30 European Things That Americans Might Never Get To See

From the mountains to the prairies, there’s no denying that America is a land of indescribable beauty, whether it’s natural or manmade. But even if you’ve been impressed by America’s marvels firsthand, that’s still only half the story. Across the small pond that is the Atlantic Ocean, Europe has its own established history, with modern wonders that speak to the nation’s longstanding culture. Join us in this article as we open a window into 30 of these spectacles that Americans may never get to see otherwise.

Most Americans, and most people for that matter, can visualize a medieval castle in their head quite clearly. After all, this set piece pops up in many of our favorite movies. Still, not many Americans can say that they’ve seen these relics of the past in person. Because of America’s late start as a nation, it missed out on this beautiful era of medieval architecture.

Cities and towns in Europe are almost completely different from cities and towns in America, and that’s by design. Compared to much of the rest of the world, America has a relatively flat landscape, so the buildings that the people put on top of that land obviously did not seek to meet the same conditions as similar buildings in Europe. Still, there’s no denying that this European architecture is breathtaking, and everyone should see it with their own eyes, at least once.

When we say Alpine Villages, we refer to a small town in a mountainous region, and while it sounds simple when we lay it out flat like that, seeing really is believing. In certain lighting conditions, and with fog, a simple town in an elevated region is like a utopian escape from the outside world. It makes you want to breathe in for some fresh air, which is easy because fresh air is abundant in an alpine village.

Sure, old churches exist in America, and since America is a couple of centuries old now, you could make the argument that centuries-old churches do stand in America. But if you were to ever visit the cathedral of Notre-Dame or St. Peter’s Basilica, you’d understand for yourself that there really is no comparison!

Though it’s true that many Americans may never see the physical stones that make up the Stonehenge, this point really has to do with the mystery and mysticism surrounding the structure. America is a relatively new nation, and much of their rumors or mysteries come in the form of short term urban legends, aside from the occasional Bigfoot sighting. If you’re ever in a position to visit England, take a detour and stand right in the middle of a story lost to time.

While America has no shortage of cultural festivals itself, Europe usually outshines them in many ways. Most of the people there have a direct and traceable link to ancestors who lived in the middle of the culture that these festivals are celebrating. In a way, visiting Europe is like taking a trip back through time.

Sure, in America, there are occasional open-air markets, but they are a rarity, rather than the norm. In Europe, many traditions get carried down through generations, and these markets are no exception. Try visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or the Portobello Market in London, so you can see in what ways they’re visually stunning, personable, and, well, noisy!

Visiting a library in Europe often represents more than just a simple car trip. It’s a window into the past! Like many older buildings in Europe, most libraries have been carefully maintained, and while they’ve been updated to meet modern standards, they still keep one foot in yesterday. Where else can you find a library with the undeniably impressive-sounding name of Klementinum than in Prague, Europe?

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This means more than just putting on a toga, and honestly might require a trip to college to learn how to be an architect! The Roman’s architecture is impressive just off of the merits of simply being able to stand for so long, but beyond that, there’s no denying that there’s a sense of grace to them as well. Try visiting the Colosseum in Rome, but if that’s too specific, you can visit as far as Spain to see the Aqueducts.

Though our list has largely been comprised of human achievements, Fjords afford a more natural sense of beauty. These inlets are made through years of glacial interference, often resulting in an otherworldly landscape with dramatic cliffsides and the waterfalls that flow down them. Still, trying to pronounce the names of some of these Fjords could become rather arduous, as seen with Geirangerfjord in Norway.

Many people are familiar with the canals of Venice because of how widespread they are in media. But the thing is, they’re popular on TV for a reason. The picturesque landscape of streets that are lined with rivers makes for a one of a kind experience when walking through it. Sure, seeing it on TV is one thing, but actually being a part of the experience in person is worth a trip, no matter where you are!

A Parisian Boulevard isn’t exactly a common sight in Europe (beyond Paris, that is), but considering its complete lack of presence in America, it still deserves a mention on the list. As a large, tree lined walkway with beautiful architecture that’s visually accented by plant life, you get a deeper appreciation for architectural history when walking through it. There’s an undeniable sense of presence that comes with being in the middle of something so large.

Though modernization has had its effect on many areas in Europe, an image of the past is still recognizable in many of their cities. Some of these cities have even survived from medieval times, complete with architecture that was important for the time. For instance, cities like Carcassonne in France are completely surrounded by manmade walls! While they used to be a defensive necessity, they’re now a remarkable spectacle.

Many regions in France and Italy are entirely devoted to the production of wine, through the process of growing grapes. If you visit regions like Bordeaux or Tuscany, you can get a firsthand appreciation and understanding of the wine-creation process. Plus, if you’re lucky, some of these organizations might even offer samples!

