seeing?
So, let’s explore the different landmarks in Europe to get a semblance of the continent’s rich history and culture including creative milestones. It’s a given that Europe has shaped the world map.
From the founding of ancient civilizations to the flourishing of social, political, and economic systems, Europe has set the stage for global upheavals in different areas.
Today, these iconic landmarks in Europe stand as lasting testimonies of such great and thriving civilizations that paved the way for modernity.
Here we go.
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Top 33 Landmarks In Europe Every Avid Traveler Should Visit
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Is there any more iconic symbol in Europe than this? Standing at the height of 1,063 feet and located in the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower is, without a doubt, one of the most famous landmarks in Europe.
More than 7,000,000 tourists visit this place every year. They’re not just here for the pretty view, though. Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower actually has three levels that visitors could access.
There are restaurants and cafes on the first and second levels, while the highest observation deck in the whole European Union is located at the topmost level.
No matter where you look, it’s the showcase piece of postcards, greeting cards, photos, and all sorts of souvenirs and paraphernalia in France. No wonder the Eiffel Tower makes the list of the top must-see European landmarks of all time.
Standing at more than 1,063 feet, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous European landmarks. It is also among the most visited landmarks in the world, owing to its cultural and historical significance not only to Paris but to the whole of France and Europe.
There are areas in the city where visitors can pose with the tower as a backdrop. Others who seek thrill can take a cable to the top of the tower to get a breathtaking view of the city.
Plan your trip with my top post about Paris:
- Top 22 Things to do in Paris (France)
- Top 10 BEST One Day Trips from Paris (France)
- Paris Itinerary: How to Spend Three Days in Paris (France)
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most frequented landmarks in Europe since it is commonly part of regular walking tours in Rome. It’s also well publicized in print and online travel magazines. The fountain has been featured in various Hollywood films.
Plan your trip with my top post about Italy:
- Top 10 Best Day Trips from Rome (Italy)
- Top 15 Beautiful Castles in Italy
- Top 10 Best Day Trips from Venice (Italy)
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly one of the grandest churches in the world and is among the most visited landmarks in Europe. Designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, the church remains a work in progress.
Thousands of devout Catholics also troop here for their prayers and devotions. It boasts different sculptures, towers, carvings, and intricate spires. The target completion of the church is by 2026 to commemorate the century after Gaudi’s death.
The Sagrada Familia is among the most famous landmarks, not just in Barcelona, Spain, but perhaps also in Europe.
It was initially built to become a church in 1882, but more than a hundred years later it still isn’t complete. More than 3,000,000 tourists come to Spain every year only to go to this famed church.
Although it is often labeled a “cathedral,” it doesn’t house the seat of a bishop, which is needed to be qualified for the term. Nevertheless, it has become a vital part of Spanish tourism throughout the years.
Plan your trip with my top post about Barcelona :
- Top 22 Things to do in Barcelona (Spain)
- Top 10+ BEST Day Trips from Barcelona (Spain)
- Top 10 BEST Things to do in Barcelona Gothic Quarter
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
How could a tower not stand upright, yet still manage to hold perfectly still? It is a question that has puzzled countless people and has brought a million of them to flock this place every single year.
Constructed in 1173, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is known for its lopsided position, and thus, the name. That’s all because of the uneven settling of its foundation and the soft ground underneath. Surprisingly, the leaning tower has survived for centuries despite it measuring 185 feet.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, positioned in Pisa, Italy, is undeniably a wonder to behold. It’s approximately 56 feet high, yet it’s leaning at roughly 4 degrees. The cause of the tilt is rather simple: overlooked subsoil that does not hold well.
The original construction was halted for a while when this was noticed, to let the soil settle a bit more, but the ‘damage’ has been done.
Nevertheless, the million visitors who visit to take pictures and marvel at the curious wonder in front of them still put the Leaning Tower of Pisa one of the most famous European landmarks.
Plan your trip with my top post about Pisa:
Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles has served as a royal residence since 1682. It contains more than 600 rooms including priceless arts and artifacts. It is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. It is also a favorite destination of budget travelers.
Plan your trip with my top post about France:
6. Colosseum, Rome
Constructed nearly 2000 years ago, the Colosseum is one of the lasting legacies of the Roman Empire. It is one of the most famous European landmarks and lies at the heart of Rome, dubbed the Eternal City.
The massive concrete and stone landmark has a circumference of 1,788 feet and a height of 160 feet. Inside, there’s an elliptical bowl where gladiators and wild beats fought during the height of the Roman Empire.
