Top 10 Most Searched for Tourist Attractions in Europe

Tourist attractions in Europe. Photo: KnowInsiders

According to the Google ranking, the top three most popular attractions in Europe in 2021, which got the most Google maps searches, were the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Louvre Museum in Paris, with the Collosseum in Rome at number 5 and the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia at number 6.

In the Google ranking based on the same data, but applied just to Poland, Energylandia came top of the Top 10 most searched for tourist attractions on Google maps in Poland in 2021.

Which are the 10 Most Searched Tourist Attractions in Europe?

1. Eiffel Tower

2. Sagrada Família

3. Louvre Museum

4. Europa-Park

5. Colosseum

6. Plitvice Lake

7. Amalfi Coast

8. Energylandia

9. Milan Cathedral

10. Camp Nou

Top 10 Most Searched Tourist Attractions in Europe1.

1. Eiffel Tower

Photo: planetware

Eiffel Tower in Paris ranks the first position when it comes to the most Google maps searches of tourist attractions in Europe in 2021.

The Eiffel Tower is one of France's most famous sights. Sitting in the heart of the Champ de Mars in Paris, the wrought-iron tower was originally built to serve as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair.

Engineer Gustave Eiffel received much criticism for his design, with people calling it a monstrosity and "an impossible task" - at the time of construction, the 324-meter-tall tower (equivalent to an 81-story building) was the tallest structure in the world.

The tower's three levels house restaurants and cafés, gift shops, exhibits about the history of the tower, the original restored office of Gustav Eiffel, and several observation decks. The first two levels of the Eiffel Tower can be accessed via a staircase or a lift, but the third level is only accessible to visitors via an elevator.

At night, the entire tower is illuminated with golden lights.

2. Sagrada Família

Photo: Du lịch

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona stays at number 2 on the list of most searched tourist attractions in Europe with its breath-taking view as well as significant history value.

Officially the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, this famously opulent church in Barcelona is the brainchild of the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. With work starting on the church back in 1882, 137 years later, the Sagrada still remains unfinished. It is expected that the building will be completed in 2026.

Built in the art nouveau and gothic styles, the fantastical church has an impressive eight spires and ten that are yet to be constructed. This decidedly Gaudi-esque building draws crowds of tourists with twisting turrets, and surreal curves, while intriguing gargoyles make for something from another world and time entirely.

3. Louvre Museum

Photo: TST tourist

The world's largest art museum, and the most visited, sits right on the bank of the Seine River. It ranks third on the list just behind the famous Eiffel Tower and Sagrada Família.

The original 13th-century Louvre Palace that once stood here was expanded and rebuilt over the centuries, resulting in the massive almost 73,000-square-meter building you see today.

Outside, the museum's glass and metal pyramid has become a modern symbol of the Louvre. It measures 34 meters on each side and 21.6 meters tall and is now used as the main entrance to the museum.

Of the Louvre's stunning collection of 380,000 objects, about 35,000 are on permanent display. These include not only paintings but also drawings, sculptures and archaeological items. In addition to Leonardo da Vinci's La Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo, the museum is also home to the eight-feet-tall Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture and the magnificent six- by nine-meter Coronation of Napoleon painting.

4. Europa-Park

Photo: Pinterest

Amidst the tri-state area, Europa-Park attracts visitors of all ages with more than 100 attractions and shows. Whether Iceland, Russia, or Spain - in Germany's biggest theme park, 15 European-themed areas with typical architecture, gastronomy, and vegetation are waiting to be discovered by the visitors. Those who like it fast and furious can get on one of the 13 spectacular roller coasters. Since 2019, adventurers can also head for Rulantica - Europa-Park's new indoor water world - with 25 sparkling attractions. After an exciting day, the park's six adventure hotels and the Camp-Resort invite you to relax.

With 11 roller-coasters, a flight simulator, 4-D cinema and more than 100 additional attractions and shows, Europa-Park in the southern German town of Rust is Germany's largest theme park.

It is a theme park that has a diverse event, colorful shows, exciting attractions, and of course the 15 roller-coasters rides for the thrill-seekers like us. Europa Park is split into 15 areas named from different European countries. The decorations and the attention to detail is amazing. It is perfect for all ages, kids, and adults. But if you don’t have enough time to experience all these amazing rides, here are my top 5 wild rides in Europa Park and some tips too.

5. Colosseum

Photo: Planetware

Colosseum in Rome stays at number 5 on the list of most searched tourist attractions in Europe.

Flavian Amphitheater, better known as the Colosseum, remains one of the most iconic symbols of Imperial Rome and is one of the most visited tourist sites in Italy. It was built in AD 70-80 using travertine limestone and volcanic rock. At the time of its construction, and for a long time after, it was the world's largest amphitheater and held up to 80,000 spectators.

