Travellers need not go far to find a wonderful tourist spot in Europe. You can truly see everything, here: from the most stunning castles to art exhibitions, and dazzling villas to historic cities. More pleasing still, the best of these sights are all close to one or two of our gorgeous historic properties – making it extra easy to plan a culture-filled weekend away.
To help you get started, we’ve paired some of the best attractions across the continent with the perfect place to stay, so you can book your next adventure with the ultimate ease. The only question is, where will you go first..?
1. Italy, Treviso: Villa di Maser
Some of Italy’s best artists of the 1500s put their stamp on Villa di Maser, including the painter Paolo Veronese and famous sculptor, Alessandro Vittoria. Wander among statues of Olympian gods and marvel at the exquisite frescoes – bursting with colour and life – as you explore the grounds and corridors of this historic masterpiece which, unsurprisingly, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even the views from the villa are a delight: it’s surrounded by the rolling hills of Asolo and a sprawling winery. Pure bliss.
Where to stay
Fifteen minutes from Villa di Maser sits Villa Cipriani – another exquisite villa that doubles up as a luxury five-star hotel. Once owned by the English poet Robert Browning, it now welcomes guests from around the world – and never fails to impress, either. Top tip: spend a night eating dinner on the terrace, watching the sun go down over the Venetian countryside. It’ll be the most striking sunset you’ll ever see… and some of the best food you’ve ever eaten, too.
2. Ireland, Connemara: Kylemore Abbey
Against a stunning backdrop of cliffs and trees is Kylemore Abbey, an eighteenth century home that grows more beautiful with each year. Aside from the house itself, visitors are transported by the nearby Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church, primed for inspiring fantasies of the past. You can dive right into the dramatic countryside, too. Guided hikes above Kylemore Abbey are available, and offer some of the best views in the whole of Ireland.
Where to stay
Just a short ten-minute drive away from Kylemore Abbey is Renvyle House. Though it’s situated on the cusp of the Wild Atlantic Way, in a quiet, secluded area, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on its doorstep. Fill a long weekend with trips to the neighbouring Killary Fjord, Adventure Centre or Connemara Golf Course, and top each day off with dinners at its on-site restaurant, which was named Best Restaurant in Connacht in 2019. Quite the accolade – and deserved, too.
3. Austria, Vienna: Art Exhibitions
It’s easy to see why Vienna is renowned for its museums. Whatever fascinates you, there’s a museum to indulge it in Austria’s capital: from folklore to music, and technology to – of course – history. What’s more, each appealing institution usually hosts a special exhibition or two, so it’s worth looking into what’s available so you can coordinate your visit to the ones that strike your fancy.
Whatever you do, don’t forego a trip to the Belvedere. This extraordinary palace and museum is coupled with the most beautiful grounds you’re likely to see anywhere in Europe, making for a heavenly tourist spot at any time of year.
Where to stay
After a day of exploring all the wonderful local attractions Vienna has to offer, step lively to Hotel Stefanie. Catering to guests since the year 1600, it’s the oldest hotel in Vienna – making it something of a museum itself! Between its traditional antique furnishings, exquisite restaurant and world-class service, you’re sure to have a memorable stay.
4. Belgium, Bruges: Begijnhof
This walled neighbourhood is a beloved tourist spot in Bruges – with a fascinating history, to boot. Founded in 1245, it was originally a residential area for lay-women of the Catholic Church who led celibate lives. Keeping up the tradition, these perfectly-intact houses are now the homes of nuns and women who choose to remain unmarried. Its residential status hasn’t stopped visitors from flocking to its gates, though, eager to see the striking white buildings – along with the nearby church and museum – for themselves.
Where to stay
How about a four-star boutique hotel in the bustling heart of Bruges? The award-winning Hotel Flanders ticks all the boxes, with a heated indoor swimming pool, lounge bar and terrace and an array of boutique rooms. The only problem? You’ll want to stay forever.
5. Wales: St Davids
The city of St Davids is named after the patron saint of Wales and is the smallest city in Britain, with a tiny population of just over 1,800 people.
That being said, there’s no shortage of things to do, particularly if you enjoy religious history. In the sixth century, St Davids was a pilgrimage site – a reputation it upheld for hundreds of years – and it was considered that three trips to this tiny locale were equal to one to the Holy Land! Today, St Davids still preserves that strong sense of spirituality, with visitors flocking to explore the narrow lanes that connect its historic cathedral and medieval Bishop’s Palace.
