Calling all architecture aficionados! What makes great architecture? Was it innovative for its time? Does it tell a story? While this question may be subjective, the verifiable truth is that Europe is filled with tons of significant architecture. From ancient temples built by the Greeks around 500 BC to Gaudí’s otherworldly masterpiece that remains unfinished to this day, European architecture tells a story that spans thousands of years.
If you have an eye for art and architecture, you’ll love this list of the most architecturally impressive cities in Europe.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Antoni Gaudí was the architectural mastermind behind many of Barcelona’s “must-see” attractions. From the colorful mosaic benches of Park Güell to the sky scraping towers of Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unique architecture continues to inspire artists, astonish visitors and exemplify the charm of Barcelona.
Must see: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà
Recommended tour: Madrid to Barcelona
Park Güell
La Sagrada Familia
2. Rome, Italy
Early Romans picked up right where the ancient Greek architects left off. It’s astounding to think that the Colosseum, the ginormous amphitheatre that was built over 2,000 years ago, was revolutionary for its time in terms of architecture and engineering.
Must see: Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum
Recommended tour: Venezia, Firenze, Roma!
The Pantheon
The Colosseum
3. Paris, France
Paris is a dream for architecture lovers. After all, the city is home to the most iconic monument in the world, the Eiffel Tower. The famous art museum Musée du Louvre not only falls heir to Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ but is an incredible work of art in itself.
Must see: Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, Château de Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur, Musée du Louvre
Recommended tour: La Belle France
Musée du Louvre
Notre-Dame de Paris
4. London, England
London isn’t defined by any particular architectural style. The city is home to some of the world's most striking modern architecture as well as historical monuments like the Tower Bridge and Big Ben.
Must see: Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, The Shard
Recommended tour: The London Theatre!
Palace of Westminster & Big Ben
Westminster Abbey
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
It may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think architecture, but Amsterdam has more historic buildings and sights than any other city in the world and has made an international impact in terms of modern design.
Must see: Rijksmuseum, Royal Palace, Oude Kerk
Recommended tour: Crossroads of Europe
Rijksmuseum
View of the Royal Palace
6. Athens, Greece
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Athens considering ancient Greeks created some of the most emblematic symbols of ancient architecture.
Must see: The Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Recommended tour: Grecian Odyssey
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Parthenon
Finally, Germany deserves an honorable mention for all of its storybook castles that aren’t limited to just one city. There are over 20,000 castles in Germany and many of them, including the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, put Disney to shame.
Must see: Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen, Lichtenstein Castle in Württemberg, Hohenzollern Castle near Stuttgart
Recommended tour: Castles in Waltz Time
Neuschwanstein Castle
Hohenzollern Castle
