The Best Places in Europe for History Lovers

Europe is full of some of the world’s oldest countries like Greece, Italy, Denmark and England, who have several millennia of history under their belts. But, it’s not just these incredibly old places that tell a story of history– there are numerous countries that hold crumbling ruins, have cities with Old Towns and historic monuments, or tell the story of their history through museums or memorial sites. Let’s take a look at the top places across Europe where history enthusiasts will feel right at home. 

20. Bran Castle – Transylvania, Romania

This castle is as much associated with Romanian history as it is with vampire folklore– it is known for apparently being home of the fictional vampire Count Dracula, but that’s not its only claim to fame. With a history dating back to the 14th century, this fortress has seen many occupants, many of which were royals or noblemen. Bran Castle is thought to be a national symbol of both Romanian history and culture. Steeped in myths and legends as well as centuries of history, you can enjoy the stories, both fictional and true, that surround this castle. Enjoy a self-guided or private tour of the castle/museum.

Ticket price: 20-70 lei (Romanian currency Leu)

Opening times: Seasonal 

19. Golden Roof – Innsbruck, Austria

Found in Innsbruck’s medieval Old Town, the Golden Roof is one of the most recognisable historic buildings in the country. Visually attractive and stand-out among its architectural counterparts, this landmark was created in the 16th century, intended to honour the wedding of Roman emperor Maximilian I. Despite their glistening golden appearance and name, the tiles that make up the roof are actually made of copper! This landmark is definitely worth a visit and history enthusiasts will enjoy learning about and taking pictures of this Austrian wonder, as well as visiting its museum. 

Museum entry fee: €3-€6 (discounts available for students and seniors)

18. Tsarevets Fortress – Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

One of Bulgaria’s most iconic landmarks, the Tsarevets Fortress has a long and significant history thought to date back to the 5th century. The fortress was since destroyed and was restored in the 1930s. The fortress is the perfect symbol of Bulgarian history, and guided tours are available around the site for a reasonable price.

Standard entry price: 5-10лв (Bulgarian Lev)

Guided Tours: 20-30лв

17. Oseberg Ship – Oslo, Norway

The Oseberg ship is a magnificent Viking ship on display at a Viking Ship museum in Oslo. The ship was excavated from a large burial site and displayed at the Viking Ship Museum, along with several other Viking artefacts and items. If you’re interested in Viking history, this is the perfect place to visit to see surviving vessels from the era (800-1066 AD) and learn more about this iconic period in history. 

*Please note that the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo is currently temporarily closed. 

16. Newgrange – County Meath, Ireland

The Newgrange Monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in County Meath, Ireland, which dates back to the prehistoric Stone Age/Neolithic Era, giving an idea of the true extent of its age and significance in Irish history. The monument consists of a passageway leading into a chamber, and is used as a burial ground. To view the monument, guided tours are available.

Tour price: €15-€35

15. St Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow, Russia

One of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, characterised by its colourful and striking appearance, St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square is one of the most visually-appealing and significant pieces of architecture in Russian history. The cathedral was built in the 1500s and is named after Saint Vasily (Basil), whose tomb is located inside the building. The church is open for public access, as well as guided tours–tickets can be acquired at the cathedral or purchased online.

Entry fee: ₽500 (Russian Ruble) *equivalent to around £5-£6, or €7-€8.

14. Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is known for its unique and stunning architecture, courtesy of famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. You can find most of his works across Barcelona. Sagrada Familia is a historical and cultural hub of the city, dating back to the 1800s. Entry to the Sagrada Familia is easy, with self-guided or private tours available. 

Standard entry: €20-€25 

Guided tour: €30

13. Belém Tower – Lisbon, Portugal

The Belém Tower in Lisbon represents Portugal’s rich maritime heritage and history, dating back to the early 1500s. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most important pieces of architecture in the country. If you’re interested in certain aspects of Portugal’s history, this is the place to visit. 

Tour price: €8-€10 

12. Palace of Versailles – Versailles, France

This opulent palace has many historic ties to French royals, particularly those whose reigns spanned from the 1630s to the late 1700s. The palace represents the finest in French Baroque architecture, the style of which was popular during the period of the palace’s construction. Not only is this palace perfect for sightseeing, but it also gives an insight into France’s royal and revolutionary history.