With an outer wall height of 48 meters and a base area of 24,000 square meters, the Colosseum is an imposing structure. At the peak of its glory, it contained a velarium (a retractable awning to protect spectators during bad weather) and a thick wooden floor covered by sand. Under this floor, an underground labyrinth of tunnels held animals and gladiators before the fights.

Although most famous as the site for gladiator fights, the Colosseum was also home to many other shows and spectacles, including re-enactments of famous battles and executions. More impressively, it was also the home of mock sea battles, when the arena was filled and drained rapidly with water so vessels could float during the shows.

Over the following centuries, the amphitheater served as a fortress, a shrine, and makeshift housing. It was also heavily looted by stone robbers.

6. Plitvice Lake

Photo: Living + Nomads

The Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction, was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. Located roughly halfway between capital city Zagreb and Zadar on the coast, the lakes are a definite must-see in Croatia. (As confirmed by the many emails we’ve received!)

The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. The National Park covers a total area of 300 square kilometres, whilst the lakes join together over a distance of eight kilometres.

There’s also quite an altitude difference – the highest point is at 1,280m, the lowest at 380m – although the total height difference between the lakes themselves is only 135m. (Veliki Slap, the largest waterfall, is 70m tall.)

7. Amalfi Coast

Photo: Culture Trip

Ranking seventh on the list of most searched tourist attractions in Europe, Amalfi Coast is famous for its jaw-dropping landscapes, vibrant activities and nice people.

Although there are many picturesque locations in Europe, the Amalfi Coast must come somewhere near the top of the list. This part of Italy is characterized by pretty pastel colored cottages sitting on the hillside and spectacular sea views.

The Amalfi Coast is located in the Province of Salerno and stretches along the southern coast of the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Some of the produce for which this area is famous include limoncello, colorful ceramics, and handmade paper. It attracts thousands of visitors each year.

8. Energylandia

Photo: My Guide Krakow

Energylandia, which is the biggest amusement park in Poland and has been open since years, features rides in five distinctive zones: Fairytale Land, the Family Zone, the Extreme Zone, the Water Park and the Dragon Town, laid out on an area of 43 hectares.

The complex includes more than just facilities and attractions, both extreme and family ones. Parents traveling with their children will have the opportunity to focus on each other when the children are absorbed by roller-coasters dedicated especially for them. In Energylandia we will also find something for lovers of extreme experiences – a ride on the highest and fastest Mega Coaster in Europe, which is 77 meters and more than 140 km/h. The train will introduce you to the effect of weightlessness, unforgettable effects of gravity and show what it means to break through the water surface. Hyperion, that is the name of this roller-coaster mentioned above, is one of the many attractions waiting for tourists in Energylandia.

The theme park was only overtaken in the Google ranking by one other theme park, Germany’s Europa-park which came in at number 4.

9. Milan Cathedral

Photo: Culture Trip

The massive Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, which the Milanese call just "Il Duomo" is among the world's largest (it holds up to 40,000 people) and most magnificent churches, the ultimate example of the Flamboyant Gothic style. It was begun in the 14th century, but its façade was not completed until the early 1800s, under Napoleon.

The roof is topped by 135 delicately carved stone pinnacles and the exterior is decorated with 2,245 marble statues. The dim interior, in striking contrast to the brilliant and richly patterned exterior, makes a powerful impression with its 52 gigantic pillars. The stained-glass windows in the nave (mostly 15th-16th centuries) are the largest in the world; the earliest of them are in the south aisle.

Highlights include the seven-branched bronze candelabrum by Nicholas of Verdun (c. 1200) in the north transept, the 16th-century tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici, and the jeweled gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo in the octagonal Borromeo Chapel leading off the crypt. Behind the high altar, the choir has deeply carved panels, and misericords under the seats.

In the south sacristy is the treasury with gold and silver work dating from the fourth to the 17th century. A walk on the roof of the cathedral is an impressive experience, offering views across the city and extending on clear days to the snow-covered Alps. (An elevator ascends all but the last 73 steps to the platform of the dome).

At the front of the Duomo, near the central doorway, you can descend under Piazza del Duomo into the foundations of the Basilica di Santa Tecla (fourth-fifth and seventh century) and the fourth-century baptistery, Battistero di San Giovanni alle Fonti, which were discovered during the construction of the Milan Metro system.

10. Camp Nou

Photo: Sporturismo

Just as Catalan Modernist buildings are must-see attractions for architecture fans, Camp Nou is a must-see for football (soccer) fans. Camp Nou was one of the venues for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and today is home of the FC Barcelona. The 99,354-seat stadium is the largest in Europe and second-largest in the world.

Camp Nou offers guided tours, led by bilingual Official FC Barcelona Guides. The tours (in English and Spanish) cover highlights of the stadium such as the playing field, the team's changing room, players' tunnel, and the commentators' boxes.

The stadium also has a sports museum, the Barça Museum, which presents trophies, photos, and multimedia exhibits, including videos of FC Barcelona's winning goals.

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