The top five things to do according to TripAdvisor – and cheap deals to get there
IF you’re searching for inspiration on where to discover next, Tripadvisor reviewers have voted their favourite things to do in Europe.
According to the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Europe is the most visited region in the world, welcoming 50 per cent of tourist arrivals worldwide every year.
Knowing where to start can be overwhelming, especially when we consider the many attractions and activities available in Europe.
However, TripAdvisor has compiled a list of the best-rated European attractions, and all of them boast more than 100,000 reviews and a rating of at least 4.5/5.
Plus, to make it even easier, we’ve rounded up some cheap tickets and holiday deals to get you to all of these attractions.
1. Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
With more than 160,000 reviews, Gaudi’s Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is the number one attraction to visit in Europe, as per TripAdvisor reviewers.
The “masterpiece” was Gaudi’s most ambitious project, starting in the 1880s.
Combining Art Nouveau and Gothic elements, inside are huge columns, stained glass windows and elaborate facades that depict biblical scenes.
Visitors can explore the museum or climb the towers to better understand the basilica’s architecture and history and enjoy breathtaking views of Barcelona.
- Tickets to La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona – from £62pp
- Return flights to Barcelona – from £26pp
- Airbnb accommodation in Barcelona – from £21 per night
2. Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Boasting an impressive 4.5/5 and almost 150,000 reviews, the Colosseum takes second place in this year’s “top ten things to do in Europe”.
Located in the centre of Rome, the Colosseum, also called the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a historic Roman site.
Constructed between 70AD and 80AD, the building remains among the biggest amphitheatres ever built and used as a stage for theatre productions, public events, and gladiatorial fights.
- Tickets to the Colosseum in Rome – from £39pp
- Return flights to Rome – from £28pp
- Hotel accommodation in Rome – from £64pp
3. Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
As one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is no surprise to make the top three.
At 1,082 feet high, Gustave Eiffel’s tower is one of Paris’ best spots to see the city below.
It was finished in 1889, and elevators and stairs lead to the top where visitors can take in expansive views of the Seine River, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Élysées.
Although going up and enjoying the views has to be done at least once, many Parisians enjoy sitting in the nearby park and enjoying the views – especially during summer.
- Tickets to the Eiffel Tower in Paris – from £56pp
- Return flights to Paris – from £31pp
- Hotel accommodation in Paris – from £76 per night
4. The Louvre Museum in Paris, France
Still in Paris, the Louvre Museum boasts just over 100,000 reviews and is usually defined as a “must-see”.
The museum, housed in the Louvre Palace, has a vast collection of about 380,000 items including decorative arts, European paintings, sculptures, and antique artefacts.
The Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces are just a tiny part of the collection’s highlights at the Louvre.
You can walk through the different rooms and immerse yourself in centuries of art covering more than 782,000sqft.
A good tip to enjoy at its fullest is to book your entry either really early or late during the day to avoid the crowds.
- Tickets to the Louvre Museum in Paris – from £77pp
- Return flights to Paris – from £31pp
- Hotel accommodation in Paris – from £76 per night
5. Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France
Another Paris destination that can’t be missed is the Musée d’Orsay, which is built in a former railway station.
This museum is home to the world’s biggest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including paintings by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Auguste Renoir.
The museum has been open since 1886, and its collection includes decorative arts, photography, sculpture, and paintings from the middle of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century.
Renoir’s Dancing at Le Moulin de la Galette, Monet’s Water Lilies, and van Gogh’s Self-Portrait are the Musée d’Orsay’s highlights.
- Tickets to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris – from £61pp
- Return flights to Paris – from £31pp
- Hotel accommodation in Paris – from £76 per night
For more deals, we spotted the Spanish island that is one of the cheapest for package holidays – but still has pretty beaches and a huge waterpark.
We’ve also revealed the tiny Italian island only locals know about— it’s as good as Capri but much cheaper.
And the ‘most luxurious’ TUI Blue hotel has 24-hour wine bar, huge swimming pools & ultra all-inclusive stays.
Prices correct at the time of publication.
The Sun Travel team's holiday essentials
WITH decades of experience and hundreds of countries under their belt, the Sun Travel team have shared some of the essential items they always pack on a trip.
Here are some of the game-changing items we always pack – and some will barely cost you a thing.
- Lisa Minot, Head of Travel – Global travel plug with USB (£64)
- Caroline McGuire, Travel Editor – Hotel Slippers
- Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor – Pack of 40 earplugs (£40)
- Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor – 1 litre water bottle (£8.99)
- Ryan Gray, Travel Reporter – Bluetooth eye mask (£16.50)
- Giuli Graziano, Travel Writer – AirTag luggage location tracker (£29.99).