Entry price: €10-€12

11. Alhambra – Granada, Spain

Thought to date back to the 13th century, the Alhambra is a fortress and citadel located in Granada, Spain. The tower has strong ties to the Islamic religion, as well as the Christian religion which it was later converted to after the Catholic conquest in Granada. One of Spain’s most treasured architectural wonders, a trip to the Alhambra will earn you some pretty awesome photos, as well as extensive knowledge of Granada’s royal, religious and military history. 

General entry price: €20

10. Pont du Gard Bridge – Pont du Gard, France

An ancient Roman aqueduct in France? Pont du Gard was built around 60 AD and is one of the best preserved Roman structures to date, as well as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Access can be to the interior and exterior of the bridge, allowing people to marvel at the ingenuity and magnificence of the structure from all angles. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the bridge just as much as history buffs.

Guided Tour price: €15

9. Viking Ship Museum – Roskilde, Denmark

Another Viking entry, (this museum is currently open), the Danish version of the Viking Ship Museum also tells the story of the magnificent vessels that enabled the Scandinavian countries to be discovered and known to this day, and their significance in the Middle Ages. Here, you can view original and reconstructed Viking ships, as well as learn all there is to know about the Vikings. 

Standard entry fee: 120-160 DKK (Danish Krone) *equivalent to around £10-£20 

8. Anne Frank Museum – Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, the Anne Frank House/Museum acts as a tribute to diarist Anne Frank, who was a Jewish girl who went into hiding for two years to evade Nazi capture during the Second World War. The museum depicts her life through pictures, artefacts and a look inside the Annex where she and her family hid. Tickets to the house can only be purchased online, so bear this in mind if you are wanting to visit. 

Entry fee: €16 (standard adult price)

7. Berlin Wall – Berlin, Germany 

The Berlin Wall was constructed to separate East and West Berlin, from the 1960s to the 1980s. It was destroyed in 1989, the act of which was known as the Fall of the Berlin Wall. The wall was ultimately destroyed due to revolutions in the city. Part of the wall still remains, and has since been turned into an open-air art gallery, with graffiti and murals painted onto the remaining parts. What’s more, it costs nothing to visit the remains and take pictures! Guided tours/packages are available for those who want to learn more about why the wall was built. 

6. Culloden Moor – Inverness, Scotland

One of the most significant battles in Scottish history, the Battle of Culloden took place in 1746 and was between the Jacobites and British government forces, the latter of which were ultimately victorious. Culloden Moor is near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, and there is a memorial and monument in place to mark the significance of the battle and its impact on Scottish history. 

Entry: Free

5. Hadrian’s Wall – Northumberland, England

Another Roman monument, Hadrian’s Wall was built around 122 AD by Roman emperor Hadrian. The wall is a World Heritage Site and is especially popular with hikers and avid walkers, as well as history enthusiasts who love learning about ancient Rome and their architectural feats—visit the Roman forts that are found along the wall!

4. Auschwitz – Oświęcim, Poland

The original site of Auschwitz is now a museum in Poland that is open for public access. Auschwitz was and still is the world’s most significant and notorious symbol of the Holocaust. Today, the remains of the original camp serves as a memorial and museum, which can be accessed via guided tours or independently. The Memorial grounds are free of charge, but due to the popularity of the site it’s recommended that you book in advance if you intend to visit. 

3. Stonehenge – Salisbury, England

This prehistoric structure in Southern England has been the source of debate for centuries over its original purpose. Believed to have been used for ceremonial and burial purposes, as Stonehenge was built before historic records began, its true purpose and reason for being built largely remains a mystery. Nevertheless, it is a magnificent symbol of the Bronze Age when it is believed to have been built, and access is free but with a look-but-don’t-touch policy. 

2. Acropolis – Athens, Greece

Arguably the symbol of Ancient Greece, the Acropolis stands tall in the Greek capital Athens, depicting the ingenuity and skill of its architects. The Acropolis is believed to be an ancient citadel, and has since been used as a place of worship for many religions. Dominant in the skyline of Athens, it’s hard to miss, and those interested in ancient history will enjoy visiting the Acropolis. 

Entry fee: Around €20

1. Colosseum – Rome, Italy

One of the world’s and Italy’s most recognisable landmarks, the Colosseum in Rome is definitely a must-visit destination for every history lover and sightseeing enthusiast out there. Originally an amphitheatre, only part of the Colosseum still stands, but the magnitude of its significance in modern day emphasises its importance in Ancient Roman history. Did you know that it apparently only took around 8 years for the colosseum to be built– this definitely showcases the ingenuity and stamina of Ancient Roman architects. 

Standard Entry fee: €15