What even is there to say about the Eiffel Tower? This modern marvel joins the Statue of Liberty and the Burj Khalifa as being in contention for the most iconic structure in the world. Sure, a view of it in a postcard is full of sincerity and wonder, but if a picture is worth a thousand words, then an in-person view is worth a million pictures.

This architectural style is very endearing in its simplicity. If you don’t recognize it by name, most will recognize it at a glance. Tudor-Style Architecture is usually characterized by white wooden planks that are divided by black wooden bars. The result is a structurally sound, visually impressive sight that you can only find in Europe.

In contrast to the dense, tightly-engineered infrastructure of urban America, European cities are usually far more spread out, with much more elbow room. A perfect example of this lies in the numerous plazas that usually lie in the middle of cities and towns. For a sense of a crowded, busy atmosphere, just without the cramped claustrophobia, consider visiting the Piazza San Marco in Venice or the Plaza Mayor in Madrid.

America has its fair share of mountain ranges, with the Appalachian mountain range in the east or the Rocky mountain range in the west. Still, the European Alps, which span across eight different European countries, offer a new experience entirely. Covered with snow, wildlife, and an impossible amount of photography opportunities, the Alps are a perfect reason to pay Europe a visit.

Some buildings are so impressive that they warrant a trip to another continent, solely off of their own merit. Among these buildings is the Acropolis, an ancient citadel located in Athens, Greece. This massive marvel of engineering was carefully constructed to adhere to the standards of the golden ratio, and is architecturally secure enough to stand the test of time, throughout centuries.

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony that takes place at Buckingham Palace in London, England. The ceremony is in place to make sure that no aspect of the palace is unguarded at any time. Watching the carefully rehearsed proceedings is like looking at a window into the past, as the strict demeanor of the guards reflects the longstanding importance of this tradition.

If your vacation to Europe is meant to be a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s another layer of a getaway in many regions of Europe for you to try! European coasts are full of uninhabited landmasses that are perfect for a day trip of relaxation. Greece’s Cyclades are a popular example of these small islands, but really, look into any coastal regions that you plan on visiting to experience these natural wonders firsthand.

Compared to the large-scale wonder of much of the rest of this list, the fact that Europe uses case-specific street signs may seem small in comparison. Still, these unique street signs represent the attention to detail of the European people. For instance, many areas that are dotted across Europe are deemed pedestrian-only, allowing for a greater enjoyment of the city on foot and a heightened quality of life.

The Swiss Federal Railways are some of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the European landscape. By traveling on a fast moving train with deliberately-considered scenic routes, you’ll go over bridges, travel to the coast, and even on the lakeside as you gain a deeper appreciation for the serenity of the European countryside.

The strict process of the Changing of the Guard is perfectly justified to anyone that lays their eyes on what these soldiers are protecting. The royal palaces of Europe are quite literally fit for a king. Their incredibly detailed architecture had no expense spared, despite the palace’s massive size! These buildings are found in many European countries, and no matter which iteration people see, they still attest to their magnificence.

The natural world is worthy of adoration, but also caution. Pompeii is a standing example of this observation. Archeologists have unearthed the ruins of this ancient town, and remarkably, it still stands today, despite the devastation it received from the volcano, Mount Vesuvius.

Sure, America has its fair share of mountainous regions, but after considering Irish cliffsides, it’s really no comparison. Ireland in particular has an impressive landscape in which the elevated landmass suddenly drops into the ocean. Try to visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland if you want to see an example of these cliffside curiosities.

American food is deeply ingrained into the people’s culture, whether it’s a Hotdog at a baseball game or French Fries with Hamburgers. Still, it’s worth knowing that the ancestors of these entrees are actually European! Europe has an array of foods which all carry a unique flavor, though some are quite odd in their presentation. For instance, the Scandinavian dish of Lutefisk prepares the fish in a way that makes it gelatinous in texture! While it certainly sounds unusual, people still swear by its taste.

Long, spindly spires, massive arches, and colossal indoor spaces are all characteristics of Gothic architecture. There really is nothing quite like it. The buildings aren’t designed purely out of necessity, but instead were intended to reflect the somber, serious nature of the building’s inhabitants.

While independent and spontaneous graffiti expression is seen as illegal, the city still commissions many graffiti artists. This results in a unique urban landscape that embraces individual expression, even if the art forms aren’t exactly conventional.

The European Union has a standardized form of commerce, as seen with the Euro. While this is similar to American currency, there is one key difference that Americans rarely get to see, at least to the same degree as Europeans. The faces on the Euro coins vary depending on the country where they originated from, meaning that in a way, the region has an influence on the presentation of the coins.

And with that, our list draws to a close. Reminiscing on the beauty of America’s continental neighbor helps to remind us to be thankful for the earth that we live in. No matter where you’re at globally, it’s nice to know that there are things that anyone, regardless of location, will find beautiful. Here’s to hoping for a future that allows anyone from around the world to see these modern marvels firsthand.