7 European landmarks you can’t miss

Packed with a myriad of cultures in a relatively small area, Europe is home to intricacies you could explore forever. When planning a European trip, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the sightseeing shortlist – there are only so many hours in the day, after all. If you don’t even know where to start, check our list of Europe’s top landmarks, bound to wow even the most world-weary traveller.

When it comes to world-famous landmarks, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Paris. From the Louvre to Les Invalides, the Seine to the Sacré-Coeur – the list goes on – it’s easy to spend a week here and still not have time to see everything you’d planned. On your trip, make sure you head down the Champs-Élysées to see the Arc de Triomphe, a neoclassical monument built in 1836 that you can climb for a panoramic view of Paris.

Rest your head at the Hotel Dadou Paris, just 300 metres away from the Arc de Triomphe. This boutique location has its own swimming pool cinema that streams short films on reservation.

Nestled high in the Alps on the border of Germany and Austria, a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle will feel like immersing yourself in a Bavarian fairytale. The castle has a deceptively-medieval exterior but was actually commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869. The pleasure palace is highly ornamental, inside and out, and is the perfect spot to pretend to slay a dragon or wake a sleeping princess from an eternal slumber.

Villa Ludwig is a four star hotel sitting at the foot of the castle. Gaze up at the compound from the hotel’s spa and in the morning, feast like a king at the breakfast buffet.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That means look chic, drink espresso and enjoy passionate discussions with friends – preferably while sitting on the Piazza Navona. This square boasts some of Rome’s most spectacular fountains, many of them world-class examples of Baroque architecture. Built in the 1st century, Piazza Navona sits on top of the Stadium of Domitian, where ancient citizens would watch public games – and where you can still explore the underground ruins.

Sleep with a view over the square at Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj. This luxurious hotel is housed in a 17th-century building with original features like intricate frescos and Corinthian columns.

Think of any landmark and you may imagine a man-made construction, but Iceland is renowned for its many opportunities to marvel at the power of mother nature. Alongside rough landscapes and live volcanoes, the Blue Lagoon is an iconic geothermal bath known for its distinctive azure hue. Bathe here and let your body absorb the natural healing properties of the silica-rich water. And if you’re really lucky, you might even be able to spot the northern lights during your visit.

Shelter from the elements in the Harbour View Cottages, self-contained units eight kilometres from the Blue Lagoon. These minimal pods are all you need to recharge after a day of taking in all the natural beauty Iceland has to offer.

Home to one of the most precipitously built monasteries in the world, the Meteora complex in Greece is a sight that has to be seen to be believed. Six buildings teeter on top of a naturally hewn rock formation, dominating the already impressive landscape. Visit the site at sunset for a view that not even the best camera will be able to capture.

Pyrgos Adrachti is a cosy hotel found at the base of Meteora, furnished with dark wood. The views here are unbeatable, with an unobstructed look at the rounded, rocky mountains and impressive monasteries.

Not to be confused with the more visually imposing Tower Bridge, London Bridge is a relatively understated construction right in the middle of England’s capital city. On either end of the bridge, you’ll find an array of must-see spots, like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tower of London. Traverse the bridge by foot, or soak up London’s many sights from the water by river cruise.

Sleep in Southwark at the appropriately titled London Bridge Hotel, 300 metres from its namesake. Combining traditional charm with contemporary ease, this plush hotel is ideal to kick back in after a busy day in the Square Mile.

You won’t need many guesses to figure out why the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is more commonly known as the Blue Mosque. The Ottoman-era construction, built between 1609-1616, is decorated with intricately painted blue tiles and bathes in turquoise light as the sun streams through its many domes. Fall in love with Istanbul’s illustrious history as the meeting point between Asia and Europe with a tour of the mosque.

Take in the sights of Istanbul from the balcony of the Seven Hills Hotel. Many rooms feature a spa bath and the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Blue Mosque.