25 Must-See Attractions in Europe

Europe offers plenty to see and do for lifetimes. Studying abroad in one of the European destinations with an SAF-affiliated university, provides access to several historical and world-renowned landmarks. The region's top 25 attractions are listed below, organized by country.

France

1. Louvre Museum

Paris' Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces, is one of the world's most recognized museums.

2. Eiffel Tower

When it debuted in 1889, Paris's Eiffel Tower became the world's highest skyscraper and has gained worldwide recognition.

3. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris), immortalized in Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, is Paris' most famous attraction after the Eiffel Tower. From the island of Île de la Cité in the center of the Seine River, the Gothic splendor and stained-glass windows of the UNESCO World Heritage Site still dominate today.

4. Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum in Antibes, a town near Cannes and Nice, is a Riviera cultural gem. The museum houses several hundred Picasso pieces in the centuries old Grimaldi Castle, where he lived in 1946.

Italy

5. Pisa Leaning Tower

Pisa's cathedral bell tower is the famed leaning structure in Italy. Five years after its original 200-year construction, it started tilting and draws many visitors today.

6. Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain, Rome's most enormous fountain and one of the world's most beautiful Baroque buildings, symbolizes Rome's creative legacy. Visitors come from around the world to toss coins.

7. Colosseum

Rome's Colosseum is the world's biggest amphitheater. This 1,900-year-old site hosted gladiatorial fighting and animal hunts.

8. The Duomo

The Duomo Cathedral, which took 600 years to complete, set the stage for the Italian Renaissance and inspired many builders and artists.

9. Pompeii

Pompeii, Italy, is notable for being devastated by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. At least 19 feet (6 meters) of ash and other volcanic material buried it and preserved it.

10. The Canals of Venice

Venice is a collection of little islands linked by bridges and walkways due to its 150 canals, the most renowned of which is the Grand Canal.

Ireland

11. Blarney Castle

Ireland's Blarney Castle is an international landmark and treasure full of history, myth, and mystery. Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give people the gift of gab.

12. Cliffs of Moher

Puffins, gannets, and guillemots inhabit Ireland's Cliffs of Moher, which are known for their rough beauty and towering cliffsides. Many movies have been filmed there, and over a million people visit each year.

13. The Aran Islands

In western Ireland, at the entrance of Galway Bay, stand the three rugged isles known as the Aran Islands. You may visit these famous ancient places and get a one-of-a-kind Irish experience. 

14. The Ring of Kerry

Circumnavigating County Kerry in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry stretches for 179 kilometers (111 miles). The beautiful scenery, which includes mountains, beaches, and lakes, makes it a popular tourist spot. 

15. Book of Kells

An exquisite work of art, this illuminated book dates back to the Early Christian era. One of the most impressive libraries in Europe, the Long Room Library has more than 200,000 of Trinity's oldest volumes and is located inside Trinity College's Treasury. Typically, the Book of Kells tour included a visit to this library. Those who like reading will feel right at home!

United Kingdom

16. Isle of Skye

Bridged to Scotland's northwest coast, Skye is noted for its mountainous scenery, charming fishing communities, and historic castles.

17. Stonehenge

In Salisbury, UK, see Stonehenge, one of the world's marvels and Europe's most famous prehistoric monument.

18. Loch Ness

Loch Ness is famous for reported sightings of a creature called the Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie" for short. The waterside historical ruins and hiking routes are popular.

19. The Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, UK, is one of Europe's oldest fortified sites. Its vast history as a royal home, military garrison, jail, and castle tells many thrilling stories.

20. Big Ben

London's Big Ben is likely the most well-known clock in the world. It has been around since 1843 and is one of the most Instagrammed spots in the country.

Germany

21. The Brandenburg Gate

Anyone visiting Berlin, Germany, should view the Brandenburg Gate, the city's most recognizable monument. The Cold War emblem of German division is today a sign of peace and unification.

22. Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg is the former Habsburg royal residence in Austria. It was founded in the 13th century by Ottokar II. of Bohemia.

23. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Schwangau, Germany, is considered the real-life inspiration for the castle in the 1950 Disney classic Cinderella.

24. The Black Forest

A hilly area in southwest Germany that borders France is known as the Black Forest. It's famous for its lush forests and charming villages and Brothers Grimm stories. Spas and cuckoo clocks made there since the 1700s are famous. 

25. The Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier that separated East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was a symbol of the Cold War and the political divisions of the time. 

Join a study abroad program in Europe to visit these beauties! Make an appointment with an SAF counselor for details.