Europe is perfect for history lovers. After travelling to every country in Europe, I share the best European landmarks in the best countries & cities for solos
Best European Landmarks
With thousands of years of history behind all of its beautiful cities, some of the most glorious architecture in the world, and a whole lot of ice cream to be eaten while perched on the side of a stunning fountain, Europe is definitely the place to go for famous landmarks. If you are unsure which European city to visit, I've listed the famous landmarks in Europe in alphabetical order to help you decide where to go.
Famous Landmarks in Europe
Amsterdam
Types of Girl about the Globe – Arty & Museum GatG, Party GatG
No city break is complete without a mention of this beauty. While winter appears to be one of the most popular times of the year to visit Amsterdam, it is a city that can be visited at any time of year. As well as its famous canals, Amsterdam's other popular landmarks are its museums.
Meander around some of the famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum (one of the most famous). Take a tour inside the Heineken museum for the ultimate Heineken experience, stroll along the canal or join the locals on a bike ride through this Netherland's capital. Amsterdam is a beautiful place, with plenty of fun things to keep you busy as a solo.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Amsterdam
Barcelona
Types of Girl about the Globe – Arty & Museum GatG, Beach GatG, Cultural GatG, History GatG
Think of Barcelona and you probably think of Antoni Gaudi, the famous Catalan architect who changed the face of this Spanish city. Amongst Park Guell, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo is Spain’s tallest landmark – the Sagrada Familia. Construction began in the late 16th century and when it is due to be completed (in 2026), it will be the tallest religious building in Europe.
But it's not the only landmark here, as Gaudi also left his mark on Park Guell and other famous Gaudi buildings. This Spanish city is perfect for solos too. Think of trendy bars, some of the world’s best shopping, an abundance of amazing history and architecture to see and beaches.
Venture into the castle on the top of Montjuic, get lost in the back streets of the Gothic Quarter before stumbling on Placa Reial, one of the beautiful squares in the city. See street performers at the Arc de Triomf, before enjoying a glass of cava in a cosy bar in El Born. Then watch the sunset along the beach at Barceloneta and listen to the beats of the music coming from the bars by the W Hotel, another of the city's famous landmarks. There really is no better European city to visit if you want a little bit of everything.
* Related post: Solo Travel in Barcelona
The Parliament Building, Budapest
Budapest
Types of Girl about the Globe – History GatG, Wellness GatG
One of the most gorgeous cities in the world, Budapest is one to visit, particularly if you’re on a budget because prices tend to be a little lower than in other European cities. With World Heritage Sites including the Danube river and Buda Castle, Budapest is the capital of Hungary and is an architectural paradise for anyone who's interested in the aesthetic beauty of what can be created with bricks and mortar.
It’s a foodie’s paradise with Hungarian gastronomic culture, and is also full of galleries, and museums with temporary exhibitions that pop up over the summer. Budapest is a city to relax in an outdoor thermal spa, enjoy a classical concert in the beautiful St Stephen’s Basilica, and its famous landmark, the Parliament Building in all its stunning glory at night before experiencing one of the city’s arty ruin pubs.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Budapest
Copenhagen
Types of Girl about the Globe – Adventurous GatG, Sightseeing GatG
Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, isn’t actually on the European mainland. Instead, it’s on a Danish island and is home to over two million people. It’s also home to some of Europe’s most beautiful architecture and best shopping. One of the highlights of the city is the goddess Gefjun fountain, which tells the story of how the city of Copenhagen was founded and how Denmark was created. See the fountain at night when it gives off a stunning blue glow.
During the day window shop at Strøget or see the historic waterfront at Nyhavn. Stroll along the Langelinie promenade and see the city's most famous landmark, the statue of the Little Mermaid. This bronze statue is only 1.25 metres tall and has sat on her rock for over a century!
If it's adventure that you're after, head to Tivoli Gardens, the world's oldest theme park where you can indulge in your inner child.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Copenhagen
Dublin
Types of Girl about the Globe – History GatG, Party GatG
For those wanting a weekend away without having to go too far, Dublin is only a short flight away and there’s so much to do, making it the perfect weekend location.
Take a trip into Irish history at Dublin Castle, the city's most well-known landmark. Then take a tour inside the Jameson Distillery and learn about the history of this old distillery whilst enjoying some whisky-tasting, before getting dizzy looking up at The Spire that stands 120 metres tall in the middle of O’Connell Street.
