For many Americans, European history is something gleaned from textbooks, with its kings and queens, revolutions, and a Renaissance that seems as distant as the concept of a phone with a cord. Yet, Europe is a living museum, a testament to human achievement, resilience, and the occasional folly. If you’re ready to swap your backyard for ancient ruins, grand palaces, and stories that your history teacher somehow omitted, here are 20 European historical sites that justify the jet lag.
1. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Songquan Deng
Where ancient Romans once cheered on gladiatorial battles with the same fervor reserved for modern-day sports. Warning: Lions not included.
2. The Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Viacheslav Lopatin
Home to the Parthenon and the birthplace of democracy, where you can ponder the ancient Greeks’ contributions to modern life, like politics and the art of queuing.
3. Stonehenge, England
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ron Ramtang
A prehistoric monument shrouded in mystery and the occasional conspiracy theory involving aliens. It’s like a puzzle with missing pieces and no picture on the box.
4. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bill Perry
A stunning example of Moorish architecture that makes you wonder if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale or just a really elaborate garden party.
5. Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / EricBery
A sobering reminder of the horrors of WWII, offering a poignant lesson on the importance of remembrance and the dangers of indifference.
6. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Guenter Albers
Originally a temporary exhibit (and considered an eyesore), now the unmistakable symbol of romance. Because apparently, nothing says love like 7,300 tons of iron.
7. The Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ivica Drusany
The hidden annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary, a powerful testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.
8. The Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Marek Kania
Home to the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, and enough art to make your high school art teacher weep with joy. Dress code: Less is not more.
9. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Michal 11
Perched atop an extinct volcano, this castle has witnessed centuries of history, sieges, and the occasional royal scandal.
10. The Berlin Wall, Germany
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christo Georgiev
Or what’s left of it, serving as a stark reminder of the Cold War and a symbol of reunification. Selfies encouraged, graffiti optional.
11. Pompeii, Italy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tunatura
A city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, offering a glimpse into Roman life and a solid reminder to always have an evacuation plan.
12. Versailles, France
Image Credit: Shutterstock / TungCheung
The ultimate symbol of royal excess, where you can marvel at what unlimited budget and a touch of megalomania can achieve in terms of home décor.
13. The Book of Kells, Dublin, Ireland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alessandro Cancian
An intricately illustrated manuscript housed in Trinity College, proving that monks were the original graphic designers.
14. The Tower of London, England
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Marek Masik
A historical jackpot housing the crown jewels, tales of intrigue, and enough ghosts to keep a paranormal investigator busy for decades.
15. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Feel good studio
The fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, proving that sometimes real life does indeed imitate art.
16. Normandy Beaches, France
Image Credit: Shutterstock / olrat
The site of D-Day, where you can pay homage to the bravery of soldiers and the turning point of WWII, all while contemplating the complexities of peace and freedom.
17. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mehmet Cetin
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that’s been a church, a mosque, and now a museum, embodying centuries of religious and cultural history.
18. The Catacombs of Paris, France
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tatiana Popova
A subterranean labyrinth lined with the remains of over six million people, making it the most macabre reminder to live life to the fullest.
19. The Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Anibal Trejo
Where you can come face to face with works by the likes of Velázquez, Goya, and other artists your art history teacher idolized.
20. Loch Ness, Scotland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Botond Horvath
Not exactly historical, but you can’t deny the appeal of trying to spot Nessie, the most elusive celebrity in the highlands.
Step Back in Time
Image Credit: Shutterstock / meunierd
These historical sites offer more than just a photo op; they provide a tangible connection to the past, and perhaps, a deeper understanding of humanity’s journey. Plus, let’s be honest, they make for some brag-worthy moments that’ll elevate your travel stories from “been there, done that” to “wait, you did what now?” So pack your bags, get your historical hashtags at the ready, and prepare to step into the pages of history.
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zigres.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations. Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.
