Between it’s ancient history, vast diversity, and it’s cultural significance, Europe has been one of the most popular travel destinations for some time now. Europe is a place that has buildings older than countries, and where those different countries are but a train ride’s distance away. Tourists from all over the world flock to Europe each year, and many like to visit the same destinations. So where do all the tourists and vacationers like to go? Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, in no particular order.
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8. The Guinness Storehouse – Dublin, Ireland
Located in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse is the chief tourist attraction at the St. James’s Gate Brewery, where they make around 3 million pints of this iconic beer each day. Guinness beer is enjoyed by countless individuals all around the world, and the Storehouse is essentially their Mecca. It’s an expansive building where tourists can drink beer and learn the history behind the brand. I’m also told by my Irish friends that the Guinness severed here (and in Ireland) is the best tasting Guinness in the world, and I’m inclined to believe that notion.
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7. The Acropolis – Athens, Greece
While Europe is filled with many old, historical buildings, few are as ancient as the Acropolis in Athens. This ancient citadel is located on a tall area above the city and it contains multiple ancient Greek buildings including the Parthenon. Official records place the construction of the Acropolis to sometime between 429 BC to 495 BC, yet there’s historical evidence suggesting that this area was inhabited even longer. Since it’s so old and a part of the civilization that contributed so much to society, tourist have been coming to the Acropolis for years.
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6. La Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain
La Sagrada Familia is a massive Roman Catholic church located in Barcelona. Not only is it arguably the most popular tourist attraction in the city, but one of the most popular in all of Europe as well. Construction of the church began back in 1882, and this ENESCO World Heritage Site is certainly something that you have to see for yourself.
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5. The Colosseum – Rome, Italy
The Roman Colosseum can be traced back between 70 AD to 80 AD, and given how old and significant the structure is, plenty of travelers have been visiting it, I suppose even since it first opened it’s doors back then. Rome is filled with plenty of ancient Roman structures, but the Colosseum is easily the most famous one.
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4. Buckingham Palace – London, England
Buckingham Palace can trace it’s roots back to 1703 when a part of it was established as a royal house for the Duke of Buckingham, however the property dates back to private owners another 150 years before that. It has remained as the official residence and workplace for the royals of the United Kingdom for many years, so naturally it’s quite the tourist attraction.
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3. The Eiffel Tower
It’s no surprise that the Eiffel Tower makes our list, as it’s arguably the most iconic sight in Paris. Construction of the 1,063-foot tall tower was completed in 1889, and it remained to be the tallest structure in the world until 1930. The Eiffel Tower always draws a large crowd and while it’s certainly a big tourist trap, you’re not going to not see the Eiffel Tower when you’re in Paris.
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2. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England
Not only is Stonehenge one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Europe, it’s one of the most famous attractions in the world. It is believed that Stonehenge was constructed somewhere between 3000 BC to 2000 BC, and given that fact, Stonehenge is one of the oldest manmade structures in existence. While it’s purpose is not entirely known or fully understood, this ancient monument is quite a popular attraction. Although I have been told visiting Stonehenge is sort of boring, as you are essentially standing in a field looking at rocks and you can’t even get that close to them. Regardless, that hasn’t stopped countless tourists over the years from visiting this famous location.
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1. The Vatican – Rome, Italy
Home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and a host of other historical artifacts and artwork, The Vatican sees an unbelievable amount of tourist traffic each year. Since it’s effectively the capital of the Roman Catholic Church, Catholics from all over the work flock to The Vatican. Even if you’re not Catholic, you can certainly appreciate The Vatican for what it is.
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