The Most Popular Tourist Attractions In All Of Europe
- Big Ben has a slight lean.
- Two types of stone were used in the creation of Stonehenge.
- The Anne Frank house was almost demolished before turning it into a museum.
With landmarks steeped in history and exhibiting the works of world-renowned architects, travelers to Europe are never short on famous sites to explore. We’ve put together a list of some of the Most Popular Tourist Attractions in All of Europe guaranteed to create unforgettable travel memories for all who visit.
10. Eiffel Tower // Paris, France
Built as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower attracts nearly 7 million visitors each year – making it the most visited paid attraction in the world. Visitors can climb to the top of this 81- story high structure to take in breathtaking views of the City of Lights. The Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. It’s easily detectable from many vantage points throughout the city so travelers can capture that perfect Instagram-worthy shot while exploring this European capital.
9. Sagrada Familia // Barcelona, Spain
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to Sagrada Familia. Upon seeing the scaffolding, visitors could mistakenly believe it’s being refurbished, but in actuality, it has never been completed in its 150-year history. Work on this well-known church began in 1882 by Antonio Gaudi, but after facing a series of challenges, it was never able to be fully completed. Gaudi died in 1926 without ever seeing his work come to fruition, but the hope is to complete the church by 2026 to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Gaudi’s death.
8. Grand Canal // Venice, Italy
There’re a variety of waterways to explore on an iconic gondola ride through Venice, but Grand Canal is the main thoroughfare of the city. Visitors will pass houses, eateries, and shops as they glide through this top travel destination. Plan your visit in February to witness the city’s Carnevale celebration in the days leading up to the Christian celebration of Lent. The Venetian streets are filled with partygoers in elaborate costumes and decorative masks wandering the city streets.
7. Stonehenge // Wiltshire, England
Stonehenge is much more than a pile of rocks, it’s a prehistoric monument constructed around 3000 BC and is cloaked in mystery. Whether it was erected as a burial site, a place of healing, or a celestial observatory remains unclear. Over 1 million visitors a year flock to Wilshire, England, to witness for themselves this mystical exhibit.
6. Trevi Fountain // Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world, so it’s no wonder it tops the list of travelers. Sometime in the late 19th century, it was believed a sip of water from the fountain would ensure a return to Rome one day. Today, instead of sipping the water, visitors toss a coin into the water with the same hope of returning to the Italian capital one day. The fountain collects an estimated 3,000 Euros each day from visitors to the city but think twice before reaching in and grabbing a hand full of tokens as the law against removing coins is strictly enforced.
5. Buckingham Palace // London, England
Buckingham Palace attracts nearly 15 million visitors each year. The palace is the primary London residence of the Queen of England and the administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch. The type of flag that flies above the Palace signifies if the Queen is in residence or not. A Union Flag raised means the Queen is not at Buckingham Palace, but the Royal Standard signifies her Majesty is at home. The Changing of the Guards takes place at the Place around 10:45 am on certain days throughout the year, providing a memorable travel experience for those timing it right.
4. Sistine Chapel // Vatican City, Italy
This well-known chapel is located within the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. Constructed in the 15th century, one of the top draws to the chapel is to witness the work of Michelangelo’s famous frescoed ceiling. Though it’s tempting to take a few pictures of this work of art as a keepsake, it is strictly forbidden in an effort to maintain the integrity of this masterpiece.
3. Ann Frank House // Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Among the many memorable sites to visit on a trip to Amsterdam is a tour of the Anne Frank house. This 17th-century building holds a special place in history where Anne Frank and her family hid to avoid persecution during World War II. Visitors can tour the apartment where they resided included the annex hidden by a bookcase. The museum provides a look into the life of Anne Frank and reflects on all forms of discrimination and persecution. The tour ends with a stop at the gift shop where visitors can purchase a copy of The Diary of Anne Frank.
2. Colosseum // Rome, Italy
One of Rome’s most easily recognizable attractions is the Roman Colosseum. This structure dates back to 70 AD and today attracts over 6 million visitors each year. The Colosseum was originally constructed for the purpose of gladiator contests, but it has also been utilized for battle reenactments and animal hunts. Tours of the amphitheater offer a look into its rich history as well as providing some memorable photos ops of the interior of this historic ruin.
1. Big Ben // London. England
Big Ben is technically a nickname for the Great Bell of this striking clock, but the name has been synonymous with the clock tower itself. This notable London landmark was officially named Clock Tower and later renamed Elizabeth Tower. Whichever name is used, there’s no denying it’s one of the most recognizable attractions in the world. Located on the north end of the Palace of Westminster, this monument is located nearby many of the city’s top sites.
