20 Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Europe has a way of pulling you in. Maybe it’s the old cobblestones, the coffee that tastes better for no logical reason, or the fact that you can hop on a train and wake up in a completely different country.

This list covers 20 must-visit cities in Europe that belong on any bucket list. No obscure villages. No hidden gems. Just the iconic destinations that earn their reputation over and over again. If you’ve been dreaming about Europe, start here.

1. Paris, France

Paris needs no introduction. The city has been synonymous with romance, style, and culture for centuries. And yes, it lives up to the hype.

The Eiffel Tower up close

You’ve seen it in photos a million times, but standing beneath it hits different. The Eiffel Tower is massive, intricate, and somehow more beautiful in person than any image can capture.

Go at sunset if you can. The light turns golden, the city spreads out below, and you’ll understand why this tower became the symbol of an entire country.

You can take the elevator to the top or climb the stairs to the second level for a workout with a view. Nearly 7 million visitors come here each year, making it the most-visited paid monument in the world.

The Champ de Mars gardens below are perfect for a picnic with a view, and at night, the tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour. Locals still stop to watch.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, housed in a former royal palace with over 35,000 works on display. Trying to see everything is a mistake. Pick a wing or a theme and explore deeply.

The Mona Lisa draws the biggest crowds (expect a scrum of smartphones), but the Winged Victory of Samothrace at the top of the Daru staircase often leaves a stronger impression. The building itself is a highlight. Look up at the ornate ceilings and through the glass pyramid at night.

Mona Lisa	Denon Wing, Room 711
Winged Victory of Samothrace	Denon Wing, Daru staircase
Venus de Milo	Sully Wing, Room 346
Napoleon III Apartments	Richelieu Wing

Wednesday and Friday evenings, the museum stays open until 9:45 p.m. The crowds thin, the light softens, and you can stand in front of a masterpiece without elbows in your ribs.

2. Rome, Italy

Rome is a city where you walk through history. Literally, ancient ruins sit next to cafes, and a wrong turn might lead you to a 2,000-year-old temple.

The Colosseum

Nearly 2,000 years old and still standing, the Colosseum held 50,000 spectators who came to watch gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public executions. The 2000 film Gladiator and its 2024 sequel were both shot here, and standing in the same space brings those scenes to life.

“While stands the Coliseum, Rome shall stand; when falls the Coliseum, Rome shall fall.” — Venerable Bede, 8th century

Look for the remaining sections of marble seating, the numbered archways that served as ancient crowd control, and the outer wall’s honeycomb structure that has survived earthquakes and stone robbers.

The arena floor is partially reconstructed now, and you can peer down into the hypogeum, the underground network where gladiators and wild animals waited in darkness before being lifted through trap doors into the roar of the crowd.

Vatican City

Technically its own country, Vatican City is home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Both are bucket-list essentials.

Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel is one of those things that stops you in your tracks. The detail, the color, the sheer ambition of it. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world, with a capacity of over 20,000 people.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona feels like a party that never really ends. Sun, beach, incredible food, and architecture that looks like it belongs in a dream.

Gaudí’s Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece has been under construction since 1882. That’s longer than the great medieval cathedrals took to build. Gaudí knew he wouldn’t live to see it finished. He’s buried in the crypt below.

“My client is not in a hurry.” — Antoni Gaudí, when asked why construction was taking so long

The exterior tells biblical stories through three facades: the Nativity (ornate, joyful), the Passion (angular, stark), and the Glory (still under construction). But the interior is what stops people cold. Gaudí designed it to feel like a forest, with branching columns that split and spread toward the ceiling like stone trees.

Morning light filters through the cool blues and greens of the northeast windows. By afternoon, the west side glows warm with golds and reds. Gaudí calculated every angle. He knew exactly how the sun would move through his forest of stone.

The building is expected to be completed in 2026, the centenary of Gaudí’s death. If you visit now, you’ll see cranes and scaffolding alongside the finished towers. A cathedral still becoming itself after 140 years.

