The Schengen Zone covers 26 member states and includes some of the most popular tourist destinations and landmarks in the world. It’s a vast and diverse region that takes a lifetime of traveling to truly appreciate.
If you’re armed with an ETIAS visa waiver and are looking for some travel inspiration, check out the following landmarks:
Landmarks to See with an ETIAS in France
The Eiffel Tower should be near the top of everyone’s bucket list. It’s one of the most stunning buildings in Europe and attracts hordes of tourists every year.
Other Landmarks to See in France
France has a little bit of everything, from great wine and cheese to medieval architecture. The Louvre museum is a must-see for art fans, but if you want to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, be prepared to do so at the back of a very large crowd of people. For a more relaxed experience, visit the Musée d’Orsay, which houses works of art from history’s best impressionists.
Notre-dame and the Palace of Versailles are also worth a visit. If you want something that is a little less touristy, pay a visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery. It’s still a popular destination, but it’s huge, and at times it can feel like you’re the only one strolling through those ancient gravestones.
Landmarks to See with an ETIAS in Germany
The Brandenburg Gate at night is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Europe. It’s rarely included on lists of the best landmarks and is usually ignored in favor of the Eiffel Tower, Acropolis, and other amazing constructions, but it deserves a lot more respect.
Other Landmarks to See in Germany
The Reichstag is located just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and is well-worth adding to your itinerary. If you’re in Berlin, you should also check out Museum Island, the remains of the Berlin Wall, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
Landmarks to See with an ETIAS in Greece
Greece is the place to be if you love history, culture, and great food. The Acropolis of Athens is arguably the best landmark to see in Greece. It is an ancient citadel at the top of a rocky part of the city and it includes the remains of the Parthenon, which was built in 447 BC.
If you’re booking a stay in Athens, be sure to book a hotel that has a view of the Acropolis or find a café/restaurant with a view of the landmark. The Acropolis at night is one of the best sights in all of Europe.
Other Landmarks to See in Greece
From the Venetian and modern Greek history of Nafplio to the monasteries of Santorini and the ancient history of Crete, Greece is not short of options when it comes to landmarks and attractions. Check out Meteora and the ancient theater of Epidaurus.
Landmarks to See with an ETIAS in Iceland
The Hallgrímskirkja church is a breathtaking landmark located in the capital city of Reykjavik. You can enter the church and ride the elevator to the top for a view of the city, or you can stand outside and admire the striking architecture.
Other Landmarks to See in Iceland
Iceland is a great place to do a spot of whale watching and once the cold air has chilled your bones, you can warm up and relax in the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon. Don’t forget to check out the Strokku Geysir as well. Not only is it one of the many wonderful must-see attractions in Iceland, but it’s also one of the few that’s completely free!
Landmarks to See with an ETIAS in Italy
The Colosseum is a must-see on any Italian itinerary. The ancient Roman amphitheater was built by one of the greatest empires in the history of the world and showcases the Romans in all their brilliance and brutality.
Other Landmarks to See in Italy
The Grand Canal in Venice is perfect for those romantic breaks while history fans will be awed by Pompeii. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sistine Chapel, and St. Mark’s Basilica are also very popular with tourists.
Landmarks to See with an ETIAS in Spain
There is so much to see and do in Spain that it’s hard to choose any single landmark or attraction. However, we feel like the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens are unlike anything you will find elsewhere, and so they deserve a mention. This Moorish palace is breathtaking and was a high point of history and culture during the Islamic period.
Other Landmarks to See in Spain
The Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most stunning buildings in Spain and it is one of the largest mosques in the world. Seville Cathedral and the Guggenheim Museum are also beautiful buildings worth adding to your visit.
Other Great Landmarks in Europe
The countries mentioned above are some of the most-visited in Europe and clearly have a lot to offer, but there’s so much more to see and do in other parts of the Schengen Zone. To prove that point, here are some other great attractions that you can see with an ETIAS:
- Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria
- Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium
- Turaida Castle, Sigulda, Latvia
- Belem Tower, Lisbon, Portugal
- Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
- Chateau de Chillon, Veytaux, Switzerland
- Buda Castle, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
- Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic
- Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
- Vianden Castle, Luxembourg
With so much history to explore and a wealth of great buildings to see, it’s no wonder that these countries attract so many tourists. Once you have your ETIAS visa waiver, you can experience all of this history, culture, and beauty for yourself.
So, start that application process and start plotting your European adventure!
