25 Most Famous Landmarks in Europe: How Many Have You Seen?

Landmarks often become synonymous with a city. It is difficult to think of Paris without imaging the Eiffel Tower, London without seeing Big Ben. Seeing some of the famous landmarks in Europe for the first time can be quite an awesome moment.

I remember being blown away when I visited Vatican City for the first time. I spent every Sunday of my first 18 years going to a catholic church and I couldn’t quite grasp the fact that I was actually at the Vatican!

.Gaining a photo of oneself at a famous landmark is almost a rite of passage – the ultimate proof that you visited that city and had that moment. As someone who loves photography I am always trying to think of a unique way to capture famous landmarks – fooling myself that somehow I will find something many more skilled experts have not before me!

Visiting a famous monument can often be an item for the bucket list – and quite a good one at that! So here are 100 Famous Landmarks in Europe that I believe have all earned the right to make it onto that list.

1. The Colosseum, Italy

Could over 7 million people be wrong – and that’s just in the last 12 months! That is how many people visit Italy‘s most popular tourist attraction the Colosseum in Rome each year. This ancient amphitheater was the site of Rome’s famous public spectacles like those seen in the movie Gladiator.

The Colosseum was the biggest amphitheater in the world during its time, seating over 70,000 people. The structure was constructed in 70 AD – yes it’s that old. It is 157 feet tall and remarkably well preserved considering its age.

Every ticket to the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The Roman Forum is located next door to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill is also part of the area.

When you purchase this ticket online you will be given options for different times on the day you want to visit. Of course, the further ahead you book the more options will be available.

2. The Eiffel Tower, France

Built between 1887 and 1889 by French engineer Gustav Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is made of iron rather than steel. It was built to be one of the main attractions at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889.

Parisians quickly fell in love with The Eiffel Tower and more than 2 million visited in the first year that it was open. The tower symbolised French know-how and industrial genius.

Today nearly seven million people visit The Eiffel Tower every year. The top of the Eiffel Tower which can be visited is at 276 metres. The other key view point is on what is called the second floor which is at 116 metres.

Ticket prices vary depending on how high you want to go and how you want to get there – stairs or lift. It is possible to take a lift all the way to the top (with the option to stop at the second floor) or to walk up to the second floor and then get a lift to the top.

July and August are the busiest times of year to visit The Eiffel Tower but it is usually quite busy all year round. It is possible to book tickets two months in advance of your visit. I would highly recommend booking a skip the queue ticket for the Eiffel Tower ahead of your visit to Paris.

⇒ If you like beautiful French towns check out my posts on Saint Antonin Noble Val and Tarn et Garonne in France.

3. Big Ben, England

As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, Big Ben is to London. Big Ben is actually a nickname that stuck. The name refers to both the clock and the clock tower that sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London.

The tower was completed in 1859. At that time it was the largest and most accurate clock in the world. Big Ben became a UNESCO listed site in 1987.

In August of 2017, Big Ben was silenced. This marked the beginning of a project to repair and restore both the clock and the clocktower fully. They also plan to install a lift which should make life much easier for those charged with keeping Big Ben in good condition ongoing.

The exceptions to the silencing are New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Day. There are no public tours available during the restoration period. However, one clock face can still be seen through the scaffolding.

4. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

This freestanding bell tower is not just a famous monument but possibly one of the most famous buildings in the world. The “lean” is nearly four degrees and is because the foundation of the building is unstable.

The tower began to lean during its construction in the 12th century and unfortunately got worse up to its official completion in the 14th century. By 1990 the lean was 5.5 degrees. Repairs work took place during 1993 and 2001 that corrected the lean-to just under 4 degrees.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not particularly tall at just over 55 metres – I remember being quite surprised at how small it was when I visited. The tower is located in Pisa’s Cathedral Square and also includes Pisa Cathedral and Pisa Baptistry.

If you’d like to go inside the tower and climb up to the top paid entry is required. It is possible to book a skip the line ticket for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Otherwise, there is no charge to see the building from the exterior and to take the famous photo where it looks as if you are holding up the tower!

5. La Sagrada Familia, Spain

The Sagrada Familia is perhaps the world’s most famous unfinished landmark. Construction began on this Catholic Church in Barcelona Spain in 1882. La Sagrada Familia was designed by famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

Construction of the church began under the supervision of another architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, Gaudi took over in 1883.

Progress on the construction of Sagrada Familia was slow as funding was private and it was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War. When Gaudi died in 1926 the church was only one-quarter finished. He is buried in the crypt of Sagrada Familia.

Revolutionaries broke into the construction site in 1936, partially destroying Gaudi’s original model and setting the timeline back even further.

