15 Stunningly Beautiful Palaces in Europe That Will Make You Feel Like Royalty
Europe is home to some of the most breathtaking palaces in the world, each one built to showcase power, wealth, and royal ambition. From grand hunting lodges to extravagant imperial residences, these palaces were designed to impress—both their contemporaries and the millions of visitors who explore them today.
Their sheer size and lavish interiors tell stories of monarchs who spared no expense, filling their homes with gilded halls, opulent ballrooms, and sprawling gardens. Many sit at the heart of major capitals, while others are perched on cliffs, nestled in forests, or overlooking vast landscapes, all combining to create an incredible sight.
Let’s explore 15 of the most spectacular palaces Europe has to offer.
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15 Gorgeous Palaces in Europe You Can’t Miss
1. Versailles in Paris, France
Versailles is THE ultimate European palace—designed to showcase power and wealth of absolute monarchy. Originally a hunting lodge, Louis XIV transformed it into a sprawling palace to centralize power and keep the nobility under his control.
Every inch of Versailles was built to impress, from the glittering Hall of Mirrors to the lavishly decorated state rooms and personal suites for the king and queen. But for all its grandeur, it also became a symbol of royal excess, fueling the resentment that led to the French Revolution.
The palace itself is jaw-dropping, but the gardens are just as incredible. Perfectly manicured and stretching for miles, they’re full of fountains, groves, and tree-lined walkways.
The Grand and Petit Trianons were the royal family’s escape from the rigid court life, and Marie Antoinette’s hamlet—a picturesque, storybook-like village—feels like a world away from the palace’s formality. It’s a must visit when you are traveling to Paris.
2. Neuschwanstein near Schwangau, Germany
Neuschwanstein, tucked in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, may be the most quintessential castle in all of Europe—after all, it was constructed by the “Fairytale King” himself, King Ludwig II.
Ludwig was known for being eccentric—for example, it’s said he frequently exited buildings through windows instead of doorways. These eccentricities are believed, by some, to have stemmed from a lonely childhood where one of his only joys was fantasizing about knights, wizards, and magical kingdoms.
He took this obsession into adulthood and, shortly after he unexpectedly ascended the throne at a young age in 1864, he ordered the construction of Neuschwanstein.
The palace was extravagant in a number of ways, with 200 rooms, many painted with sweeping murals of Bavarian lore, and unique features requested by Ludwig, including a dining table that could “disappear” into the kitchen the floor below and hidden doorways.
Ludwig died under mysterious circumstances, just a few weeks after moving into Neuschwanstein, while its interior was still under construction. Nevertheless, it’s still renowned for its beauty—it actually inspired Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disney World!
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is now at the top of visitors’ bucket lists when traveling throughout Germany. You can take a tour of the interior of the castle or, alternatively, explore the hiking trails that offer stunning views of the structure, with the jaw-dropping background of the Alps.
3. Schönbrunn in Vienna, Austria
Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most spectacular palaces in Europe, serving as the lavish summer residence of the Habsburgs emporers and empresses for centuries.
Originally built as a hunting lodge, the palace was transformed in the 18th century under Empress Maria Theresa, who expanded and decorated it into the grand Baroque and Rococco masterpiece it is today.
The palace was not only a symbol of imperial power but also the birthplace and longtime residence of Franz Joseph, Austria’s longest-reigning emperor.
The palace itself is stunning, with opulent ballrooms, lavish state rooms, and the personal chambers of Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi available for touring. The entire palace holds 1441 rooms!
The gardens are just as impressive and sprawling, featuring manicured flower beds, hedge-lined pathways, statues and fountains. Besides the main garden, there are also small, themed gardens around the estate, including the charming maze and the elegant Privy Garden.
4. Alhambra in Granada Spain
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain is one of the most incredible palaces in Europe—not just for its beauty, but for its unique history.
Built in the 13th century by the Nasrids, one of Spain’s last Moorish dynasties, it was more than just a palace. It was a full city, complete with a medina where artisans lived, a military fortress (the Alcazaba), and the lavish Nasrid Palaces where the sultans ruled. At its peak, around 2,500 people lived within its walls.
The Moors, a Muslim group from North Africa, inhabited Spain for more than 800 years, ending in the 1400s, and their architectural and cultural influence can still be seen today, especially in Alhambra.
The Nasrid Palaces are the highlight of Alhambra, with room after room covered in intricate stucco carvings, geometric tilework, and elegant archways supported by slender columns. Every detail is stunning and very typical of Islamic architecture.
Just outside the main complex, the Generalife gardens are equally breathtaking—tall cypress trees, vine-covered arches, and flowing water features create a peaceful escape with perfect views over the Alhambra and Granada below.
5. Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, thanks in large part to Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a magnificent example of romantic architecture.
The palace is painted in peppy colours like bright yellow and crimson red, which gives it an almost surreal look amidst the lush greenery of the Sintra region. The palace is designed to a blend of Romanticism and Moorish architectural styles, plus influences from several other styles.