From a trip to the Guinness Store House to a night on the famous Temple Bar listening to live music it’s an amazing place to spend a solo break. The Irish are known for liking a tipple so you won't be short of company if you pop into a local Irish bar or two.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Dublin
Edinburgh
Types of Girl about the Globe – History GatG, Literature GatG, Movie GatG
Edinburgh is a City of Literature, as recognised by UNESCO, and has a proud literary tradition that you’ll notice as you explore the beautiful building-lined streets. There are some great literary nooks and crannies for you to get a real taste of Edinburgh’s literary life. The streets of Edinburgh are laden with history and fascinating stories so you’ll never find yourself at a loose end.
Scotland’s capital city is teaming with bars and nightlife as well as historic and cultural activities. Its most famous landmark is Edinburgh Castle where you can see the oldest Crown jewels in Britain, as well as the Stone of Destiny. Visit Arthur's Seat, and Holyrood Palace then walk along the Royal Mile to Princes Street.
If you're a Harry Potter fan take the Harry Potter Magical Guided walking tour or admire artwork within the Neoclassical building of the Scottish National Gallery. Visit Edinburgh in August and you'll be spoilt for choice at the Edinburgh Festival, which fills this charming city with artists, actors, comedians, musicians and countless street performers.
* Related Post: Solo Travel in Edinburgh
Geneva
Types of Girl about the Globe – Nature GatG
Geneva has many important European landmarks such as The Palace of Nations, and the United Nations headquarters. But it's also known for its landscapes and lake shores. This Lavaux landscape is a Unesco World Heritage site and is said to produce the finest wine in the region. The whole region is great for historic castles, and lake shores and offers spectacular views over the French Alps.
Head west and you’ll find plenty of hiking trails in the Jura Mountains or stay in the city for gardens, museums and theatres. You can see the city by bike or even paraglide for a birds-eye view. Being a Swiss city means that it does come with a price tag.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Geneva
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki
Type of Girl about the Globe – Architecture GatG, Arty & Museum GatG
Helsinki is one of the largest cities in the Baltic region, and the largest city in Finland, home to more than 1.3 million people. The city is famous for its architecture, and back in 2012, it was chosen as the World Design Capital for 2012 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.
Helsinki Cathedral built in1852 is the city's most famous landmark. But whilst you're here you can also discover Finland's unique culture at the city's many art galleries and museums such as the National Museum of Finland, the Design Museum, and the Museum of Finnish Architecture. And there are, of course, plenty of shopping opportunities and dozens of outlets that sell gorgeous Nordic clothing.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Helsinki
Tower Bridge. London
London
Types of Girl about the Globe – Arty & Museum GatG, History GatG, Markets GatG, Sightseeing GatG
It’s hard to write a list of the best European landmarks without including London in it. With iconic double-decker buses, black London cabs and red telephone boxes just for starters, London is definitely one of the cities for solos to explore.
The Shard is the largest structure in London. Containing offices, apartments, and a rooftop bar, it’s definitely the place to see if you come to the British capital. The most recent addition to London’s skyline, the Shard was transformed from an old 1970’s office block to London’s highest viewing platform. You’ll need to book a ticket to get access to its 360-degree views.
But there are many other landmarks here too and you could spend a week doing all the typical tourist attractions: seeing the city from above on the London Eye, saying hello to the new King at Buckingham Palace, listening to the chimes of Big Ben, and taking a walk along the River Thames. Then there’s browsing at Camden Market, watching street performers at Covent Garden, window shopping at Harrods, or having an afternoon tea at one of London’s most prestigious hotels.
There’s plenty to see here for free too. From the city’s parks to well-known museums such as the Tate Gallery, the National Gallery and even the British Museum. London has an abundance of famous landmarks.
* Related post: Solo Travel in London
The Opera House in Oslo
Oslo
Types of Girl about the Globe – Island GatG, Nature GatG
So many of the safest cities in Europe are in the Nordic countries and Oslo is no exception. As the largest city in Norway, and the capital of the country, Oslo is not only safe but a lovely city to explore on foot. One of Oslo's most famous landmarks is the Opera House. A futuristic-looking building on the dock with a sloped roof that you can climb for a view.
An unusual landmark is Vigeland Sculpture Park, a park that was originally created by its namesake, Gustav Vigeland, and has more than 200 pieces of bronze, iron and granite works of art.
Watch the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace, relax in the Palace Park, then head to the National Gallery, the Norsk Folkemuseum and the famous Munch Museum for some arts and culture. Discover more about the days of the Vikings at the Viking Ship Museum, before having dinner at Aker Brygge, a trendy area by the waterfront.
If you’re only planning on visiting the capital during your trip, you can still experience a fjord cruise from Oslo, or buy a ferry ticket and go island hopping. Oslo also has some of the safest night clubs in Europe, but they are expensive.
