The UK is home to two of the best landmarks in the while of Europe - at least according to social media users.
A study of TikToks, Instagram posts, Google searches and Tripadvisor scores has placed the iconic British destinations among the best the continent has to offer.
The UK is one of the most visited country in the world, with 40 million people visiting the isles each year before the pandemic shut down international travel, contributing £234billion to the country's GDP.
As one might expect, most of those visitors aren't in the country for the amazing weather or swimming opportunities, but to soak up some of UK's long history and amazing monuments.
The two British entrants on the list definitely reflect that trend.
10. Windsor Castle – Windsor, United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace in London might be the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy, but Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, as well as being the favourite home of the late Queen.
Its history dates back some 900 years and it is home to the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII.
These days, the castle is mostly used for ceremonial and state occasions but visitors are allowed to roam around select areas, including the State Apartments.
9. The Louvre – Paris, France
The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, with almost 18 acres of gallery space, and is built atop an ancient fortress.
It became a royal palace in the 16th century, then opened as a public gallery after the French revolution.
It holds some of the world’s most prized paintings and sculptures spanning some 11,000 years of civilization and culture, including the Mona Lisa.
There are so many, in fact, that it would take over 100 days to see all 380,000 works.
8. The Alhambra – Granada, Spain
Set against the soaring Sierra Nevada, the Alhambra is one of Europe’s best-looking places to visit.
The renowned castle was built by the Moors in the thirteenth century on an old Roman fortress.
Ferdinand and Isabella re-captured the site in the late 15th century, but it still looks much the same as it did more than 700 years ago.
It’s one of the finest Islamic buildings in Europe, encompassing endless rooms, gardens and opulent halls, including the famous Sala de los Embajadores.
7. Palace of Versailles – Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is located 12 miles west of Paris, Versailles is France’s most spectacular chateau.
King XIV transformed the former hunting lodge into an elaborate palace in the early 18th century to showcase the absolute power of the monarchy.
He eventually moved his court and government here and, despite a long period of languishing during the French Revolution, the palace is just as opulent as it was then.
6. La Grand Place – Brussels, Belgium
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located slap-bang in the centre of Brussels and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.
Most of its enchanting guildhalls were built between 1697 and 1705, though works began as early as the 12th century.
At its heart is the 15th-century city hall, adorned with gilded statues and intricate symbols.
Events take place here throughout the year, including the city’s most famous Christmas tree and nativity scene.
5. Lake Geneva – Geneva, Switzerland
With a surface area of more than 580 sq. km, Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe.
Around 60% of the lake belongs to Switzerland, while France holds 40%.
On its banks are the fairytale Chillon Castle and the iconic Jer d’Eau, a huge fountain that has since become the symbol of the lake and city.
It’s a popular spot for swimming too, thanks to its four beautiful beaches and pristine waters, which attract much of the very healthy looking Swiss population for the majority of the summer months.
4. Colosseum and Roman Forum – Rome, Italy
Nowhere does Roman ruins quite like the Eternal City, and the Colosseum is one of its best-preserved examples.
Emperor Vespasian built the amphitheatre around 70 CE so that as many as 50,000 guests could be comfortably seated there, making it the largest in the world.
The nearby Roman Forum, which most people combine with a trip to the Colosseum, was once the centre of daily life in ancient Rome.
It encompasses a basilica, temples, churches and the original seat of the Roman senate, and is a true marvel of the ancient world.
3. Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain
This jaw-dropping temple is one of Spain’s most beloved monuments and is located in the centre of the Eixample district in the beating heart of Barcelona.
The temple is the work of genius architect Antoni Gaudi. It’s technically unfinished, with works scheduled to be completed in 2026 – a whopping 144 years since it began.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building features 18 soaring towers depicting the life of Jesus and is home to Gaudi’s grave.
2. Big Ben and Westminster Palace – London, United Kingdom
The English capital city’s blockbuster site earns the second spot as Europe’s most popular tourist attraction.
The palace, which sits prettily on the banks of the River Thames, houses both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Big Ben the bell is located at the north end of the complex in Elizabeth Tower, which is now free from scaffolding for all to see.
The monumental clock has rung through the reign of seven different monarchs, 42 prime ministers and featured in hundreds of Hollywood movies.
1. Eiffel Tower - Paris, France
Top billing goes to one of the world’s most recognisable buildings, the Eiffel Tower.
This iconic monument hasn’t always been popular though. When Gustave Eiffel dreamed up the tower for the 1889 World Fair, hundreds of artists, writers and thinkers sighed a petition to have it removed.
Thankfully, the government wasn’t quite as shortsighted and today it’s one of the capital’s crowning glory.
More than seven million visitors flock here to get up close to the 985-foot monument.
- You can find out more about the research on holidaycars.com.