One of the most interesting facts about Pena Palace is that it was originally a chapel, converted into a monastery, and then rebuilt into the beautiful palace of today by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century.
He converted the monastery ruins into a beautiful palace with large rooms, towers, a drawbridge, parapet paths, and an access tunnel. The luxury of the palace combined with the peaceful surroundings of the Sintra regions made the palace a perfect place for the Portugal monarchs to spend the summers.
Don’t skip the Pena Park, which is spread across 200 hectares of lush green forest. This green heaven is home to several species of plants brought from various parts of the world.
6. Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy
The Doge’s Palace in Venice holds a history of power, intrigue, and even torture.
This was the seat of Venice’s government, where the Doge (essentially the magistrate of Venice) ruled alongside powerful councils that controlled the city. Every room highlights the wealth and influence of the Venetian Republic, from vast meeting halls to chambers filled with priceless art.
The ceilings might just be the most impressive part of the palace, with ornate gold encasing elaborate murals . The grand ballroom is particularly breathtaking, while the armory, packed with rooms of centuries-old weapons, highlights Venice’s military power.
The last part of a visit to the Doge’s Palace is walking across the Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the stark, stone dungeons—a dramatic contrast to the palace’s opulence. The bridge is named for the sighs prisoners would release at their last glimpse of the outside world.
7. Peles Castle in Sinaia, Romania
Tucked away in the beautiful Carpathian mountains, Peles Castle is a relatively unknown ornate masterpiece. It’s easily accessible by train from both Brasov and Bucharest, tucked away in a part of Romania so beautiful that King Carol I, the first independent king of Romania, fell in love at first sight.
The palace was constructed between 1873 and 1883, with additions until 1914. Guests on the first journey of the Orient Express to Bucharest in 1883 were invited to visit Peles by Queen Elisabeth.
The palace boasts 160 rooms, including 30 bathrooms, and at the time was one of the most modern castles in Europe. It was fully supplied by electric power and had central heating – despite the fact that the Romanian royal family used it as a summer palace.
The exterior of the castle looks like a fairytale come to life, with a number of soaring turrets and picturesque gardens to enjoy.
Inside, Peles is a stunning example of late 19th opulence, filled with themed rooms. Visit the ornate Florentine room, the beautiful Turkish Parlor and the lavish Moorish salon. Marvel at the Sala Mare de Arme, which has over 1,600 ornate pieces of weaponry and armour.
8. Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkiye
Topkapı Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum and a world-famous landmark that’s considered a testament to the rich history of the Ottoman Empire.
Located in Istanbul, Turkey, Topkapi Palace was built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II after his conquest of Constantinople. The palace served as the center of the Ottoman empire for nearly 400 years, and contains many historic artifacts dating back to that era.
The palace is a great example of classical Ottoman architecture, as it combines Islamic, Persian, and Byzantine influences. One of its most notable features is the Harem, a maze of chambers where the sultan’s family and concubines lived.
The Imperial Council Chamber showcases the grandeur of Ottoman governance. The palace also has beautiful gardens with stunning fountains and panoramic views of the Bosphorus strait that divides Istanbul in two parts.
The Topkapı Palace is also home to sacred relics of Islam, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword. Its Treasury houses the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond and the Topkapı Dagger, symbols of Ottoman wealth and power. This was one of my favorite spots in Istanbul.
9. Castle de Haar in Utrecht, Netherlands
Located in the near the city of Utrecht, Castle de Haar is easily the most beautiful castle in the Netherlands.
While there are records of a castle on the location since at least the 13th century, it wasn’t until the castle came into the hands of Baron Etienne Gustave Frédéric van Zuylen van Nijevelt (now there’s a mouthful of a name!) that it became the grand sight that can still be seen today.
The baron married Hélène de Rothschild and, using her fortune, they restored the castle with the help of Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers (the same man who designed the beautiful buildings of the Rijksmuseum and Centraal Station in Amsterdam).
They wanted the castle to look like a proper neo-Gothic castle, but with all the modern conveniences, and once they were done it certainly had them. When construction was completed this castle was more luxurious than even any of the Dutch royal family’s residences of the time!
Today, the castle is a museum and event location, where visitors can wander through the stunning rooms, as well as explore the extensive grounds. Inside you can see the gorgeous bedrooms, a hall that looks like it belongs in Hogwarts, an opulent ballroom, a Turkish bath with private salon, the kitchen and an elevator!
Outside are beautiful formal gardens, a moat, a private chapel, a cafe in the former stables, a forest and even a relatively tame herd of deer.
10. Miramare Castle in Trieste, Italy
Sitting right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, Miramare Castle is one of the most stunning waterfront palaces in Europe. Just 15 minutes north of Trieste and minutes from Slovenia, it was built in the mid-19th century as a home for Archduke Maximilian of Austria, the brother of Emperor Franz Joseph.
