10 Famous Landmarks in Europe You Need to See at Least Once
Europe is a continent packed with stories, from ancient amphitheatres and Gothic cathedrals to fairytale castles and world-famous works of art.
Whether you’re planning your first European adventure or your fifth, there are some landmarks that simply can’t be missed.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the most iconic, historically significant, and awe-inspiring landmarks across Europe.
Hopefully they will help (rather than hinder) your decisions on where to visit when planning your trip to Europe!
1. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
No landmark says “Europe” quite like the Eiffel Tower. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, this iron masterpiece was once called an eyesore, today, it’s the most visited paid monument in the world.
Standing 324 metres tall, it offers panoramic views over Paris from its upper decks, especially magical at sunset or under the twinkling lights at night. Take the lift or brave the stairs, then enjoy a glass of champagne at the top for an unforgettable experience.
Tip: The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour after sunset, time your visit accordingly!
Related: London to Paris Day Trip Guide
2. Colosseum – Rome, Italy
One of the greatest surviving structures of Ancient Rome, the Colosseum is a powerful window into the past. This massive amphitheatre, completed in AD 80, once hosted gladiator battles, public spectacles, and roaring crowds of up to 50,000 people.
Wander through its underground chambers, stand where emperors once sat, and imagine the drama that played out under its arches.
Don’t miss: A combined ticket also gets you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, all steps away from the Colosseum.
3. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament – London, England
Although commonly referred to as “Big Ben,” the famous clock tower is actually named The Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben is the nickname for the bell inside. Together with the neo-Gothic grandeur of the Houses of Parliament, it forms one of London’s most iconic riverside scenes.
Whether you catch it from Westminster Bridge or see it lit up at night, it’s a must-see moment on any London itinerary.
Fun fact: The clock tower survived bombing raids during WWII and still keeps remarkably accurate time today.
4. Sagrada Família – Barcelona, Spain
Nowhere else in the world is there a church like this. Designed by visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Família is a breathtaking mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, and it’s still under construction, more than 140 years later.
From its soaring spires to the vivid stained glass, every detail tells a story. It’s a living work of art, constantly evolving, and unlike any cathedral you’ve ever seen.
Insider tip: Book your ticket in advance, entry is timed, and spots sell out fast, especially in summer.
5. Acropolis – Athens, Greece
The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Rising above the modern city, it’s home to the legendary Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess.
Walk among ancient ruins where democracy, philosophy, and theatre were born. The views over Athens are spectacular, and the sense of standing where ancient thinkers once gathered is humbling.
Travel tip: Visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid both crowds and summer heat.
6. St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican City – Rome, Italy
Technically a separate country, Vatican City is the spiritual heart of Catholicism and home to one of the most magnificent churches in the world: St. Peter’s Basilica.
Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, the immense dome, and the stunning interior, then climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views in Rome. Just next door is the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes.
Tip: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and arrive early, queues for the basilica and Vatican Museums can get long.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany
Tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, this 19th-century castle looks like it was plucked from a fairytale, and in fact, it inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein is all about romanticism, fantasy, and mountain views. A short hike or shuttle bus takes you to a lookout point where you’ll get that postcard-perfect photo.
When to go: Autumn is especially magical, with golden forests surrounding the castle.
8. The Louvre – Paris, France
With over 35,000 works of art, the Louvre is more than just a museum, it’s a journey through human creativity, from ancient civilisations to Renaissance masters.
See the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and treasures from Egypt, Greece, and beyond. Even if you’re not a typical “museum person,” the architecture, atmosphere, and sheer scale are unforgettable.
Travel tip: Visit in the evening (Wednesday or Friday) for a quieter experience and beautiful light over the glass pyramid.
9. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England
Mysterious and majestic, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument dating back more than 4,500 years. No one knows for sure why it was built, theories range from religious site to astronomical calendar.
Its remote setting on the Salisbury Plain adds to the atmosphere, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can walk the perimeter or book a special access tour to step inside the stone circle itself.
Bonus idea: Pair with a visit to nearby Bath or Avebury for more ancient and Georgian charm.
Stonehenge is a suitable destination as a day trip from London.
10. Brandenburg Gate – Berlin, Germany
A symbol of both division and unity, the Brandenburg Gate has witnessed centuries of European history. Once part of the Berlin Wall’s no-man’s-land, it’s now a monument to peace and reunification.
Visit by day to admire its neoclassical columns, and return at night when it’s beautifully illuminated. Nearby, you’ll also find the Holocaust Memorial and Reichstag building, making it an essential stop on any visit to Berlin.
Did you know? The gate was commissioned by Prussian King Frederick William II in the 18th century, long before Berlin became a divided city.
✨ Final Thoughts
These 10 landmarks are just the beginning, Europe is filled with iconic sights, hidden wonders, and unforgettable places to explore.
📌 Bookmark this post and check back soon, we’ll be adding more incredible landmarks to this list!