The latest estimate for the completion of Sagrada Familia is 2026.

Sagrada Familia receives approximately 4.5 million visitors every year. The number of tickets for sale as well as the entry times is limited. This is definitely a European landmark you want to book a skip the line ticket ahead of your visit.

Tickets can be purchased up to 2 months in advance and are available in 15 minute slots. Once you have entered Sagrada Familia you may stay for as long as you like. Entrance to the towers costs extra.

6. Arc de Triomphe, France

The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Elysee in Place Charles de Gaulle and in the middle of one of the scariest roundabouts in the world.

This famous European landmark is a tribute to those who died fighting for France in the Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars. The names of all French victories and the generals are inscribed on the arc. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War 1 lies underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon. However, it was not completed until 1836. By this time, Napoleon had been banished to Elba. He was never able to see the Arc de Triomphe but his remains passed through it on the way to Les Invalides.

Every year the Bastille Day parade on July 14 starts at the Arc de Triomphe and the Tour de France also finishes here.

It is possible to visit the Arc de Triomphe. Whatever you do, don’t try to cross the road to get there – remember this is the world’s scariest roundabout. Instead, take the underground passage from the Champs Elysee or one of the other roads leading into Place Charles de Gaulle.

It is free to visit the base of the Arc de Triomphe. However, there is a charge to climb the 280 stairs to the top of the Arce de Triomphe and some lovely views of Paris. And you won’t be surprised to hear that I highly recommend you book a skip the line ticket for the Arc de Triomph.

7. Brandenburg Gate, Germany

The Brandenburg Gate was commissioned as an entrance to Berlin’s most famous road, Unter den Linden, by Frederick William II. Construction of the gate finished in 1791.

The Brandenburg Gate has had a starring role in many of Berlin’s most well known moments. Napoleon paraded from Brandenburg Gate in 1806 after the Prussian defeat. Between 1814 and 1919 only the Royal Family could pass through the central archway.

The Nazis often used Brandenburg Gate as a party symbol. The gate managed to survive World War II albeit with some major damage. After the war, Brandenburg Gate was located in the Soviet zone. The Berlin Wall passed directly by the western side of the gate, which meant passage was again closed.

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Brandenburg Gate came to symbolise freedom and the re-unifacation of Germany.

Today, the Brandenburg Gate is closed to traffic but it is easy to walk under its arches. Visiting the Brandenburg Gate is free.

8. The Acropolis, Greece

The Acropolis is a fortress that sits on a flat rock overlooking Athens and contains the remains of several buildings of architectural significance such as the Parthenon.

The earliest origins of The Acropolis can be traced back to the fourth millennium BC. The composition of The Acropolis has, of course, changed over time. Various temples and buildings were built and destroyed over the course of the years. A major restoration project of The Acropolis began in 1975 to reverse the decay and damage of the centuries.

When visiting the Acropolis, there are two ticket options. One ticket covers entry only to the Acropolis. The second ticket combines The Acropolis with six other archeological sites. Book a skip the line ticket to visit The Acropolis.

9. Palace of Westminster, England

The Palace of Westminster is located in London, England and is where the two United Kingdom Houses of Parliament meet: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It was named after nearby Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Palace is 900 years old. From 1087 to 1100 the Palace of Westminster was the home of the monarch and the Palace of Westminster is still owned by the Crown.

Much of the palace was destroyed in a fire in 1834. The palace was rebuilt after the fire, and this is the London landmark that we now know so well.

Today the palace is known as the Houses of Parliament or often just Westminster. It is the centre of UK parliamentary life and its most well-known tower is, of course, Big Ben, another European landmark.

There are several ways to visit the Palace of Westminster. If you are a UK resident you are able to take a free tour called the Democratic Access Tour. If you’re not a UK resident, guided paid tours are held on weekdays when Parliament isn’t in session and on Saturdays.

10. The Louvre Museum, France

The Louvre Museum is located in Paris, France and is the world’s largest art museum. In 2019 the Louvre was the most visited museum in the world, receiving over 9.6 million guests.

This iconic French museum opened in 1793 with just 537 paintings (there are over 38,000 objects on display these days). IM Pei’s iconic glass pyramid was completed in 1989, adding another element to this Parisian landmark.

Perhaps the most well known item in The Louvre Museum is the Mona Lisa. The original of this famous painting hangs in the Louvre today and has been since 1804.

Online tours are available but of course they don’t touch visiting the real thing. Tickets purchased on line are slightly more expensive than those purchased at the museum but they do offer the opportunity to skip the line with a timed ticket for The Louvre.

11. Stonehenge, England

Built over 5,000 years ago, the stone circle for which Stonehenge is best known was erected around 2,500 BC. Each stone is about 4 metres high, just over 2 metres wide and weighs about 25 tons.

