Europe is the cradle of Western culture.
Absolutely every country in the world is beautiful in its own way, full of attractions and popular tourist spots. Europe is especially rich in these “tourist joys,” since in each state there are architectural masterpieces with a thousand-year history, whose mysterious appearance on earth has not yet been solved. When we talk about monuments of the history and culture of Europe, we first of all mean the symbols of a certain country or city. Interesting information about popular tourist destinations will help you get to know Europe better and get a clear picture of it. Belgium, England, France, Germany, Switzerland - here you will find the best tourist routes Europe.
Great Britain. The best traditions of Europe
Great Britain is a magnificent country with ancient sights and amazing culture. Luxurious medieval castles, fortresses, ancient museums and galleries - this is all Great Britain. Each city here has its own unique atmosphere and unique architecture. Historically, the most famous and popular tourist places are located in the capital -. The capital of Great Britain is the largest metropolis in Europe with the best English parks, residences, historical and cultural buildings. well and business card London is home to the world famous Big Ben, which is named after the ancient bell inside the tower. This is a must-see attraction on any UK tour.
Belgium - painting and architecture
Belgium can boast a huge arsenal of attractions, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s rich Brussels or a small village. It is famous all over the world for its sculpture of a pissing boy, the amazing taste of beer, dark Brussels chocolate and women's tennis. It is these attributes and associations that everyone remembers when mentioning this pearl of Europe. A typical city in Belgium must have its own long history, and this is always a lot of Gothic buildings, Romanesque churches, wonderful cathedrals, squares, monuments... Together with all this, modernity coexists comfortably: huge skyscrapers, supermarkets, residential buildings and cafes.
The attractions of this European country include central square Brussels - the chic Grand Place. It has an atypical triangular shape, which gives rise to several speculations: to preserve the Gallo-Roman necropolis, where the Caroline funerary complex was later built, or is this a banal intersection of two roads? The history of the square goes back centuries, but no one has yet solved this mystery. The main decoration of this chic place is the bronze statue of Christina de Lalaine, who led the defense of the city in 1581 during the siege by Spanish troops.
Hungary – the pearl of Eastern Europe
Hungary is one of the most interesting tourist destinations of Eastern Europe. First of all, the country attracts the attention of tourists with its unique architecture and stunning views of the Danube and the so-called “Hungarian Sea” (Lake Balaton). There are also healing thermal springs and everyone’s favorite National cuisine Hungary. An important factor is high quality services and regarding low prices. All this makes this country one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Europe. Millions of tourists annually confirm these words.
Italy - Old World sophistication
There are so many attractions in Europe that there are not enough pages to describe each of them in all its glory. is one of those countries where in every city you can find hundreds of historical and cultural monuments. What can we say only about Rome or Milan? It is in Milan that the world famous La Scala theater is located. It was built with the support of Empress Maria Theresa on the site of the Royal Ducal Opera House, which burned down during the sad carnival of 1717.
A landmark of Europe, La Scala Theater was built according to the design of the great neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini on August 3, 1778. On the opening day, there was a production of Antonio Salieri's opera “Europe Recognized” with a libretto by Mattia Verazi. The front facade of the theater was not designed too luxuriously, since the architect considered it unnecessary to rebuild it on the narrow streets surrounding the building. At the opening of the season, all tickets cost from 2000 euros, and this day is December 7th.
France - romantic attractions in Europe
Enthusiasts have calculated that it is the country with the largest number of attractions in Europe. And it’s not hard to believe: the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland, the Louvre are just a few of the most popular places. The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world! It houses a rich collection of exhibits from more than 800 years of history. In the Middle Ages the Louvre was medieval fortress, which later turned into a palace and was built by Philip Augustus in the 12th century. This landmark of Europe was restored and rebuilt many times, but still came to us in perfect condition.
In 1750, they wanted to demolish the building, since the royal court moved to Versailles, and the Louvre was in a state of decline. But after the turbulent years of the revolution, this landmark of Europe began to be rebuilt again, not without the participation of Napoleon himself. The Louvre acquired its present form in 1871. The palace became a museum on August 10, 1793, when Napoleon I expanded the existing collection of paintings. Today, the Louvre has 400 thousand exhibits.
Holidays in Europe have long established themselves on the positive side and are associated with excellent interesting vacation and high tourist service. And millions of tourists from all over the world strive to visit many of the sights of Europe, which have become famous throughout the world for their unique beauty and chic.