* Related post: Solo Travel in Oslo
Paris
Types of Girl about the Globe – Arty & Museum GatG, Shopping GatG, Sightseeing GatG
Spend a few days in the French capital of Paris and you’ll be constantly sightseeing. There are far too many landmarks here that each deserves their own mention – the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacre Coeur, and of course the Notre Dame (which is still being rebuilt after the devasting fire in 2019). But the main attraction in this city is the Eiffel Tower which is 300 metres tall. Originally built back in 1887 for a World Fair, this wrought iron tower was never meant to be a permanent fixture in the city. Although some of the residents resisted it, the tower has become the city’s most famous landmark.
Paris is one of my favourite cities so don't skip Paris just because you think it’s just for couples. It may be a city that exudes romance but there’s no reason that you can’t go alone. It's full of iconic museums, specifically the Louvre, and the Musee d'Orsay with some of the most famous works of arts.
If you love sculptures, head to the Rodin Museum for world-renowned works. For a great view of the city take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and learn more about its history in its museum, or climb the hill to the Sacre Coeur, one of the city’s most iconic monuments. Take a walk along the Avenue Des Champs Elysees, and at night, see Paris’ famous show, the Moulin Rouge. Paris is definitley iconic.
* Related post: A Solo Trip To Paris
Prague
Prague
Types of Girl about the Globe – Architecture GatG, History GatG, Party GatG
Prague is a fantastic choice for a budget solo, as it is cheaper compared to many other European cities. From cobbled streets to stunning architecture, this Czech capital has so much history. Its most famous landmark is Charles Bridge, a beautiful cobblestone bridge that is one of the must-sees in Prague. As well as Prague Castle, which is a must-see.
The Old Town is where all the action happens. This picturesque Old Town has many different architectural styles and a medieval Astronomical Clock on top of the Town Hall. Visit on the hour to see its musical performance. Explore the courtyards of Prague Castle and its many buildings, before partying at the many bars and clubs in Wenceslas Square where you’ll find plenty of other tourists to hang out with. If you love beer, you have another great reason to be in Prague.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Prague
Seville
Types of Girl about the Globe – Architecture GatG, History GatG
This Spanish gem has been under the radar for many years, but Seville is a fabulous city if you want to explore somewhere new. One of the famous landmarks that you should not miss is Real Alcazar de Sevilla, which is considered as one of the oldest palaces in the continent, and is a World Heritage Site.
Spend some time at Plaza de Espana, one of the most stunning and magical places in the city with water fountains and beautiful architecture. See the lavish interior of the Cathedral de Sevilla, and the Giralda, the bell tower that is one of Seville’s most famous monuments.
Learn more about history at the Archaeological Museum of Sevilla, or visit a former HQ and prison of the Spanish Inquisition at the Castillo San Jorge. Seville is a fantastic choice for a Spanish break.
* Related post: Solo Travel in Seville
The Grand Canal, Venice
Venice
Types of Girl about the Globe – Cultural GatG, History GatG, Islands GatG
If you are thinking about an Italian escape, Venice is a stunning destination and it's not just for couples. This city of islands is the perfect city to explore by boat, through its many canals. See the famous landmark of Piazza San Marco, the Basilica San Marco and the free-standing bell tower, as well as the Doge’s Palace, another landmark in Venice.
Take a canal cruise under the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the bridges that cross the Grand Canal, before visiting Murano Island renowned for its glass-making traditions. Don’t forget to buy a small Venice mask too, or just visit in February to see these masks being worn at the Venice Carnival.
* Discover all activities and things to do in Venice
Other Famous Landmarks
There are so many European Landmarks, but if you're planning on venturing further afield, I can't miss these two famous destinations off this list.
New York
New York has to be the best in the World for landmarks. From the Empire State Building to Brooklyn Bridge this American city is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world. But the most well-known has to be the Statue of Liberty. This neo-classical sculpture which sits on Ellis Island is 93 metres high. There are 377 steps to the crown which has amazing views over the harbour. Mix famous landmarks with shopping and Times Square.
* Related post: Free Things To Do in New York (in 24 hours)
Dubai
Anything the rest of the world can do Dubai tries to do it better. Completed in 2010 the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower at nearly 830 metres tall. On the 124th floor you’ll find the viewing deck with incredible views of this Arab Emirate. This isn’t the only impressive landmark here. The famous Burj Al Arab is a hotel in the shape of a sail with a Sky Bar. Then there’s the Atlantis Palm, a huge 5 star hotel which sits on Dubai’s Palm Island.
* Related post: Solo Travel in Dubai
These are just a list of my recommended landmarks. Which ones are your favourite?
