The cities of Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, and Rome are bucket list destinations for many Americans.
However, Europe's wealth of historical landmarks is what really draws Americans across the Atlantic for a dream summer vacation. Instead of focusing on which cities to explore on your next European trip, we recommend you plan your trip with these seven wonders in mind.
We have to start this list with one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most visited tourist attraction in Europe.
The Colosseum, the world’s largest amphitheatre, held up to 80,000 spectators when used for gladiator fights, executions, animal hunts, and battle re-enactments. It was constructed in 72 AD using concrete and sand, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.
Visitors can explore multiple levels of the Colosseum, including the Arena Floor, the Attic, and the Underground, and visit the museum. Timed-entry tickets are sold online in advance and often sell out, so it's recommended to book well in advance.
While you can’t visit Rome without seeing the Colosseum, you should also explore other iconic landmarks in the Italian capital. Consider joining a free walking tour of Rome that includes the Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.
Tower Bridge was constructed in 1894 beside the Tower of London (another attraction you can’t leave London without seeing). The suspension bridge is now an iconic symbol of London.
You can enjoy views of the Tower Bridge and the River Thames for free, or pay to climb one of the towers.
While in London, you should also visit Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey.
The Eiffel Tower was constructed ahead of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution. The iron lattice tower is now the most visited ticketed monument in the world, with almost 7 million visitors each year.
At 1,063 feet, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in the French capital and can be seen from multiple angles on every free walking tour of Paris.
The tower has three levels. There are over 300 steps to reach the first level, whilst the higher levels can be reached by stairs or an elevator. For the best experience, purchase your ticket online in advance.
While in Paris, you should also visit the Louvre (home of Mona Lisa) and the Palace of Versailles.
Constructed in the 5th century BC, the Acropolis is a citadel that sits on a rock about 490 feet above sea level, overlooking the city of Athens below.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to several ancient buildings that represent Greek culture, including the famous Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, and the Propylaea. Don’t forget to visit the Acropolis Museum, housing more than 3,000 famous artefacts.
Put on some comfortable shoes and climb up to the sacred hill of the Acropolis. To avoid the wait in the ticket line, book a timed entry slot online.
La Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church, is Spain’s most famous tourist attraction and one of the most unique churches in the world. From the outside, it looks like a giant sandcastle, with its impeccable details only visible from up close. Inside, it features colourful stained-glass windows and whimsical, tree-like columns.
Construction began in 1882, with Antoni Gaudí commissioned to continue the works in 1883, a task he did not abandon until his death in 1926. Since then, different architects have taken over his vision, but the church has become iconic for its unfinished state.
There are multiple ways to explore La Sagrada Familia. A basic ticket allows you to visit the interior of the church without a guide, or you can pay extra for an audio guide or guided tour. You can also buy tickets that include entry to the Gaudí House Museum and the towers.
Construction of La Sagrada Familia is set to be completed in 2026, about 100 years after Gaudí's death. That means you have just months left to witness the world's most iconic unfinished church before it is finally finished.
During World War II, Prague was one of the few cities that experienced minimal bombing, leaving its historic buildings, Gothic towers, cobblestoned streets, and cultural treasures intact.
The Old Town of Prague, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not to be missed. Visitors can shop inside the Municipal House market, visit the Old and New Town Halls, check the time at the large Astronomical Clock, and enjoy a drink or bite to eat in the bustling Old Town Square.
While in Prague, be sure to visit the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world, and walk across Charles Bridge, one of the most famous pedestrian bridges in Europe.
Neuschwanstein Castle is a neo-medieval castle perched on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in southern Germany. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century as a retreat, but became a tourist attraction soon after his death.
The fairytale-like, grey structure was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle and Disneyland's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is one of the most popular castles in Europe.
You can take a tour of the castle, marvel at the exterior from Mary’s Bridge and nearby hiking trails, and visit the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle.
These seven wonders aren’t just landmarks on a map; they’re real-life symbols of Europe’s history, culture, and creativity. From ancient sites to fairytale castles, you can't fly across the Atlantic Ocean for a European trip and leave without seeing at least one of these seven landmarks.