Sights of Europe that everyone wants to see
For centuries, European countries came into close contact with each other, thereby becoming closely linked economically and historically. However, each state carefully preserves its traditions and characteristics. Looking and comparing sights of Europe, you can easily discern the differences in the culture of these countries.
However, some sights of foreign Europe turned into legends that many travelers dream about. To such famous places include the Colosseum and Pantheon in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, London's Big Ben, the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Each European capital has its own unique and historically significant places.
Architectural monuments of Europe
As you know, European countries are famous for their luxurious palaces. The walls of many of them remember the times of the real kings and knights who lived there. And these days, visiting these places is a great way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of that distant time. Looking at these sights of European countries, willy-nilly you will believe in fairy tales about dragons and brave princes.
To do this, it is worth traveling to the south of Germany to visit Hohenschwangau Castle, where the German king used to live. This majestic castle stands on the border with Austria, where another crown of German architecture, Neuschwanstein, is located nearby. French palaces also look very impressive, and a prime example of this is Brissac Castle. And when visiting Rome, don’t forget to admire the Castel Sant’Angelo, which houses a large collection of paintings.
As is known, the most interesting places Europe are the most visited among tourists. One of these places is the Ferris wheel, which is installed in London on the banks of the Thames. From the top you'll be able to see classic London at its best, with a bird's eye view of all the sights. Having visited Venice, you should not deny yourself the pleasure of riding gondolas through the narrow streets.
Lovers of mysticism will love a trip to Romania, because this is where the famous Dracula lived. Writer Bram Stoker settled his character in Bran Castle, which is now the main stronghold of vampires. In general, Europe is a single territory with the most interesting features, the study of which will take a huge amount of time and will give strong, unforgettable emotions.
The authoritative American magazine Travel & Leisure has published a list of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. Based on the observations and presentation of statistical data, we selected Most Popular based on the largest number of tourist visits. If you are going to have an unforgettable holidays in Europe, this article will undoubtedly help you in choosing your destination. So, .
Cologne Cathedral, Cologne,— 6,000,000 visitors per year. Monumental work on it was carried out in the 13th and 19th centuries, and more than 600 years passed from the start of construction until the cathedral appeared in the form in which it is now. It has three naves, 144 m long, 86 m wide and up to 157 m high. At the time of opening it was the most tall building on the ground.
Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France— 6,000,000 visitors per year. French Lourdes, located on the Gave de Pau River in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, is famous for its pilgrimage tourism. Here, on the site of the appearance of the Virgin Mary, a basilica was created in the neo-Gothic style. Thousands of tourists come here in search of miraculous healing from illnesses, and, according to official data, more than 7 thousand cases of miraculous healing have already occurred.
Sanctuary of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy— 6,000,000 visitors per year. Consists of the old monastery and temple and the new Church of Divine Grace. The new church was built according to the design of one of the most famous modern architects, Renzo Piano - amazing in its original form.
Palace of Versailles, France— 5,900,000 visitors per year. The Palace of Louis XIV is a Baroque marvel that no other can provide. The exterior of the building may not be anything extraordinary, but inside you will be simply amazed by its luxury and beauty. Versailles is also one of the most beautiful parks in the world.
British Museum, London,– 5,800,000 visitors per year. The British Museum has collected more than seven million exhibits from ancient history— large exhibitions of objects from different eras and different cultures. You can also see: sarcophagi, mummies, masterpieces of art. In addition to its impressive collections, the British Museum boasts the largest indoor courtyard in the world. Free admission.
Italy - about 5-6 million visitors per year. St. Mark's Basilica is the largest and most important church in Venice. As Charles Dickens said, "This place must be seen (...) dark smoke of incense, full of treasures of precious stones and metals, glittering behind iron bars, the holy relics of dead saints." Entrance to the cathedral is free, but you will pay if you want to go to the St. Mark's Museum.
Church of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy– 5,500,000 visitors per year. Impressive basilica main temple Franciscan Order - one of the most significant Catholic churches, consists of two churches - lower and upper, under which there is a vault.
In this collection you will learn about the most popular attractions in Europe. The list is based on the number of tourists visiting a particular place in Europe annually. Most of the places included in this rating are probably already known to you from stories on LifeGlobe, and you have already visited some on your own.
