Introduction
Europe has some of the most iconic cities in the world. Whether you’re looking for an educational trip or a romantic weekend away, there’s no shortage of things to do and see if you visit Europe’s major cities. Below is a list of some of Europe’s best attractions, including iconic landmarks and famous museums:
Paris
France’s capital city is an iconic destination in and of itself, but if you’re looking to add some extra landmarks to your trip, here are some of the most famous ones:
- The Eiffel Tower: This steel structure has been a symbol for the city since its completion in 1889. Today, it welcomes more than 7 million visitors each year–and they don’t come just for the views! Visitors can climb all 1,063 feet up (or take an elevator) while admiring breathtaking panoramas of Paris below them.
- Arc de Triomphe: Built between 1806-1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte as part of his ambitious building projects during his reign as Emperor, this large arch stands at the end point where two major roads meet near Champs Elysees Avenue (one leading south toward Versailles Palace). It commemorates those who died fighting during several wars including those against Austria (1792), Prussia/Germany (1870), Italy (1915) and Germany again during World War II (1944).
- Louvre Museum: A museum dedicated exclusively to fine arts housed within Renaissance palace walls built by King Louis XIV back when he ruled France from 1643 until 1715! Visit anytime between 9 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday or 10 am – 6 pm Sundays; admission costs 12 euros ($15 USD) per adult ticket but children under 18 get free admission if accompanied by parents/guardians).
London
London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It’s also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, with millions of people visiting each year. Here are some landmarks:
- Big Ben: The Elizabeth Tower (formerly known as St Stephen’s Tower) houses the bell known as Big Ben. The tower stands at 96 meters (315 feet), making it slightly shorter than its counterpart in Paris–but still an impressive sight!
- Buckingham Palace: This palace was built by King George IV after he became king in 1820; today it’s home to Queen Elizabeth II and her family when they’re not living at Windsor Castle or Sandringham House. You can visit Buckingham Palace during summertime open house days–or just go for a stroll around its grounds if you’re feeling lucky!
- St Paul’s Cathedral: This church was built between 1675-1710 by Christopher Wren after most churches were destroyed during World War II bombings; today it remains London’s most famous landmark due to its size and beauty despite having suffered serious damage during World War II bombings which required extensive repairs before reopening again later on down through history since then (around 2012).
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. It’s known for its architecture, beaches, and nightlife. The Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks–and it’s still under construction!
Rome
Rome is one of the best places to visit in Europe. The city has so much to offer, it’s hard to decide where to start!
The Colosseum and Roman Forum are two of Rome’s most famous landmarks, but there are other things you can see as well:
- The Vatican City – home to St Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, which contain some of Michelangelo’s most famous works such as The Creation of Adam on the ceiling above the altar in St Peter’s Basilica.
- Trevi Fountain – known for being featured in La Dolce Vita (1960), this fountain is located right near Piazza Navona, another popular tourist spot that often hosts street performers at night time because of its large size! You’ll also find many tourists here taking pictures next to its statues representing Neptune riding on his chariot pulled by sea horses while holding tridents in both hands; those who wish will throw coins into them so they will return someday when they come back again later down the road. This tradition started out when Napoleon ordered all fountains throughout Italy closed due too many people drinking water from them instead buying bottled drinks off store shelves today where everyone knows how bad plastic containers containing toxic chemicals can be harmful towards nature itself especially if left unchecked over time without proper caretaking practices being taken care before putting things away after use which often times gets overlooked due too busy lifestyles being lived nowadays rather than focusing more attention towards quality family moments together instead
Berlin
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of Europe. The gate was built in 1788, and was originally a city gate. It was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, who also designed Berlin’s Schloss Charlottenburg palace.
The Brandenburg Gate is the only remaining part of the old city wall that once surrounded Berlin. It stands on Pariser Platz (Paris Square), which was named after Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory over Prussia at nearby Waterloo in 1815.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city of high culture and history, with a bustling center full of museums, galleries and theaters. The Prince’s Street Gardens are home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks that are well worth seeing during your trip.
The Edinburgh Castle – This medieval fortress has been guarding Edinburgh since the 12th century and is one of Scotland’s most visited attractions. Visitors can explore its many rooms including those used by Mary Queen of Scots during her imprisonment in 1567-1568. The castle also offers views over Old Town from its battlements or take part in daily reenactments throughout summer months like Christmas at Crackerjack! (May 1st – October 31st)
The National Museum Scotland – Home to over 70 million items from around the world including Egyptian mummies and fossils from dinosaurs’ eggs found near Dunfermline as well as fine artworks such as Turner paintings donated by JMW Turner himself! There are also interactive displays where children can learn about space travel or play dress up with Vikings costumes while adults keep themselves busy learning about Scottish history through interactive games involving whisky tasting sessions too!
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and for good reason. It’s a city of canals and bridges, with plenty of culture and nightlife to enjoy as well. Amsterdam is known for its red light district (the largest in Europe), but also has plenty of other attractions: there are museums like the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum; there’s shopping at Dam Square; you can ride bikes along tree-lined streets or go on boat tours around Amsterdam’s canals. Foodies will love this Dutch city too–it has some of the best restaurants in all of Europe!
Vienna
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Vienna State Opera House
- St. Michael’s Church
- Schoenbrunn Palace, which was built by Empress Maria Theresa in 1752 and is the largest Baroque palace in Europe. It has more than 1,441 rooms, including a magnificent garden with fountains and statues (the most famous being Jupiter). The palace also houses a collection of historical musical instruments from all over the world, including an organ from 1571 that was used as a model for Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.”
- Hofburg Palace is one of two imperial residences in Vienna; it houses Austria’s Federal President as well as several museums such as Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History), Historisches Museum der Stadt Wien (Municipal History Museum) and Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Natural History Museum). It also contains the Imperial Treasury Chamber with its extensive collections of jewels–including crowns worn by emperors past–and other precious objects made out gold or silver including valuable books bound in leather covers studded with precious stones like diamonds; porcelain dishes decorated with paintings depicting scenes from Greek mythology; rare coins minted during different periods throughout history…
Madrid
Madrid is a city with many icons. The Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace are two of the most famous landmarks in Madrid, but there’s so much more to this city than just those two places.
If you’re looking for culture, check out El Prado Museum or if you want to get away from all that noise and relax at the same time then head over to Parque del Retiro or Las Ventas Bullring (where they hold bullfights).
A variety of European cities have iconic landmarks worth visiting.
- The Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Big Ben in London
- The Colosseum in Rome
- The Spanish Steps in Rome and Barcelona, Spain
- Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany and Warsaw, Poland (it’s also called “Gate of Victory”)
- Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Conclusion
With so many great landmarks to visit, it’s hard to choose just one. But if you only have time for one destination in Europe, I would recommend Amsterdam. The city has so much to offer with its canals and museums, not mention the amazing architecture!