La Rambla

This 1.2-kilometer pedestrian boulevard runs from Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus Monument at the waterfront. It’s touristy, yes, but also genuinely iconic. The human statues, flower stalls, and cafe terraces have been drawing crowds for centuries.

The real highlight is La Boqueria market, one of Europe’s best food halls. Stalls overflow with jamón ibérico, fresh-squeezed juices, seafood, and produce that looks almost too good to eat. Go hungry, graze your way through, and avoid the overpriced smoothie stands right at the entrance.

For better restaurants and fewer crowds, duck into the side streets:

Bar Cañete (El Raval)	Tapas, seafood, Spanish wines
Els Quatre Gats (Gothic Quarter)	Catalan cuisine in the cafe where Picasso exhibited
La Plata (Gothic Quarter)	Standing-room-only, three dishes: sardines, tomato salad, sausage
Cal Pep (Born)	Counter seating, whatever’s fresh that day

4. London, England

London is massive, historic, and endlessly interesting. The museums are world-class and mostly free. The landmarks are as iconic as they come.

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch is a must-see. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a spectacle worth catching.

The guards in their red tunics and bearskin hats march with military precision while a band plays. It happens at 11 a.m. and lasts about 45 minutes. Aim to arrive by 10:15 a.m. for a good viewing spot along the fence. The palace itself has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms and 78 bathrooms.

The Tower of London

This 900-year-old fortress has been a royal palace, a prison, and an execution site. Today, it’s home to the Crown Jewels and some seriously fascinating history.

The Beefeaters, the ceremonial guards who live on-site, tell stories of executions, escapes, and the ghosts that supposedly still wander the grounds.

The Crown Jewels are dazzling. Crowns, scepters, and diamonds that seem almost unreal. They’re displayed on a slow-moving walkway so you can’t linger too long.

Tower Green marks where Anne Boleyn was executed. And don’t miss the ravens. Legend says the kingdom falls if they ever leave, so their wings are clipped just in case.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is compact, beautiful, and easy to fall in love with. Canals lined with narrow houses, bikes everywhere, and a laid-back vibe make it instantly appealing.

The Anne Frank House

This is where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II. Walking through the secret annex is a powerful, sobering experience.

“I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.” — Anne Frank, diary entry, July 15, 1944

The rooms are preserved as they were. Empty, per Otto Frank’s wishes. No furniture, no reconstructions. Just the bare walls, the steep stairs, and the bookcase that hid the entrance.

Anne’s magazine clippings still hang on her bedroom wall. The silence inside hits harder than any exhibit. Over 1.2 million people walk through each year. Most leave without speaking.

The Rijksmuseum

The Netherlands’ national museum spans 800 years of Dutch art and history, but most visitors come for the Golden Age masterpieces. Rembrandt’s Night Watch dominates the Gallery of Honour. The massive painting recently underwent a years-long restoration and now sits behind protective glass.

“In his paintings, light exists where there is nothing.” — Vincent van Gogh on Rembrandt

The building itself is worth attention: a Gothic Revival cathedral of art with soaring ceilings and a garden courtyard.

The Night Watch	Rembrandt, 1642, Gallery of Honour
The Milkmaid	Vermeer, intimate domestic scene
Self-Portrait	Van Gogh, from his Paris period
Delftware collection	Blue and white pottery, lower floors

The library, with its ornate reading room, is one of the most beautiful spaces in Amsterdam. The free gardens outside feature sculptures and quiet benches perfect for processing everything you’ve just seen.

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague looks like a fairy tale. Gothic spires, baroque palaces, and a medieval old town that survived World War II almost entirely intact.

Charles Bridge

This 14th-century stone bridge lined with baroque statues is Prague’s most iconic landmark. Crossing it feels like stepping back in time.

For a magical experience, come at sunrise. The light is soft, the tourists are still sleeping, and you might have stretches of the bridge nearly to yourself.

Thirty baroque statues line the bridge, 15 on each side. Locals say touching the brass relief of St. John of Nepomuk brings good luck. You’ll spot it by the worn shine. For the best photos, climb the Old Town Bridge Tower for an elevated view.

