Top 10 Palaces and Castles to see in Europe

Home to the most famous kings and queens in the olden days, the palaces and castles are an important part of the cultural heritage and history of Europe. The architecture and technology used in constructing these amazing structures reflect the remarkable progress made by western civilization during medieval times.

Today, these palaces and castles attract millions of tourists from all around the world, who want to discover the lives of royals of the bygone era. So, here’s our selection of the Top 10 Palaces and Castles to see in Europe.

Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria

The Hofburg Palace was once home to the Habsburg dynasty and centre of imperial Austria. The massive complex includes the National Library, Imperial Treasury and the most recent addition, the Neue Burg, completed in 1913. Today, visitors can take a Hofburg Palace Tour and marvel at its 13th-century architecture and visit the on-site museums that cover the history of the Hofburg.

Wawel Castle, Krakow, Poland

Located in the historic centre of Krakow, the Wawel Castle dates back to the 14th century and still stands as a symbol of Poland’s history and pride. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a museum containing five separate sections: Royal Private Apartments, Crown Treasury and Armoury, State Rooms, Lost Wawel and the Exhibition of Oriental Art. Don’t miss your Wawel Castle Tour when you’re in Krakow.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

This is one of the world’s most famous castles in Germany that was built in the 19th century by the personal fortune of Ludwig II of Bavaria. Situated in the Bavarian Alps, the castle looks like a fairy-tale and offers an amazing view of the Alps and Hohenschwangau valley. Inside, the main highlights include the Throne Room with its giant crown-shaped chandelier, the lavish Minstrel s Hall and a gaudy artificial grotto.

Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Schonbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, today it stands as a premier tourist attraction in Vienna. The palace has over 1,441 rooms and visitors can explore the stunning palace on a private walking tour. Later, enjoy the opportunity to walk around the beautiful gardens and catch a glimpse of the Gloriette, an arch on top of a hill overlooking Vienna’s forests. Book your Schonbrunn Palace Tour today !

Doge’s Palace, Venice, Italy

Also known as the Palazzo Ducale, it was once the residence of the Doge (chief magistrate) of Venice. In its heydays the palace was home to law courts, courtyards, and even prison cells. It was built in 1340 and converted into a museum in 1923. Today, there are several palace tours to choose from, but the most fantastic one is the Secret Tour, which takes you through secret passageways, prisons, and the infamous Bridge of Sighs.

The Palace of Versailles, Paris, France

This grand palace has been the main residence of the French royalty from the time of King Louis XIV to King Louis XVI. Over the centuries the palace has been decorated by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, and was the model for royal residence all over Europe. Today, it is one of the top tourist attractions in France and welcomes around 7 million visitors every year.

Buckingham Palace, London, England

Buckingham Palace is one of the most well-known palaces in the world. Located in London, the palace sees around 15 million visitors every year, most coming to see the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Also, on special occasions tourists can see the Queen and the Rest of the Royal Family gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds. The palace is open to the public between July and October when tourists can explore the State Rooms and gardens.

The Royal Palace Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam’s Royal Palace is a building brimming with stunning interiors and hidden treasures. Located on the Dam Square, it is one of the three palaces still used by the Royal Family. Only the first floor of the palace is open to visitors who can explore the exhibits and interiors of the Royal Palace.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain

The Royal Palace of Madrid takes the crown as the largest functioning palace in Europe and remains the official residence of the royal family in Madrid. Originally built in the 9th century, the present facade was built between 1738 and 1755. Today, the palace is only used for state ceremonies and has about 3,500 rooms, but only a select number of rooms are open to visitors at any given time.

The Royal Palace of Brussels, Belgium

Though the origins of this beautiful palace dates back to the 11th century, its present facade was built only in 1900. Located in front of Brussels Park, the exterior of the palace can be seen all year round, while its stunning interiors can be explored from July to September. The palace still remains the royal residence of the present King and Queen of Belgium.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our selection of the top 10 palaces and castles to see in Europe.

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