Stonehenge is owned by the Crown but managed by English Heritage and became a UNESCO site in 1986. Today nearly 1 million visitors head to Stonehenge each year and crowds flock to see the Winter and Summer solstices set in each year.

It is possible to visit Stonehenge for free but alas you will struggle to capture a good photo from that distance. The standard tour of Stonehenge involves a 2.6-mile one-way circular path with a handset filling you in on the history of Stonehenge.

The tour does bring visitors quite close to Stonehenge, so it is possible to get some great photos. As always, queues at Stonehenge can be lengthy, so you may want to book a skip the line ticket for Stonehenge.

12. The Alhambra, Spain

Located in Granada, Spain, the Alhambra is a palace and a fortress. It began as a small fortress which was built in 889 and was turned into a palace in the 13th century.

The name Alhambra comes from the Arabic for “red or crimson castle”. But it is not just a castle. It is also a royal palace, a fortrees, gardens, a town and a summer retreat. It became a UNESCO site in 1984 and receives about 2.7 million visitors every year.

Tickets to the Alhambra can be purchased up to one year in advance and there are 6 different ticket options depending on what you want to see and experience in your tour. None of these options come with a guide and you can book skip the line ticket for the Alhambra.

13. Buckingham Palace, England

Buckingham Palace began life as a house. The core of today’s palace was built as a home for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was acquired by King George II in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte.

The building was enlarged in the 19th century and became the London home of the monarch under Queen Victoria in 1837. Today it is still the home to the monarch.

Unlike some of the landmarks in this article, Buckingham Palace is still very much a working palace. It regularly plays a large role in major events in the United Kingdom with the King and his family appearing on the balcony for key events.

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public between July and October. Visitors can see the State Rooms and the gardens. If you are visiting at other times of the year the closest you can get is outside the gates (which still allows for some good photos), seeing the free changing of the guard, or visiting the Royal Mews.

14. The Sistine Chapel, Italy

The Sistine Chapel is is a chapel in Vatican City. The chapel was restored between 1473 and 1481. However, it was between 1508 and 1512 that Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the chapel in what is regarded as one of the most significant artistic accomplishments of all time.

Today the Sistine Chapel is where the papal enclave is held. This is the process by which a new pope is selected.

It is not possible to visit The Sistine Chapel on its own – you must have a ticket for the Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel is actually free to visit once you have a ticket for the Vatican.

15. The Trevi Fountain, Italy

The Trevi Fountain is located at a junction of three roads and was one of the original sources of water in Ancient Rome. A competition was held in the 1700s by Pope Clement XII for a new design for the fountain. Nicola Salvi was awarded the prize.

The Trevi Fountain was finished in 1762, 11 years after Salvi died. Work on the fountain was completed by four other sculptors. More recently restorations have been conducted in 1988, 1998 and 2013.

Legend has it that if you throw one coin into the Trevi Fountain you will return to Rome. Two coins mean that you will return to Rome and you will fall in love. Three coins mean you will return to Rome, find love and marry.

The coin is supposed to be thrown by the right hand over the left shoulder for maximum results. In 2016 about USD$1.5 million was thrown into the Trevi Fountain. The money goes to the needy of Rome.

The Trevi Fountain is free to visit and gets very busy. The hours between midday and 7 pm tend to be the busiest so do try to avoid them. The fountain lights up once the sun goes down, which can make for some lovely photos.

16. Notre Dame, France

Notre Dame’s full name is Notre Dame de Paris. This means Our Lady of Paris. Construction of the cathedral began in 1160 and was mostly completed by 1260.

Notre Dame was damaged during the French Revolution in the 1790s. But it was Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame that really drove interest in the cathedral.

In April of 2019 Notre Dame caught fire whilst it was being restored. Serious damage was done but restoration plans began quickly. The aim is for Notre Dame to be restored to all of its glory for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit the inside of the Cathedral during this restoration work. However, it is of course possible to come and see this stunning building.

17. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Italy

This Renaissance-inspired church in Florence is the third-largest in Italy, standing 90 meters wide and 152 meters long. Arnolfo di Cambio was responsible for designing it in 1296, but it was the architect Filippo Brunelleschi who added the cathedral’s prominent dome during the 15th century.

The exterior of the Duomo di Firenze has been done with stunning, colourful marble work. Inside, you’ll find spectacular artworks adorning the ceilings.

The cathedral is located in the square Piazza del Duomo, and entrance is free. However, you’ll need to purchase tickets to see the other monuments in the square, such as Giotto’s Campanile. 