Where to Stay in Prague

• The Emblem Hotel: Boutique modern near Old Town Square
• Augustine: Former monastery, Renaissance courtyards
• Hotel Josef: Minimalist design in the Jewish Quarter
• Miss Sophie’s: Budget-friendly, stylish hostel vibes

St. Vitus Cathedral

Inside Prague Castle, this Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline with its soaring spires. The interior is equally impressive, with stained glass windows that glow like jewels. It’s the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic.

7. Venice, Italy

Venice is unlike anywhere else on Earth. A city built on water, with canals instead of streets and boats instead of cars.

St. Mark’s Square

This is the heart of Venice. The grand piazza is surrounded by architectural treasures, including St. Mark’s Basilica with its golden mosaics and the towering Campanile bell tower.

Grab an overpriced coffee at Caffè Florian, the oldest coffee house in Italy (opened 1720), and soak it all in. The splurge is worth it for the atmosphere.

St. Mark’s Basilica is free to enter, but lines are long. The Campanile bell tower next door offers the best views in Venice. Be aware that flooding (acqua alta) can occur from October through January. Evenings are more peaceful than the midday crush.

Eating Near St. Mark’s	Why Go
Caffè Florian	Historic atmosphere, orchestra, expensive but iconic
Osteria Alle Testiere	Tiny, seafood-focused, book weeks ahead
Al Covo	Venetian classics, husband-wife team
Cantina Do Mori	Standing bacaro (wine bar), cicchetti snacks since 1462

The Rialto Bridge

For 300 years, this was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. The current stone arch design dates to 1591, replacing earlier wooden versions that kept collapsing. Michelangelo reportedly submitted a design, but lost out to the little-known Antonio da Ponte.

The bridge is lined with shops selling jewelry, leather goods, and Venetian masks. Touristy, but atmospheric. The best views are actually from the water. Take a vaporetto (water bus) and pass underneath, or splurge on a gondola ride for the classic Venice photo.

Venice Gondola Rides Quick Facts

• Official rate: €80 for 30 minutes (€100 after 7 p.m.)
• Best route: Grand Canal and smaller back canals
• Alternative: Traghetto ferry crossing, €2, same boats, no singing

The fish market and produce stalls at Rialto Market operate Tuesday through Saturday mornings, just steps from the bridge. Get there before 10 a.m. for the full scene.

8. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin has a warmth to it that’s hard to describe. Maybe it’s the pub culture, the literary history, or the way locals strike up conversations with strangers.

Temple Bar

Dublin’s most famous neighborhood is a maze of cobblestone streets, colorful pubs, and live music pouring out of every door.

The pubs here date back centuries. You’ll find trad music sessions and pints of Guinness that taste better than they do anywhere else.

Dublin Temple Bar Pubs

The Temple Bar	Iconic exterior, live music daily, tourist central
The Porterhouse	Ireland’s first brewpub, craft beers
Oliver St. John Gogarty	Trad music sessions upstairs
The Palace Bar	Literary history, Victorian interior, local crowd

For the best experience, go on a weeknight when the crowds thin out. Weekend nights get rowdy with stag parties. The pubs are the draw here. For food, venture a few blocks outside the neighborhood for better quality and prices.

Trinity College

Ireland’s oldest university is beautiful, historic, and home to the Book of Kells. The illuminated 9th-century manuscript, decorated with intricate Celtic artwork, dates to around 800 AD.

The Long Room library is equally impressive. Towering shelves filled with 200,000 ancient books stretch into the distance.

9. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is all hills, light, and charm. Crumbling pastel buildings, rattling trams, and viewpoints that make you reach for your camera every few minutes.

Tram 28

These vintage yellow trams have been rattling through Lisbon since the 1930s, and they’re as much an attraction as a mode of transport. The route threads through the city’s oldest neighborhoods: Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. Streets are so narrow that the buildings nearly scrape the windows.

Board at Martim Moniz (the starting point) if you want a seat. By the next few stops, the tram is usually packed. A full loop takes about 40 minutes.

Belém Tower

This 16th-century fortress guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor during the Age of Discovery. Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail from these waters. The tower’s ornate Manueline stonework celebrates that maritime glory. Look for carved ropes, armillary spheres, and even a rhinoceros (commemorating one gifted to the king in 1515).

