Europe is full of breathtaking architecture, vibrant cities, and interesting people. There are millions of travellers every year that find their way around Europe, taking in the sights. Whether they are off the beaten path or hitting the tourist trail, visitors want to see the best of what Europe has to offer. Landmarks have always been a popular destination, and for good reason. They are some of the most beautiful places in the world, not to mention rich with history and culture. Check out our list of the landmarks that visitors and locals just can’t get enough of.
Eiffel Tower
The city of Paris itself should be on the list. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its picturesque cafes, art, and architecture. Even the residents are some of the most fashionable in the world. But it’s the Eiffel Tower that captures the hearts of millions every year. With all that love in the air, the Eiffel Tower continues to excite those who are able to get that perfect photo. It’s most beautiful moments occur when the sun is down and the tower gets an electricity boost with thousands of sparkling lights.
Versailles
Louis XIV had one of the most incredible palaces in history. Versailles is enormous. It’s so big, you can barely capture it in one photo. As beautiful as the outside of the palace is, it’s the inside that counts. One part in particular is worth at least 100 photos. The Hall of Mirrors is a work of extravagant art, portraying the wealth of the late Louis XIV. Built with over 300 mirrors, gilded bronze and one-of-a-kind paintings, this hall is the most lavish section of Versailles that visitors are allowed to view. It’s huge windows look out to the expansive gardens below, creating a view that any one would stop and stare for hours on end.
The Coliseum
Rome is one of the oldest city in Europe, with ruins to prove it. It has successfully built a city around its visual history, leaving these time capsules available for all to see. By far the most incredible structure still standing is the Coliseum. Tours are available to take you into the massive building, letting you soak in the size for yourself. Pictures can be taken inside and out, and there are even a few men dressed up like Roman gladiators for you to take a photo with…for a fee, of course.
La Sagrada Familia
The architecture in Barcelona is like no other. Home to Antoni Gaudi, the famed Catalan artist, the city is sprinkled with Gaudi’s touch of artistic genius. Park Guell, Casa Batllo, and of course, La Sagrada Familia are the most popular spots to catch some of Gaudi’s best work. With Gaudi’s signature Spanish Late Gothic-meets-Modernism style, this church has become a must-see destination for anyone in Barcelona. Construction has been ongoing for centuries, but that hasn’t stopped people from coming in droves to see one of Gaudi’s most influential and admired structures. If you’re not afraid of heights, take one of the spiral staircases up to one of the lookouts for a view of Barcelona from above.
Neuschwanstein Castle
This castle is so special that Walt Disney himself replicated Sleeping Beauty’s castle after it. In person it’s just as whimsical and magical as the photos. With an option to take a horse-drawn carriage up to the
entrance, Neuschwanstein has made a pretty penny making visitors fairytale dreams come true. There are plenty of photo opportunities here, including taking a little hike around the castle to Marienbruke or “Marie’s Bridge”, where there is an uninterrupted view of the castle and the valley below.
Acropolis
Ancient Greece has been captured in movies, books, songs, and photos for thousands of years. The stories of their gods and goddesses have transcended into many different channels, making Greek mythology a big part of everyday life. The ruins of these mythological characters, set atop the highest point in Athens, are by far the most photographed spots in Greece. It’s like stepping back in time to a period of gladiators and togas. The most popular location within the historic ruins is the Parthenon, a temple built and dedicated to their goddess of love, Athena. Amongst the site are several temples, an amphitheatre, and sanctuaries in honour of many gods and goddesses. The view from the Acropolis is incredible, looking down at Athens below. But it’s the historical significance and stories that make the Acropolis a popular destination and a fantastic photographic landmark.
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