Pleasure Beach Park
This theme park attracts approximately 5 million guests annually. Pleasure Beach in Blackpool is the UK's most famous Theme Park. It is the most visited attraction in the United Kingdom, and one of the twenty most visited amusement parks in the world. Pleasure Beach is located along the coast of Blackpool, Lancashire. On an area of 170,000 square meters there are 38 roller coasters and many other attractions. 
Palace of Versailles in Paris
Parisian Versailles is visited by 5.9 million tourists annually. The palace is on the List World Heritage UNESCO for 30 years. This is one of the most beautiful achievements of French art of the 18th century, as well as one of the largest and richest castles in the world. The Palace of Versailles is located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of the French capital, Paris. His garden is considered the largest in Europe. Laid out in the 17th century, the gardens of Versailles are famous for their geometric patterns of shrubs, flower beds and trees. 
British museum
According to statistics, the British Museum is visited by 6.7 million tourists annually. It is the 2nd most visited art museum in the world and 1st in the UK. The museum is famous for its extensive collection of world art and artifacts, as well as free entry for everyone. Its permanent collection includes approximately 8 million works - one of the most extensive exhibitions in the world. The British Museum was founded in 1753, but first opened to the public on 15 January 1759. 
Eiffel Tower
One of Europe's most popular attractions, the Eiffel Tower attracts 6.93 million visitors annually. This miracle is located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. The tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York was built in 1930. The height of the tower is 300.65 meters. In 2010, the Eiffel Tower received its 250 millionth visitor. 
Louvre Museum
This museum is visited annually by almost 10 million people (9.7 million). Thus, it is the most visited museum in the world. With an area of 60,600 square meters, the Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world. About 35,000 exhibits, from prehistoric times to modern times, are presented in the museum's halls. The Louvre opened on August 10, 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings. 
Basilica of Sacre Coeur
And again Paris... It is not surprising that most of the most popular attractions in Europe are located in this city. The Sacre Coeur Basilica is visited by 10.5 million guests annually. This Roman Catholic church is the heart of Paris. The majestic structure was designed by Paul Adabi, construction began in 1875 and was completed by 1914. 
Notre Dame de Paris
This attraction is visited by at least 13 million people annually. Notre-Dame de Paris, historic Catholic Cathedral in the fourth district of Paris. The cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is among the largest and most famous churches in the world. Its construction was completed by 1345. 
Disneyland Paris
This popular theme park is visited by about 15 million people annually. Disneyland Paris was originally called Euro Disney, but was later renamed. The amusement park is located in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town 32 kilometers east of the center of Paris. Disneyland has been the most visited attraction in Europe since 2009. Covering an area of 19 square kilometers, Disneyland includes two theme parks, several resort hotels, shops, restaurants, an entertainment complex and a golf course, in addition to several additional entertainment venues. With 14.9 million visits in 2013, Disneyland is the most visited tourist destination in Europe.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is somewhat inferior to Disneyland ("only" 15 million visitors), but it is no less popular attraction in Europe. Trafalgar Square is a public space and landmark in central London, with many statues and beautiful sculptures. It is here that the National Gallery, the Church of St. Martin, and a number of other popular places. 
Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is visited by about 15 million people a year. It is one of the largest and oldest Covered Markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and 5,000 shops that attract thousands of visitors every day. The Grand Bazaar is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Its core was laid back in 1455, and since then the Bazaar has developed into one of the largest markets in the world.
Without a doubt, Europe is a continent that has greatest number the most popular and visited monuments in the world. In this regard, we present to your attention best attractions in Europe.
Part of the architectural complex of the famous Square of Miracles, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most important and visited attractions in Europe. Thanks to her attractiveness, she even “starred” in the movie “Superman”. If you visit this landmark of Italy, you should definitely take a typical photo against its background.
Located in the city of Versailles (France), this palace is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its construction began on the orders of Louis XIV, and the result was an imposing and majestic building, with the most beautiful gardens in the world covering an area of more than 800 hectares.
The Palace of Versailles is of great artistic value. Of particular importance is the Mirror Gallery, an impressive hall that is 73 meters long and has 375 mirrors. It is also the place where World War I ended in 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. This magnificent palace is a World Heritage Site and one of the finest monuments in Europe.
The medieval Neuschwanstein Castle has been awarded first place in the ranking of the most impressive castles in the world. In addition, this is one of the the most important and visited attractions in Europe and the most photographed building in Germany, which inspired Walt Disney's famous Cinderella Castle.