The Jerónimos Monastery, located nearby, showcases the same architectural style on a grander scale. The warm custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, taste better here than anywhere else in the city. The recipe is still secret after nearly 200 years.

10. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is dramatic in every sense. The castle looms over the city from a volcanic rock, Gothic spires pierce the skyline, and the streets feel like they belong in a novel.

Edinburgh Castle

Perched on Castle Rock, this fortress has dominated the city for over 900 years. The views from the ramparts stretch across Edinburgh to the sea.

Inside, you’ll find the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. It’s Scotland’s most-visited paid attraction, welcoming over 2 million visitors annually.

The Royal Mile

This famous street runs downhill through the Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. It’s the spine of the Old Town and packed with history at every step.

Shops, pubs, and restaurants line the cobblestones. Street performers entertain crowds, especially during the August festivals when the city transforms into a massive cultural celebration.

The Royal Mile Highlights:

• St. Giles’ Cathedral is free to enter
• Whisky shops abound with tastings available
• Duck into the narrow closes for hidden courtyards
• The Scottish Parliament sits at the bottom

11. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is elegant, grand, and deeply cultured. Palaces, opera houses, and coffee shops where composers once sat make the city feel like a living museum.

Schönbrunn Palace

The Habsburgs’ summer residence was designed to rival Versailles, and it comes close. The baroque palace has 1,441 rooms, though tourists only see 40 on the Grand Tour.

The gardens sprawl behind the palace, free to enter and worth losing an afternoon in. Manicured hedges, fountains, and fake Roman ruins lead up the hill to the Gloriette. The palace grounds also contain the world’s oldest zoo, established in 1752 and still home to pandas, elephants, and more.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Vienna’s most important church has stood in the city center since the 12th century. The tiled roof with its distinctive zigzag pattern is visible from viewpoints across the city. Climb the 343 steps of the 136-meter south tower for panoramic views.

12. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is effortlessly cool. Design-forward architecture, excellent food, and a bike-friendly layout make it one of Europe’s most livable cities.

Nyhavn harbor

The colorful townhouses lining this 17th-century waterfront are Copenhagen’s most photographed scene. Bright blues, reds, and yellows reflect in the canal.

Hans Christian Andersen lived here at 3 different addresses. The south side of the canal gets more sun, making it the better spot for photos and outdoor drinks. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk along the waterfront to see the Little Mermaid statue.

Tivoli Gardens

One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tivoli has been delighting visitors since 1843. The gardens, theaters, and restaurants create an atmosphere that feels timeless.

At night, thousands of lights transform the park into something magical. Even Walt Disney was inspired after his 1951 visit, later using Tivoli as a model for Disneyland. The Halloween and Christmas seasons are particularly spectacular.

• Open seasonally (check dates before visiting)
• Rides cost extra beyond entry
• Friday nights have fireworks in the summer

13. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is spread across 14 islands connected by bridges. Water is everywhere, and the blend of historic and modern architecture keeps your eyes busy.

Gamla Stan

Stockholm’s old town is a medieval maze of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and hidden squares. It’s one of the best-preserved historic centers in Europe.

Key spots include Stortorget (the main square with its colorful merchant houses), the Royal Palace, and the Nobel Prize Museum. Don’t miss Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, Stockholm’s narrowest alley at just 90 centimeters wide.

Fika Spots in Gamla Stan	The Vibe
Chokladkoppen	Rainbow flag landmark on Stortorget, famous hot chocolate
Grillska Husets Konditori	18th-century building, traditional Swedish pastries
Under Kastanjen	Courtyard seating under chestnut trees
Café Sten Sansen	Cozy basement cafe, excellent kanelbullar (cinnamon buns)

Fika, the Swedish coffee-and-pastry ritual, is mandatory here. Find a cozy spot, order a cinnamon bun, and do as the Swedes do.