What makes Miramare especially unique is its incredible waterfront setting—the grounds lead straight to the sea, with panoramic views framed by ivy-covered pergolas, stone railings, and scenic walking paths. The gardens are a mix of beautifully landscaped areas and wilder, more natural trails that pull you deeper into the estate.
Inside, the décor is just as striking. The castle is as luxurious as you’d expect from an imperial residence, but Maximilian’s personal rooms were designed to look like the cabin of a naval ship, adding a unique, personal touch.
11. Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley of France
The largest château in the Loire Valley (a region filled with over 300 castles), Chambord is a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture.
Built in the early 16th century by King Francis I as an extravagant hunting lodge, the palace was, shockingly, rarely used as a residence. However, its incredible design and sheer scale—440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases—make it one of the most remarkable palaces in Europe.
The château’s façade is unlike any other, with an elaborate rooftop that has been compared to the skyline of a city. Towers, cupolas, chimneys, and lanterns rise in a striking mix of medieval and Renaissance styles, creating a structure that almost feels like a work of art.
One of Chambord’s most famous features is the double-spiral staircase, a stunning architectural marvel where two separate spirals wind around a central column without ever meeting.
The staircase leads through the château’s grand halls and up to the rooftop terraces, where you can admire the castle from above and look over the 13,000 acres of the surrounding park.
12. Residenz in Munich, Germany
The Residenz Museum in Munich, Germany’s largest city palace, was once the opulent home of Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings. Nestled in the heart of Munich, the Residenz evolved as the monarchy evolved over centuries, from a modest fortress to a grand royal residence.
Though heavily damaged during WWII, the palace was fully restored to its former glory, allowing us today to experience its lavish interiors and glimpse into the lives of German royalty.
The Antiquarium, the oldest room in the Residenz, is a stunning hall, formerly used for banquets and celebrations, with colorful frescoed ceilings and lined with historic sculptures.
Equally beautiful are the Rich Rooms, former state apartments, where intricate gold details, decorative wall hangings, and crystal chandeliers rival the famous Palace of Versailles.
Today, the Residenz houses the Residenz Museum, the Treasury, and the Cuvilliés Theatre – you can easily dedicate an entire afternoon to exploring the building! The Residenz is truly a feast for the eyes, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed adding it to your Munich itinerary!
13. Vranov nad Dyjí Castle near Brno, Czech Republic
Perched on the edge of Thaya Valley National Park in the southern Czech Republic, Vranov nad Dyjí Château is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
Originally a medieval fortress built around 1100 to protect the borders of Moravia, it was transformed into a grand Baroque château after the Althann family acquired it in 1680. They added the impressive Hall of Ancestors, and much of the château’s interior remains unaltered from this period.
Since 1945, Vranov nad Dyjí Château has been state-owned, offering visitors a glimpse into aristocratic life through various guided tours. The château features exquisitely restored rooms, including an original bathtub that reflects the luxury of past centuries.
Visitors can explore three different areas: the state rooms, private apartments, and the tower. First-time visitors are encouraged to take the state rooms tour, which showcases the château’s most awe-inspiring architecture and décor.
While tours are conducted only in Czech, English guide sheets are provided, making it easy to follow along. With its well-preserved interiors and breathtaking location, Vranov nad Dyjí Château is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.
14. Buckingham Palace in London, England
Buckingham Palace, located in the heart of London, is one of the most iconic symbols of Britain’s monarchy and heritage.
Built in 1703 as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, it was later acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte.
Over the centuries, the palace has been expanded and transformed into the grand residence it is today, featuring 775 rooms, 19 opulent staterooms, and a stunning balcony where the royal family greets the public during significant events.
Currently, Buckingham Palace serves as the official London residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as a workplace for the monarch and a hub for ceremonial occasions.
The Queen’s Gallery within the palace showcases royal art collections, while the gardens—spanning 39 acres—provide a tranquil escape in the city. Buckingham Palace continues to symbolize the enduring legacy of the British royal family.
The palace’s state rooms and the gardens are open for public viewing.
15. Palazzo Publicco in Siena, Italy
Palazzo Pubblico has stood as a symbol of political power and influence in Siena for over seven centuries. Built in 1297 as the seat of the Republic of Siena’s government, this striking brick town hall now houses the city’s civic museums and a renowned fresco collection.
Its bell tower, added in 1325, rises elegantly over Piazza del Campo, featuring a beautiful crown and a mechanical clock. The combination of Italian medieval and Gothic architecture makes it one of the most visually striking landmarks in Europe. The façade’s distinctive trefoil arches on the upper-story windows are a hallmark of Siena’s architectural style.
Inside, the museum’s highlight is the famed Allegory of Good and Bad Government, a series of frescos that vividly depict justice, tyranny, and civic virtue, offering insight into Siena’s medieval political ideals.
Siena has beautiful weather from June to August, making it one of the perfect summer destinations in Europe.
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