UNESCO World Heritage Sites
With a past as storied as Europe’s, it’s impossible not to take in some history while on your trip. Find out more about UNESCO World Heritage Site in the European territory.
Europe’s natural beauty and stunning landmarks haven’t just caught the eyes of world travelers over the years.
Interactive Map
© Tourism Ireland
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The Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland were featured on the big screen 1987 in the motion picture The Princess Bride. You can see the cliffs during the scene when Cary Elwes’ character, Westley, is scaling them to defeat his enemies and retrieve his beloved Buttercup. The cliffs are known as “the Cliffs of Insanity” in the movie.
© Smabs Sputzer
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Manchester Town Hall, United Kingdom
England’s Manchester Town Hall played a key role in one of the biggest action scenes of the 2009 blockbuster Sherlock Holmes. It takes center stage for a few different scenes and makes for a perfect backdrop for the film’s Victorian Era setting.
© Matt Sharpe
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Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland, Great Britain
The Hogwarts Express may not be magical in real life but the route it takes is just as grand. The Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland is featured as the railway to Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. It’s unmistakable in the movies thanks to the arched architecture of the railway and the lush green grass of Scotland.
© Simon Schwartzman
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Leopoldskron Palace, Austria
The Leopoldskron Palace in Austria was one of the key locations of Robert Wise’s The Sound of Music from 1965. Starring Julie Andrews, the film is one of the most famous motion picture adaptations of a musical and the Leopoldskron Palace is partly to thank for the film’s success.
© Dennis Jarvis
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Castel Sant'Angelo, Italy
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s classic 1953 romance film, Roman Holiday, made use of many iconic locations throughout Rome. You’ll find the Castel Sant’Angelo as the backdrop of the movie’s unforgettable dance party scene.
© horrapics
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Playa de Monsul, Spain
Playa de Monsul is a famous beach in Spain and host to one of the most memorable scenes in Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade. As a matter of fact, many Western films were shot in Cabo de Gata, a National Park located in Playa de Monsul. You can find the beach when Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Indiana’s father (Sean Connery) fight off an enemy plane with a flock of seagulls. Don’t worry; the seagulls aren’t like that in real life.
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Convent of Agios Ioannis, Greece
You may recognize the Convent of Agios Ioannis of Greece from the hit musical film Mamma Mia! The iconic Greek convent starred as the site of the chapel in the movie’s famous wedding scene.
© Malta Tourism Authority
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Blue Grotto, Malta
The epic, Ancient Greece–inspired film, Troy, had many of its scenes shot in and around the Blue Grotto in Malta. You can see the sparkling blue waters toward the beginning of the movie when Brad Pitt’s character, Achilles, is discussing with his mother about whether or not to leave for Troy to battle. Malta has become a popular country for other feature films, including The Guardian, starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
© Visit Europe
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Although not a movie, Game of Thrones has captured the heart of thousands of people around the world. Shot in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Game of Thrones captures the historic city, peppered with ornate churches, beautiful palaces, and flowing fountains. Today, visitors can take their own Game of Thrones-inspired tour of Dubrovnik, where they’ll witness first-hand King’s Landing and the magical town of Qarth.
Galleries
Exploring Europe’s Hidden Towns
There’s so much more to Europe than just the big cities and landmarks. Go off the beaten track and discover some of Europe’s lesser-known cities, hidden towns and secret villages that are rich in natural beauty and history.
The Best Rural Getaways in Europe
Sometimes the best way to experience Europe is by taking the road less traveled. Or in some cases, not taking a road at all. The natural side of Europe consists of vast countrysides, towering mountains, calm waterways and more. Browse this gallery of some of Europe’s best adventures that are off the beaten trail. Then, load up your backpack and be on your way.
Cheers – You’re in Europe!
Europe’s culture is not limited to its numerous art museums and palaces. Some of Europe’s greatest stories can be heard over a glass of wine, beer or other drink within the walls of a pub or finest alcohol outlets off the beaten track.
Featured Experiences
Unexplored gems of European history
Discover five unexplored gems of European History!
Almond Gugelhupf
During the imperial era, Vienna was completely in a spin over almonds. No wonder, since the Viennese pastry chefs were focussed on everything that made fine dishes taste even finer. And that definitely included almonds!
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Enjoy life’s pleasures in San Marino
Relax and replenish in San Marino, where leisurely walks, gelato, and art are a way of life.
Tee Off at Europe’s Best Golf Courses
If your European vacation includes the words “birdie,” “par” and “eagle,” then these golf courses are must-visit spots for you. Tee off at eight of Europe’s most pristine golf courses from the level greens of Malta to the towering cliffs of Portugal. No matter what type of course you’re looking for, Europe is bound to have it.
Czech Republic: Experiences for Kids
Where children have fun ― and even learn something.
Ghent Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a classic stew of Flanders. Its name is Dutch, ‘zooien’ meaning ‘to boil’. It is sometimes called Gentse Waterzooi (in Dutch) which refers to the city of Ghent. The original recipe is made of fish, either freshwater or sea, though today chicken waterzooi is more common. The most accepted theory is that rivers of Ghent became too polluted and the fish disappeared. The stew is made of the fish or chicken, vegetables including carrots, leeks and potatoes, herbs, eggs, cream and butter and usually serbed as a soup with a baquette to sop up the liquid.
Aranzini Gugelhupf
Oil cakes have a long tradition especially in Mediterranean countries where olive oil is abundant. In Austria sunflower or rape oil is used instead and candied bitter orange peel, aranzini, and pine kernels are also added.