The Vasa Museum

This entire museum exists for a single ship, and the story behind it is almost too absurd to believe. The Vasa was Sweden’s most expensive warship, built to project royal power across the Baltic. It sank 1,300 meters into its maiden voyage in 1628, watched by crowds who had gathered to celebrate its launch. Too many cannons, not enough ballast.

The ship sat on the seafloor for 333 years before salvage crews raised it in 1961, remarkably intact thanks to the cold, brackish Baltic water. Today, the 69-meter warship towers in a darkened hall, 95% original wood.

Walk around all six levels to see the intricate carvings. Over 700 sculptures decorated the hull, most still bearing traces of their original red, gold, and blue paint.

14. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges feels like stepping into a medieval painting. Canals wind past gabled houses, church spires rise above rooftops, and chocolate shops tempt you at every turn.

The Market Square

Bruges’ central square is surrounded by guild houses and dominated by the Belfry tower. Horse-drawn carriages clatter across the cobblestones.

Grab Belgian fries from a stand on the square. Locals eat them with mayo, not ketchup. Wednesday mornings bring a weekly market, and in winter the square transforms into one of Belgium’s most charming Christmas markets.

The Belfry Tower

Climbing the 366 steps of this 13th-century bell tower rewards you with sweeping views over Bruges’ rooftops and canals. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 47-bell carillon still plays concerts.

15. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest straddles the Danube, with hilly Buda on one side and flat Pest on the other. The city is grand, affordable, and packed with things to do.

Thermal baths

Budapest sits on over 120 natural hot springs, and bathing culture dates back to Roman times. The thermal baths are a quintessential experience you won’t find quite like this anywhere else.

Széchenyi Baths, with its neo-baroque yellow buildings and outdoor pools, is the most famous. Soak in the steaming water, play chess on floating boards, and let hours slip away.

The main baths each offer something different:

Széchenyi	Largest in Europe, outdoor pools, chess-playing locals
Gellért	Art nouveau elegance, ornate interiors
Rudas	Rooftop pool with city views, mixed-gender on weekends

Weekdays at any of them mean smaller crowds and a more relaxing soak.

The Parliament Building

Hungary’s Parliament is one of the most stunning government buildings in the world. 691 rooms. 268 meters of Gothic Revival facade stretching along the Danube. It took 1,000 workers 17 years to build and used 40 million bricks and half a million precious stones.

The interior is even more impressive than the exterior. The grand staircase sweeps upward. The hexagonal central hall rises beneath a 96-meter dome.

The Hungarian Crown Jewels sit on display, including the 1,000-year-old Holy Crown of St. Stephen. It tilts slightly because it was damaged in an escape attempt centuries ago.

At night, the building lights up dramatically. Walk along the Buda side of the river for the best view, the entire facade reflected in the Danube.

16. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. But the capital itself has charm, from colorful houses to a surprisingly vibrant food scene.

The Blue Lagoon

This geothermal spa set in a lava field is Iceland’s most famous attraction. The milky blue water, averaging 37 to 39°C year-round, is warm even when snow falls around you.

Steam rises off the milky blue water. Black lava rock surrounds the pool. Snow might fall on your head while your body stays perfectly warm. The silica and minerals leave your skin impossibly soft, and the swim-up bar serves drinks you can sip while half-submerged.

Blue Lagoon	Most famous, luxury feel, expensive but iconic
Sky Lagoon	Newer, infinity edge overlooking ocean, closer to Reykjavik
Secret Lagoon	Oldest natural pool, more rustic, locals’ favorite
Myvatn Nature Baths	Northern Iceland, fewer crowds, volcanic setting

It’s touristy, it’s expensive, and it’s still unlike anything else you’ll experience in Europe.

Hallgrímskirkja church

Reykjavik’s landmark church towers over the city with a facade inspired by basalt columns. The stark white concrete design is unmistakably Icelandic.

Entry to the church is free, and the minimalist interior is striking. For panoramic views of Reykjavik’s colorful rooftops, take the elevator up the 74-meter tower (around 1,000 ISK). Out front stands a statue of Leif Erikson, a gift from the United States in 1930.

17. Athens, Greece

Athens is where Western civilization began. The ancient ruins here aren’t just old. They’re the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theater.