18. The Pantheon, Italy

This famous landmark in Italy is another must-see sight to put on your list. The Pantheon in Rome was first constructed in 27 BC as a temple for the pagan Roman gods. It was later destroyed by a fire and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD.

This monument is open to the public, and free of charge every day of the week except during mass and on some national holidays. To get to the Pantheon, you’ll have to go on foot as there are no train stations nearby and the streets are far too narrow for buses to pass through. But you’ll surely enjoy meandering through the Italian streets, particularly if you stop for gelato.

19. Pompeii, Italy

This ancient town near Naples is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions, with around 2.5 million visitors annually. Pompeii was once a lively city until Mount Vesuvius erupted – covering everything in larvae and turning the city into an archaeological site.

Top attractions to see in Pompeii include the Thermal Baths, Great Theater of Pompeii and Temples. You’ll also get to see preserved artworks and mosaics.

Taking a guided tour here is highly recommended, as you’ll not only learn about Pompeii’s history but also get to skip most of the queues. If you’d like to discover the ruins on your own, you can easily catch a train from Naples or Rome.

20. Mount Lycabettus, Greece

Mount Lycabettus stands proudly as the tallest of seven hills in Athens. It’s a prominent feature of the Athens skyline and the views from the top include the entire city, the sea and the mountains of the Peloponnese.

Climbing Mount Lycabettus in Greece is a perfect activity for nature-lovers who enjoy breaking a sweat while touring a new country. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and the tiny Agios Georgios (Chapel of St. George).

There are several routes to choose from and the walk along the steep path to Mount Lycabettus can take between 30 to 90 minutes (depending on fitness).

21. Le Centre de Pompidou, France

Opened in 1977, Le Centre de Pompidou is a modern art museum with over 100,000 works of art. When it opened, its high-tech architecture was very cutting edge. The centre is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris near Les Halles and it is the largest museum for modern art in Europe.

The building was named after ex-French President Georges Pompidou. The building covers 5 acres and has 7 floors. The design is based on the “open approach” to architecture. Nearly 15,000 tons of steel lattices went into this modern art museum as well as glass facades and metal frames.

The result is a building that almost looks like it is inside out. The pipes, cables, plumbing and all the other “internals” are external and colourful.

In addition to art exhibits, the Centre Pompidou also has a public library, a research centre for acoustics and music and more. And don’t miss the fantastic views of Paris from top of the Pompidou Centre.

The Pompidou Plaza in front of the museum is also known for its street performers and home to other cultural activities.

22. Saint Mark’s Basilica, Italy

Venice is an incredible city, filled with impressive churches and beautiful Venetian palaces, but this basilica is definitely the top attraction to see. It was first built in the early 9th century but was rebuilt in 1063 after a fire destroyed it.

Outside, you’ll see gorgeous Byzantine architecture. Inside, you can admire intricate mosaics and other relics. For an unforgettable experience, you should definitely consider a guided tour that takes you to both Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

To get to these popular tourist attractions, you can step onto a Vaporetto for a trip (they’re quite affordable) through the Venetian canals. Alternatively, you can reach the basilica on foot, but keep in mind that it’s on the southern end of Venice. The closest bridge is the Ponte dell’Accademia.

23. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre translates to ‘five towns’ and this name was given to the five magnificent villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) located along the Italian Riviera.

Once you arrive here, you’ll quickly appreciate the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. While visiting Cinque Terre, you can enjoy hearty Italian meals and gelato, take a dip at Manarola beach or go snorkelling near Riomaggiore.

To reach this destination, you can drive along the twisting coastal roads yourself or catch a train from Genoa to La Spezia. If you’re planning on travelling here from Florence, then a guided tour is highly recommended.

24. Place de La Concorde, France

Located between the Champs Elysee and the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. During the French Revolution, the square was renamed for a time as the Place de la Revolution. This was where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed.

Between 1836 and 1840 an Egyptian obelisk that was already 3,300 years old was placed in Place de La Concorde. Around this time, two beautiful fountains were added to the square.

Today, Place de La Concorde is the finish line for the Tour de France and also home to the beautiful Hotel Crillon.

25. Casa Batlló, Spain

Casa Batlló is a big and beautiful building in the heart of Barcelona. Designed in 1904 by famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, it’s considered one of his most famous works of art.

The unique layout of the building is truly mesmerising. It showcases Modern architecture, Expressionist architecture, and Modernisme.

It features unusual tracery, mismatched oval and rectangle windows, protruding balconies, and colourful ceramic tiles. The arched roof has a scaly appearance and has been compared to that of a dragon or a dinosaur. It’s one of the most bizarre and wonderful landmarks of Spain.

The interior is just as fascinating. It’s worth booking a tour to explore the full package.