Plan your trip with my top post about Rome:
Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy
The Florence Cathedral is not only a popular pilgrimage site among Catholics but also among the most famous Europe man-made landmarks. Construction of the cathedral began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. It showcases the Gothic architectural style.
Plan your trip with my top post about Florence Italy:
Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Doge’s Palace, Venice, Italy
Like Florence Cathedral, the Doge’s Palace showcases Gothic architecture and is one of the must-visit attractions in Venice. Today, it functions as a museum that hosts various sculptures, paintings, and other art materials with historical significance.
Plan your trip with my top post about Venice:
Stonehenge, UK
These gigantic megalithic pillars have mystified travelers, passers-by, and researchers for centuries. No one exactly knows the origin or purpose of these famous monuments in Europe. But most believe that it was either a ceremonial site or an astronomical observatory during ancient times.
Plan your trip with my top post about the UK:
Pena Palace, Portugal
Pena Palace and Park stand majestically atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains. During good weather conditions, one can see the palace from Lisbon. Constructed in the 1850s, it showcases Romanesque architecture with its iconic dome and red and bright yellow walls. Surrounding the palace is a 200-hectare park that boasts beautiful gardens and different flora from various countries.
A castle with a curious and mysterious beginning, The Pena Palace, also known as Palácio da Pena in its original Portuguese language, is situated on top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains in Sintra, Portugal. Legend has it that during the Middle Ages, an apparition of the Virgin Mary appeared on this hill, and the Pena Palace was constructed in commemoration of that incident.
The Romanticist castle, boasting a mixture of different styles, was declared one of Portugal’s 7 Wonders, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fact is no surprise, considering that it’s one of the most ancient buildings and famous structures in Europe. Its 900,000 annual visitors will undoubtedly agree.
Plan your trip with my top post about Lisbon:
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest Christian Church in Europe and is the principal shrine of the Catholic faith. It’s among the most frequented man-made landmarks in Europe, owing to its religious significance and creative showcase.
Inside, one can find priceless art and artifacts including tombs and the stunning designs of the church. The church features Renaissance and Baroque artwork.
The Church of Hallgrimur, Iceland
The Church of Hallgrimur is one of the most photographed landmarks in Europe and is part of the Lutheran faith. It boasts of an impressive tower with a height of 74.5 meters, making it one of the tallest structures in Iceland. It forms a part of the country’s national identity.
Plan your trip with my top post about Iceland:
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, France
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is one of the most unique European landmarks and is listed among the UNESCO world heritage sites.
Visitors and pilgrims can reach the abbey via a connecting bridge. Inside, they can experience a semblance of the 15th and 16th centuries with olden structures and alleys. In addition, visitors can enjoy the rustic view surrounding the abbey.
One of Europe’s ‘most unforgettable sights,’ the Mont Saint-Michele in Normandy, Europe, is a 97-hectare island that features a breathtaking monastery.
Around 3,000,000 tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site annually. You can go on a day trip here from Paris, with the option to choose from a variety of tours available online. However, you can also opt to create your very own itinerary.
And it’s not just the monastery that you can visit. Even the Mont Saint-Michele bay itself is to die for, with a large quantity of flora and fauna for your viewing pleasure. Talk about a fantastic sunset photo, perfect for a romantic getaway!
Plan your trip with my top post about France:
Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Dubbed the world’s largest art museum, Louvre Museum features a pyramid design and contemporary glass. It showcases the most iconic painting in the world known as the Mona Lisa. Aside from Mona Lisa, it has more than 30,000 paintings and sculptures collected from the 7th to the 19th century.
What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
Inntel Hotel Zaandam, The Netherlands
Inntel Hotel Zaandam has a distinct architectural style. From a literal viewpoint, it looks like a pileup of traditional Dutch houses with bright blues and greens. But for others, it appears like a fairytale building. It’s a 12-story structure that offers a unique experience for those visiting the area.
Plan your trip with my top post about The Netherlands:
- Top 13 Places to Visit in the Netherlands
- Top 9 Must-See Castles in the Netherlands
- Top 10 Day Trips from Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
Pantheon, Rome
Pantheon used to be a Roman temple dedicated to pagan gods but has been converted into a Catholic Church. Like the Colosseum, it’s one of the remaining intact remnants of the Roman Empire.
Plan your trip with my top travel posts about Rome:
The Guggenheim, Venice, Italy
The Guggenheim Museum is one of the best places to learn and explore modern art in Venice. It lies between the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Santa Maria Della Salute on Venice’s Grand Canal. It is one of the most frequented destinations in the area.
