Real Alcázar, Seville
The Alcázar of Seville stands out as one of Andalusia’s top sights, and honestly, it deserves all the hype. It’s a wild blend of Islamic and Christian styles, showing off those intricate mosaics, carved wood ceilings, and lush gardens that just seem to go on forever. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll probably recognize it—it played the palace of Dorne on the show.
Aragonese Castle of Ischia, Naples
Set on its own rocky islet and linked to Ischia by a long stone bridge, the Aragonese Castle feels almost otherworldly. Its roots go back to ancient Greece, but the Aragonese turned it into a full-blown fortress, adding churches, convents, and peaceful gardens. Show up at sunset if you can—the fading light paints the walls with pinks and oranges, and everything looks just a little bit enchanted.
Pena Palace, Sintra
If you ever wanted to step into a fairytale, Pena Palace is the place. Sitting high above Sintra, this castle is a riot of color and style—bold yellows and reds, swirling domes, and details that never seem to end. The gardens are just as magical, packed with exotic plants, sparkling ponds, and fountains that make you feel like you’ve wandered into another world.
Château de Chambord, Loire Valley
Château de Chambord takes the idea of a hunting lodge and runs wild with it. Commissioned by King Francis I in 1519, this place is a real showstopper of French Renaissance design. Inside, you’ll find over 400 rooms, nearly 300 fireplaces, and a maze of staircases—77, to be exact. Don’t miss the famous double-helix staircase, where you and a friend can each take a different set of stairs and never bump into each other.
Palace of Versailles, France
Walking into Versailles is like being dropped right into the splendor of 18th-century France. Just a quick trip from Paris, it was the heart of royal life until the Revolution. The Hall of Mirrors, royal bedrooms, and those insanely grand gardens with fountains and perfect hedges—these are the real highlights. Versailles still hosts official events, but for most people, it’s the ultimate day trip.
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace go hand in hand. Once the Habsburgs’ summer escape, it’s now one of the city’s most popular stops. You can wander through lavish halls, still decked out as they were centuries ago, and check out the Gloriette and the Obelisk Fountain in the park.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein is the dream castle—literally, it inspired Sleeping Beauty’s palace. Built for Ludwig II of Bavaria, it rises out of the landscape with the Alps as a backdrop, looking like something from a postcard. Inside, the fantasy continues, with rooms covered in scenes from Wagner’s operas and old German legends.
Windsor Castle, United Kingdom
Windsor Castle isn’t just a castle—it’s been home to British royalty for nearly a thousand years. It’s huge, it’s packed with history, and it’s still in use. When you visit, you’ll get to see the lavish State Apartments and the stunning St. George’s Chapel, where many monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, are buried. If you’re in London, you really shouldn’t skip it.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle is more like a city within a city, perched up above everything else. It got its start in the 9th century and stayed at the heart of Czech power for ages. Wander around and you’ll find the towering St. Vitus Cathedral, the old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane, with its tiny, colorful houses.
Malbork Castle, Poland
