Although there is no way we could ever really narrow it down to just 5, there are some places that just have to be crossed off the list on your tour of Europe. You’ll also find innumerable hidden gems in each city that could prove to be equally engaging. (Check out the rest of this blog for ideas on that!) For now, here are the big-hitters, the superstars if you will, the places that hold the most bragging rights when you return home. Enjoy!
1. The Eiffel Tower: Paris, France
Few places signify travel and adventure quite as much as this icon of the Parisian skyline. Coming up on the 125th anniversary of its erection for the World’s Fair in 1887, this is one place you just can’t miss on your tour of Europe.
2. The Coliseum: Rome, Italy
Completed in 80 AD under the rule of the Emperor Titus, the Coliseum is perhaps the greatest symbol of the Roman Empire left standing today. Although Rome is filled with fascinating statues, official buildings, temples and other archaeological gems that illustrate the reach and power of the Empire, the Coliseum has something different about it. Considering that countless slaves, wild animals, martyrs, gladiators and others met their doom within its walls to the cheers and taunts of the bloodthirsty public, that’s perhaps unsurprising. But hey, that’s entertainment!
3. The leaning tower of Pisa: Pisa, Italy
Although nowhere as old as the Coliseum, any picture of you in front of the leaning tower is sure to make your friends green with envy. It just says so clearly: ‘I’m in Italy, life is good.’
Although construction took place in stages, the leaning tower began to tilt early on due to shoddy foundations; and it kept leaning until restorative work took place in the 1980s to save it. Having been stabilised, the leaning tower is now considered safe, at least for another few hundred years. And considering that it construction began in 1173, we think that’s pretty great.
4. La Sagrada Familia: Barcelona, Spain
Probably one of the most ambitious architectural projects ever to have been attempted, the Sagrada Familia was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Although construction began in 1882, it’s an unfinished building, and is believed to be completed by 2026 – the centennial of Gaudi’s death. It’s a completely mesmerising building that takes the breath away. Utterly unique, no-one forgets the first time they saw La Sagrada Familia!
5. Schonbrunn Palace: Vienna, Austria
One could easily spend an entire day here and still not see all the rooms in the palace. (Besides, only 40 of the 1441 rooms are actually open on the regular tour.) Surrounded by stunning gardens, it’s a definite highlight of any tour to Europe. Designed in 1696 by Johann Fischer von Erlach and altered quite considerably for Maria Theresa 40 years later, this is the Habsburg summer residence. Head to the Hall of Mirrors, where 6 year-old Mozart performed for Empress Maria Theresa in 1762. Top tip: head through the front gates to enjoy the most impressive approach.
Which are your favourite European landmarks? What’s top of your list of places to see on your tour of Europe? Let us know in the comments below!