Plan your trip to Venice with my travel guides:
The Cube Houses, The Netherlands
Being a small country, the Netherlands is developing ways to maximize spacing within the country. Among the offshoots of this goal are the Cube Houses, a set of innovative houses aligned with the principle of “living as an urban proof.” Each house represents a tree that collectively forms a forest.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
The cathedral is one of the grandest Catholic churches in the world and is also one of the most famous landmarks in Europe. It took more than 180 years to complete the church structure. It hosts numerous relics and sculptures dating back centuries ago. To reach the top of the cathedral, visitors can climb the 387-steps challenge.
Big Ben, London, United Kingdom
Previously known as the Great Bell, Big Ben is the world’s third-largest free-standing clock tower. It is one of the most iconic man-made landmarks in Europe with its completion dating back to 1856. It’s a can’t-miss destination when visiting London.
Big Ben, located in the Elizabeth Tower of one of the most famous buildings in London, the Palace of Westminster, is a large iron bell that has become one of Europe’s beloved icons.
The largest bell, the “Great Bell,” also known as Big Ben, chimes every hour, while the smaller bells chime every quarter-hour. Altogether, this clock tower has served as a symbol of London, especially during wartime.
The clock was first installed in 1858; however, it wasn’t until 1959 that it first rang out. Millions of tourists visit the tower every year, but only a few have ever actually seen Big Ben, which refers to the actual bell inside the Elizabeth Tower.
There are guided tours available if you send the management a letter, but you better book now because they are usually fully booked up to 6 months in advance.
Plan your trip with my top post about the United Kingdom:
22. Stonehenge, Salisbury, the UK
Stonehenge, located in Salisbury, United Kingdom, is a prehistoric monument that has puzzled scientists for decades, or even centuries, now.
It is perhaps one of the most acclaimed man-made wonders of the world. A lot of scientists, especially archaeologists, have deduced that Stonehenge was used as a burial ground, however, until now, nobody knows accurately how Stonehenge was built, considering the people back then in 3000BC-2000BC didn’t exactly have access to modern technology yet.
Still, that does not stop visitors from marveling at these famous structures, which are now a must-see in Europe. Around 1,300,000 people visit it every year, to sightsee and shop for souvenirs.
Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
22. Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
Serving as a commemorative monument for the brave soldiers who perished during the French Revolution, the Arc de Triomphe is a must-see landmark in Europe. It took 30 years to build the structure, from August 1806 to July 1836. It contains a museum and from atop, you can get a picturesque view of the city.
Show the average traveler the Arc de Triomphe, and there’s a big chance that they’ll recognize it. The Arc de Triomphe, or Arch of Triumph, located in the Champs-Élysées, is one of the most famous structures, as well as the most famous landmarks in Europe.
The triumphal arch was built between 1806 to 1836, after the Napoleonic Wars, in honor of all the soldiers who fought and fell during the war.
Standing at the height of 162 feet, this majestic European monument is visible even from a distance. Over 600,000 tourists visit this historical site every month, where they can enjoy the scenery and also see the view on top of the arch, through the use of elevators. Throughout the years, the Arc de Triomphe has become one of the most iconic symbols in France.
23. Parthenon, Athens, Greece
Dating back to the mid-5th century BC, the marbled Parthenon temple is one of the oldest landmarks in Europe and in the world. It has survived countless wars, pillaging, and natural disasters. It boasts of a belvedere overlooking Athens and a luxurious stand of Doric columns.
It was commissioned by Athenian orator Pericles in dedication to the patron goddess of Athens named Athena Parthenos.
Plan your trip with my top post about Greece:
24. Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace dates to 1837 and has been a home for many royal families including Queen Victoria. Aside from marveling at the architectural grandeur, visitors here can see the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony once a day. They can also stroll around the royal garden covering 39 acres.
25. The Duomo, Milan, Italy
Also known as Milan Cathedral, the Duomo is one of the grandest Catholic cathedrals in Europe and the world. Although construction began in 1386, it was only completed in 1965.
It features more than 3,000 statues and gargoyles and 135 impressive spires. It’s also one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe to which millions of Catholics pray and attend mass every year.
Plan your trip with my top post about Italy:
26. Château de Chambord, France
In 1519, King Francis I of France started the construction of an architectural building that was supposed to be his hunting lodge.
