Architecture throughout Europe has evolved in many different ways. Each country has styles of their own which makes them stand out, and many of these buildings carry old and heavy history on their foundations.
As with all art, the countless styles were created as responses to social and political events, born from engineering-dreams and impossibilities, a desire to push boundaries and look to the future. While getting to know a country through its people and museums is valuable, you can glean so much from just the buildings as well. The list is endless, but this is some of the best architecture in Europe that is 100% worth travelling for.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is perhaps most famously known for the Sagrada Familia, the construction of which began in 1882 and has yet to be completed. It’s an incredible example of Barcelona’s primary architectural style: Gothic and Catalan Modernism. In fact, the city is known for its Gothic Quarter, which will take you through narrow streets and historic buildings, characterised by pointed arches, stained glass, and flying buttresses.
Catalan Modernism on the other hand showcases organic forms and rich ornamentations, exemplified in the gorgeous and unique Park Güell and Casa Batlló. You’ll find colourful and pearlescent mosaic tiles and plenty of quirky asymmetrical designs.
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2. Florence, Italy
Architecture throughout Italy is rather hard to beat. Birthplace of countless art styles and many influential painters, sculptures, artists, and much more; it’s hardly a surprise. But in our opinion Florence really takes the cake.
Florence is Italy’s city of romance – we mean that in the classical sense – and it is renowned for the grand Renaissance architecture. The Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and Campanile di Giotto are just examples of this style and examples of things to see! You’ll find classical elements like columns, arches and domes all over the city, as well as lots of symmetry seeing as the Renaissance style is all about harmony and balance.
3. Paris, France
Known for many things, Paris’ architecture is iconic. The elegant simplicity of the Haussmann style is found all over the city of love, lending charm and class. Stone facades with wrought iron details and grey tiled roofs look pretty perfect on the edges of the Seine and near the Champs de Mars.
But Paris is also a city that has changed a lot over the centuries, home to blossoming ideas in the worlds of art and music and fashion. Art Nouveau builds dot the city like the Grand Palais and the Palais Garnier, Gothic architecture is evident in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Renaissance styles like the Louvre are found all over, and newer additions of Contemporary architecture can be found in the Centre Pompidou and the Foundation Louis Vuitton. Some of Paris’ best museums are also home to some of the best architecture!
We can’t forget that just outside of Paris lives Versailles – a glitzy and magnificent example of Baroque and Classical architecture. Dramatic, grand, gilded all over, but also symmetrical down to the gardens. It’s endlessly breathtaking.
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4. Bruges, Belgium
With the traditionally Flemish style of stepped gables and colourful brick complemented by deep green awnings, Bruges’ architecture is very charming. And we have to include it in this list of best architecture in Europe because it is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Bruges is home to lots of Gothic styles, many of which were renovated in the 19th century in a Neo-Gothic style lending some fresh uniqueness. The medieval history of the city is clear with the surrounding walls and the network of canals which were used for mercantile traffic. Bruges City Hall, the Church of Our Lady, the Provinciaal Hof, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are all must-sees on a walk (or carriage ride) through this idyllic Belgian city.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Having been through quite a turbulent history, Prague’s buildings reflect these drastically changing times in the vast array of different architectural styles. You’ll find Gothic and Renaissance architecture, as well as Romanesque, Rococo, Cubist, Art Nouveau, Modernist, and Deconstructivist styles.
Some of the city’s oldest buildings – dating back to the 10th and 12th centuries – are made in the Romanesque style which is formed of Roman and Byzantine practices, featuring thick walls, round arches, and barrel vaults.
Prague’s famous Astrological Clock is composed of Gothic styles, and the Charles Bridge is Baroque. But for some really unique sites, check out the House at the Black Madonna, the triplex house on Rašínovo Embankment, The Dancing House, Villa Müller, and Černín Palace.
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6. Bergen, Norway
Bergen’s architecture is a testament to the longevity of a well-built structure and the power of the Vikings. Characterised by timber buildings and colourful fronts, Bergen is an old and significant fishing town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the architecture blends old and new seamlessly.
You’ll find traditional Scandinavian architecture and relics of the mighty past in the vaulted and dark-stoned King Håkons Hall and Hanseatic Museum. But plenty of new-build ideas will bring fresh and modern touches to the Norwegian city, like a starfish-shaped floating pool and a modern-day colosseum.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Some of the best architecture in Europe is also some of the most underrated. Lisbon tends to fly under the radar, but the architectural history here is rich and divine. So close to Morocco and with Moorish influences, Lisbon’s architecture is set apart.
Pombaline and Manueline styles prevail, with colourful four-floor buildings with arcades, and ornate maritime motifs and intricate carvings. Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are perfect examples of the unique Manueline styles. And, of course, we can’t discuss Lisbon’s architecture without touching on the iconic Azulejos: blue tiles painted in Rococo styles, which add gorgeous pops of colour under the Mediterranean sun.
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8. Basel, Switzerland
Switzerland is so naturally beautiful that we don’t necessarily think of the architecture, but we’re here to say that we should! Right on the border between France and Germany, Basel is home to a blend of styles reminiscent of Germany’s exposed-beam fairytale homes, and glass and metal Modernist pieces.
Historical Romanesque and Gothic styles are dotted between Modern and Contemporary designs, some created by the very influential Herzog & de Meuron and Mario Botta. Brutalism also features heavily in Basel, that ‘love it or hate it’ concrete style. Notable buildings include: Vitra Campus, Fondation Beyeler and Basel Münster.
9. London, England
London is huge and like many European cities it’s been through centuries of history. The architecture throughout this enormous city is extremely varied, and you can admire plenty of new styles at every corner.
Some of the most interesting architectural styles pertain to the various eras of Monarchy, such as Georgian style, Victorian style, Regency style (for Bridgerton fans!), and Edwardian style. These styles are all classic and elegant, though there are variations found throughout, making each London borough unique. London is also home to impressive examples of Brutalist architecture, found in the famed Barbican, as well as Art Deco and Modern.
Tudor architecture is quite a unique style found all over England, reminiscent of ‘Ye Olden Days’ and often found in historical pubs and hotels – preserved for many centuries!
And let’s not forget the palaces and royal buildings that dot the City. Buckingham Palace, the Parliament Buildings and Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, are all synonymous with London’s history and style.
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10. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Another UNESCO World Heritage site on this list, Dubrovnik is home to impressive medieval architecture which has stood the test of time. The iconic city is surrounded by ancient walls, and within you’ll find Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Venetian styles! Once part of the Roman empire, travelling through Croatia can feel like travelling through Italy because of the gorgeous buildings with domes and columns. If this place feels familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it in Game of Thrones.
