Best Places to Visit in Europe

The best places to visit in Europe run the gamut from the glitz of Monaco (which made Grace Kelly into a princess) to the history-rich and sultry streets of Athens. Greece’s capital offers an array of top attractions, including the iconic Parthenon and the awe-inspiring Acropolis, but it’s the islands that truly capture the imagination.

Croatia’s bite-sized coastal city of Dubrovnik may have gained fame for its role as King’s Landing on Game of Thrones, but it’s a magical place even for visitors who don’t watch the show. The same could be said for Bruges, Belgium’s “Venice of the North,” where you can enjoy a canal cruise or indulge in Belgian chocolate.

Europe’s Most Romantic Getaways: Perfect Destinations for Couples

If you’re more interested in storied castles, you can find them across the continent, from the Romanticist palace in Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, Portugal, to the medieval structures dotted around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre in Italy. In Florence, Italy, you can ogle the over-the-top riches of the Medici family at the Pitti Palace or marvel at early engineering in the iconic Duomo Cathedral.

The Netherlands is a flat country that’s perfect for cycling, and its cities feature canals and impressive museums—including the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank’s House, and the Van Gogh Museum. Its most famous attraction, though, might be Keukenhof, a sprawling garden featuring millions of tulips that come into bloom in April and May. Belgium’s capital, Brussels, is also an essential stop, whether you’re in search of a culinary treat or a bit of history—or both.