However, it was never fully completed. And now, fast forward to almost three centuries later, the Château de Chambord located in Loit-et-Cher, France, has become one of the most impressive buildings to be found in one of the historical places in Europe.
The château played a significant role in France during the 2nd World War and several revolutions, often acting as a hospital, refuge for the victims, or storage for valuable cultural and artistic pieces. Over 700,000 visitors visit it annually.
27. The Walled City of Dubrovnik, Croatia
During the 12th-17th century, the old Croatian city of Dubrovnik was having quite a considerable problem: pirates. To solve it: the town had 25-meter-high walls built along the seashore and the surrounding areas, therefore protecting the whole city from any unwanted guests.
Nowadays, the walled city has turned into one of the most famous landmarks in Europe.
It costs about 19USD to enter the city, wherein you can do a walking tour around the area. You can even ascend on top of the walls of the town and view the perimeter of the whole place this way!
Plan your trip to Croatia with my travel guides:
- Top 14 Things to do in Dubrovnik (Croatia)
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Croatia
- Top 10 Stunning Castles in Croatia to Visit
28. Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stari Most, located in the old city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a bridge that crosses the river of Neretva. Although it’s not as widely known as some of the other landmarks in this list, the Stari Most, which literally means “Old Bridge” in English, serves a significant cultural symbol for the Ottoman people.
There is a tradition that occurs every July, where young men would jump from Stari Most and into the River Neretva. Due to the utmost coldness of the water, only the most skilled and trained swimmers are allowed to join in the competition.
Nevertheless, this does not stop the tourists who still visit sight-see in Mostar, making the Stari Most one of the best iconic landmarks in Europe.
29. Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Al-Hamra means ‘red’ in Arabic, so the castle, with its reddish walls, was named as such. It stands on the hilltop on the west side of the city of Granada in Spain.
It was built in this area because it offers a full view of the city, therefore making it a strategic point during the days when this was still important due to enemies and threats.
Aside from this, though, it cannot be denied that the Nasrid architecture of the castle is simply world-class. If you want to visit the Alhambra these days, there are guided tours available that you can avail yourself of making things easier for you while touring this architectural building in Europe.
30. Cinque Terre in Italy
Cinque Terre refers to the five fishing communities in the Italian Riviera that have slowly gained appeal to the world in the past few decades.
This place boasts romantic views, a serene atmosphere, and a natural charm that makes it one of the most frequented areas in Italy. Recently, it has been hailed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Around 3,000,000 tourists visit the Cinque Terre annually; however, this is bound to change because the government of Italy is thinking of limiting its visitors to preserve the culture of the communities better.
Although it is indeed worth a look, you better do your research well before coming, because accommodation here can be quite expensive!
31. Neuschwanstein Castle
Often labeled as “the castle of the fairy-tale king,” the Neuschwanstein Castle is an ancient castle situated on top of a hill in Bavaria, Germany.
Initially, it was the home of King Ludwig II who, legend has it, was extremely shy and had the castle built with high walls and harsh architecture to keep most people out. Ironically, shortly after his death in 1886, the palace was opened to the public.
Nowadays, over 1,300,000 people visit this castle annually to sightsee and look around the magnificent palace rooms. The beautiful and dreamy Neuschwanstein Castle has served as the inspiration for several fairy-tale castles, including Disney’s very own Sleeping Beauty castle!
32. Acropolis in Athens
The Parthenon is probably one of the most iconic and famous structures in all of Greek history. It’s a temple built in commemoration of the goddess Athena and is often deemed to have ‘perfect’ architecture.
Roughly a million tourists visit the Acropolis in Athens every single year. The sad reality is that according to surveys, around 25% of them no longer want to go back, due to the exaggerated high prices in Greece.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an excellent place to view an essential part of Greek culture and one of the famous European monuments, then the Acropolis in Athens should still be a part of your list.
33. Pompeii in Naples, Italy
Pompeii’s fame comes from a dark and tragic past, namely the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 which wiped out the whole city and buried everything in ashes and hardened lava. Due to this, almost all the items and corpses from the eruption have been perfectly preserved.
Archaeologists have long studied the remains of this city, taking care not to harm it any further. But for over 250 years now, Pompeii, which is situated in the modern-day city of Naples in Italy, has become one of the most world-famous places in Europe. As a tourist destination, it receives around 2,500,000 visits annually. In 1997, UNESCO declared Pompeii a World Heritage Site.
And there you have it, 18 places in Europe that are undoubtedly a must-see for everyone! We hope you liked our collection of landmarks in Europe!
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