Neuschwanstein Castle is located on a cliff in the Bavarian Alps in the Fussen region. It was built by order of the Bavarian King Ludwig II in 1866.
The Sagrada Familia is a cathedral in Barcelona, Gaudí's masterpiece and the best example of Catalan modernist architecture. Its construction began in 1882 and today is still not completed. The work done by Gaudí, that is, the Nativity façade and the crypt, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Today it is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain and Europe.
Stonehenge is a megalithic monument from the late Neolithic period (20th century BC). Located near the town of Amesbury in Wiltshire, England. It is not known for sure what it was before - a burial place, an observatory, etc., but we know one thing for sure - Stonehenge is important landmark of Europe.
Here we want to note not only the impressive St. Peter's Basilica - the most important temple of Catholicism and one of the most beautiful in Europe, in the construction of which such famous architects as Bramante, Michelangelo and Carlo Maderno took part. But also the Apostolic Palace, which is the official residence of the Pope in the Vatican, and includes the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Library, including the famous Sistine Chapel with frescoes by Michelangelo.
Located in the heart of the city of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of Germany. They were built by the architect Karl Gottgard Langhans between 1788 and 1791 during the reign of King Frederick William II of Prussia, and modeled after the main entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. During World War II, the landmark was heavily damaged and the Chariot was almost completely destroyed. During the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was left in no-man's land, with no access from either East or West. Because of its history and beauty, this gate deserves to be among the best attractions in Europe.
8. Old Town Square in Prague
The Old Town Square in Prague is one of the most charming and beautiful squares in Europe. It is home to beautiful monuments such as the Gothic Tyn Church with two towers over 80 meters high, the Church of St. Nicholas and the town hall, the facade of which is decorated with the world's most famous and beautiful medieval astronomical clock, built in 1490.
St. Basil's Cathedral is undoubtedly the most symbolic landmark in Russia and one of the most famous in Europe. This Orthodox church is located on Red Square in Moscow. Known throughout the world for its colorful onion-shaped domes. Its construction was started by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible in honor of the conquest of the Kazan Khanate, and lasted between 1555 and 1561. The cathedral consists of nine separate chapels dedicated to each of the saints on whose holidays Ivan the Terrible won battles.
Big Ben is famous tower Palace of Westminster, seat of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. This distinctive building, 96 meters high, built in 1858, has become the main symbol of London, and is considered the third largest clock tower in the world. The hero of countless films, Big Ben is undoubtedly one of the best in all of Europe.
For centuries, Hagia Sophia has been a symbol of the Byzantine Empire. Any traveler will remember this building forever, having seen the grandeur of its dome and other parts that are visible from all over the Bosphorus. After the Ottoman conquest of the city, the cathedral was turned into a mosque and then into a museum by order of Kemal Atatürk. Today it is the most famous and photographed landmark of the city of Istanbul.
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron structure built to the design of Émile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin by French engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition. The Eiffel Tower is most visited attraction in the world, and for 41 years, with its 330 meters, it was also the highest on the planet. This is a symbol not only of Paris, but of all of France.
Alhambra - a palace complex with beautiful gardens built by Muslims on the hill of Granada, where the monarch of the Emirate of Granada was located. This architectural ensemble, including luxurious palaces, the delightful Generalife gardens and fortress. The beautiful Andalusian style of the interior and its hilltop location make the Alhambra one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Europe and the world.
2. Acropolis of Athens
Not only is the Acropolis considered an important monument in Europe, it was also one of the top contenders for the title of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is located on a hill 156 meters above sea level in Athens. Most of the main temples of the acropolis were built under the leadership of Pericles during the Golden Age of Athens (460-430 BC). Inside you can see the Temple of Nike Apteros and the famous Parthenon. At the end of the Acropolis is the outstanding architectural monument Erechtheion.
Along with the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum is a great symbol of the city of Rome. With a history of 2000 years and measuring 188 meters long, 156 meters wide and 57 meters high, it is the largest and oldest Roman amphitheater, and one of the best preserved. Here more than 50,000 people could enjoy gladiator fights, executions of prisoners, etc... The theater remained active for more than 500 years, until the sixth century, when the last games were held. Considering that the Roman Colosseum is considered one of the seven new wonders of the world, it deservedly takes first place in our ranking best sights in Europe.