The Acropolis

This ancient citadel has watched over Athens for 2,500 years. Climbing the marble steps to see it up close is a bucket-list moment that connects you to the birthplace of Western civilization.

The site includes multiple temples and structures, with the Parthenon as the centerpiece. Early morning is magical. The light is soft, the crowds haven’t arrived yet, and you can almost imagine the ancient Athenians who climbed this same hill.

The New Acropolis Museum at the base of the hill displays the sculptures and artifacts found on-site, including pieces of the original Parthenon frieze. What’s missing sits controversially in the British Museum, an argument that still rages today.

18. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a city defined by reinvention. The scars of the 20th century are visible everywhere, but so is the creativity that rebuilt the city into something new.

Brandenburg Gate

This neoclassical monument stood at the dividing line between East and West Berlin. Today, it symbolizes reunification and is the city’s most recognizable landmark.

The gate has witnessed some of history’s most significant moments. Standing beneath its columns, you feel that weight. At night, it’s beautifully lit and worth a second visit.

The gate anchors Pariser Platz, and the surrounding area packs in several major sights within walking distance:

The Berlin Wall

For 28 years, this concrete barrier divided families, friends, and a city. At least 140 people died trying to cross it. When it finally fell on November 9, 1989, Berliners attacked it with hammers, and pieces were scattered across the world as souvenirs.

The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch, 1.3 kilometers of concrete covered in murals painted by artists in 1990. The famous image of Brezhnev and Honecker kissing is here.

Berlin Wall Sites:

• East Side Gallery: 1.3 km of murals, outdoor and free
• Berlin Wall Memorial (Bernauer Strasse): Preserved death strip, watchtowers, documentation center
• Checkpoint Charlie: Famous Allied crossing, more commercial, museum nearby
• Topography of Terror: Free exhibit on Nazi and Stasi history, along remaining wall section

Most wall sites are free and outdoors, visitable any time.

19. Krakow, Poland

Krakow survived World War II intact, leaving one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers. The city is beautiful, affordable, and filled with history.

Main Market Square

Rynek Główny is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, covering 40,000 square meters. The Cloth Hall runs down the center, and cafes line every edge.

Every hour, a trumpeter plays from St. Mary’s tower, an 800-year-old tradition. The melody cuts off mid-note, commemorating a watchman killed during a Mongol invasion.

Wawel Castle

This royal castle on a hill above the Vistula River was home to Polish kings for centuries. The complex includes the castle, cathedral, and defensive walls.

The cathedral is where Polish kings were crowned and buried for 500 years. The castle interiors display royal apartments, Flemish tapestries, and treasures accumulated over centuries of monarchy.

Kids love the Dragon’s Den, a cave at the base of the hill that exits near a bronze dragon statue. Every few minutes, it breathes real fire. A hit with locals and tourists alike.

20. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul spans two continents. Minarets and church domes share the skyline, and the call to prayer echoes across neighborhoods where bazaars have operated for centuries.

Hagia Sophia

Originally a Byzantine cathedral, then an Ottoman mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, Hagia Sophia has witnessed 1,500 years of history. The massive dome seems to float above the interior, defying logic.

Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy share the same walls. The scale of the space silences most visitors. It’s one of the most significant buildings in human history.

• Entry is free (modest dress required)
• Visit outside prayer times for best access
• The upper gallery has the best mosaics
• Aim for 9 a.m. or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds

The Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque sits directly across from Hagia Sophia, the two architectural giants facing off across Sultanahmet Square. Built between 1609 and 1616 for a young sultan eager to rival his Byzantine neighbor, it’s the only mosque in Istanbul with 6 minarets. That bold statement reportedly annoyed the guardians of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, who felt upstaged.

The interior earns its nickname from over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles covering the upper walls and dome. Light filters through 200+ stained glass windows, casting shifting patterns across the carpeted floor.

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20 cities. Centuries of history. Endless memories waiting to happen.

You don’t need to see them all at once. Pick one that calls to you, let it pull you in, and see where it leads. Europe has a way of unfolding. One city opens the door to the next, and before you know it, you’re already planning the return trip.