Where to stay
Tourists wishing to make the most of St Davids’ local attractions have some great options when it comes to accommodation. Twr y Felin Hotel – a converted windmill, originally built in 1806 – boasts both charming architecture and unique furnishings, including over 100 pieces of specially-commissioned art.
For those wanting to commit to the spiritual theme, Penrhiw Priory is only a stone’s throw away from the cathedral. Entrenched in idyllic Welsh nature, including woodland paths and a meadow, and fitted with home comforts at every turn, this converted priory is the epitome of serenity.
6. Montenegro, Old City of Kotor: St John’s Fortress
Looking down on the Old City of Kotor is one of Montenegro’s finest local attractions, St John’s Fortress. Built over the course of six hundred years, it was originally erected to protect the city from invaders, and now offers tourists a unique view of the UNESCO World Heritage locale. 280 metres above sea level and 1,350 steps going up, those that can brave the hike will be rewarded by the most magnificent vista of the city below and its cerulean bay. Time to invest in a good pair of trainers…
Where to stay
Those wishing to make the most of Kotor should definitely stay at Hotel Cattaro. Based right in the middle of the old town and built into the actual walls of the city, it’s essentially a tourist spot in itself. It also houses one of Kotor’s most renowned nightclubs, Maximus. Ideal for dancing the night away.
7. Romania, Bucharest: Old Town
Bucharest’s Old Town is wildly different to the rest of the modern metropolis, and definitely deserves a place on your Romanian bucket list. Filled with perfectly-preserved historic buildings – many of which now play host to the city’s most charming cafes and bars – you’ll be tempted to take pictures at every turn.
Swing by Carturesti Carusel, too. This stunning bookshop is known as the best of its kind in the whole country, and is the perfect pit stop for literature lovers.
Where to stay
Suter Palace is the place to be after visiting Bucharest’s several local attractions. The five-star boutique hotel, built in neoclassic style, blends history and modernity in an unrivalled manner. You’ll adore its original architecture, too – especially in the restaurant, where you can enjoy candlelit dinners night after night. It’s enough to make anyone giddy.
8. Poland, Opole Voivodeship: St. Anne’s Mountain
St. Anne’s Mountain, known by the locals as Gora Swietej Anny, needs to be seen to be believed. With over forty calvary chapels and an incredible statue of Saint Anne – the mountain’s namesake – to see, it’ll certainly satisfy your cultural tastebuds. Better yet, the mountain is also based within a landscape park, so you get direct access to the best of the Polish countryside, too.
Where to stay
Built at “the centre of energy” in Europe, there’s no better place to regroup than Palac Lucja. This truly reposeful retreat offers watercolour classes, fine dining and a mix of standard and luxury rooms to cater to a wide range of guests. You can’t miss it, either. With its gorgeous, sunshine-yellow walls, this hotel is quite the striking sight on the horizon.
9. Switzerland, St. Gallen
If you ask the people of Switzerland which of their towns is the most beautiful, many will answer St. Gallen. Nestled between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland, its views are unrivalled, while its host of local attractions are sure to keep you inspired and entertained. High on the list of places to go is the town’s famous Baroque cathedral – complete with Abbey Library, which houses more than 170,000 historically significant documents. But whether you’re into cultural activities or not, a quick caper around this town is one you’re not likely to forget.
Where to stay
There’s no better choice than scenic Schloss Wartegg. This charming castle hotel, based right next to Lake Constance itself, has more feasts for the senses than you can count: from the exquisite scent of its verdant green gardens to the delicious, organic food served in its Michelin-recommended restaurant. Perfection, defined.
10. Portugal, Lisbon: Castelo de St. Jorge
This monument has seen many major moments in Lisbon’s history, from the fall of the Romans to Portugal’s rebirth as a seafaring country. It’s stood firm throughout it all, and it’s this endurance – along with its gorgeous restoration, completed in the 1940s – that makes it such a compelling tourist attraction. Everything from its ramparts to watchtowers has been gorgeously upheld and refined, along with a variety of gardens that feel like pockets of paradise. A tourist spot that’s not to be missed.
Where to stay
We at Historic Hotels of Europe have properties aplenty for those parading around Portugal’s capital. Those wanting to keep up the castle theme will find their bliss at Solar Do Castelo – an eighteenth-century building situated within a medieval castle village – while those seeking to siesta closer to the centre of Lisbon will find their needs well-met at Hotel Lisboa Plaza. Boutique properties Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel and As Janelas Verdes make great alternatives, too – both of which ooze traditional Portuguese design with a modern touch – while Hotel Britania favours a funky, art-deco style. Choices, choices, choices.
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