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I love learning about history as I travel through Europe, but I often find myself gazing up at old buildings, daydreaming about an alternate career as an architect or designer. I’m curious about minute design codes, like rustication on stone facades, or peculiar building elements, like the exterior butler’s bells found on homes in Marseille. Whenever I’m on a walking tour, my ears perk up when talk of castles, parliament buildings, or property battles come up.

It wasn’t always this way, but I’ve found that the secret to enjoying repeated visits to Europe is to go deeper into the culture. Learning more about the things you enjoy in a new place is the key to going from tourist to traveler. Luckily for me, there are a few standout cities for architecture and design buffs throughout the continent, and many of them include guided tours specifically tailored to architecture. Below, I’ve collected a list of my favorite European cities for discovering Europe’s best architecture and design.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a hidden paradise for architecture and design enthusiasts, boasting a rich collection of historical landmarks and artistic marvels. Perched atop Malta’s fortified hills, Valletta exudes a subtle elegance, its honey-hued limestone buildings and labyrinthine streets steeped in centuries of history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers a captivating blend of architectural styles, from Baroque palaces adorned with intricate stone carvings to neoclassical facades and ornate cathedrals.

A necessary starting point is the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece adorned with intricately gilded ceilings, marble statues, and Caravaggio's famed painting, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist." Then, venture to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the iconic Three Cities unfold before your eyes. Don't miss a visit to the stunning Grandmaster's Palace, a grandiose edifice that once served as the seat of power for the Knights of Malta, and now houses the Office of the President and the Palace State Rooms, showcasing opulent tapestries, frescoes, and antique furnishings.

The new City Gate in Valletta, Malta, is a striking example of modern architectural innovation seamlessly woven into historic surroundings. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, this edifice boldly redefines the entrance to Malta's capital city. With its clean lines, innovative use of materials, and thoughtful attention to detail, the new City Gate offers a glimpse into the future while honoring the past. It’s a must-see for anyone with an appreciation for the evolution of urban landscapes.

Best Architecture and Design Experiences in Valletta

To gain an overview of Valletta, seek out The Original Walking Tour of Valletta, a small group tour highlighting the city’s founding by the Knights of St John in 1565 and its Baroque features like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Auberge de Castille, and the Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck. The tour continues towards the new Parliament Building, through the bustling Piazza Regina, and finally ends in Central Valletta, with plenty of intriguing stops along the way.
A unique experience for garden lovers and history buffs can be found at Mysterium Fidei Museum, where a secret courtyard garden has been opened to the public after 400 years of private use by the cloistered nuns of St. Catherine’s Monastery. The Mysterium Fidei Monastery & Secret Garden in Valletta tour is an audio tour and admission combo that allows you to explore the site at your own pace. Bring your camera and don’t forget to find the monastery cat, Mimi.

Riga, Latvia

Nestled along the banks of the Daugava River, Riga, Latvia, boasts a captivating blend of architectural styles spanning centuries. With its well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can wander through cobblestone streets lined with charming Art Nouveau buildings, showcasing intricate facades adorned with ornate sculptures and elaborate motifs. The city's architectural diversity reflects its rich history, from medieval churches with Gothic spires to elegant Baroque palaces and vibrant Art Deco masterpieces.

A visit to Riga wouldn't be complete without exploring the Art Nouveau district, home to the largest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. Admire the stunning facades of buildings designed by renowned architects like Mikhail Eisenstein and Konstantīns Pēkšēns, whose innovative designs have left an indelible mark on the cityscape. Take a guided tour to learn about the symbolism and motifs prevalent in Art Nouveau architecture, or simply wander at your own pace, marveling at the intricate design details and whimsical ornamentation. Beyond architecture, Riga offers a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, museums, and design shops showcasing the city's creative spirit.

Best Architecture and Design Experiences in Riga

The Walking Tour of Riga’s Beautiful Art Nouveau Architecture is a fantastic guide through the district housing some of the city’s most impressive architectural gems. The two hour tour unveils the history of these buildings and explains how Art Nouveau made its way to the Baltic region.
Those seeking a more active way to discover Riga should seek out the Riga Architecture and Districts Bicycle Sightseeing Tour. While biking through the Old Town and the stylish Jugendstyle district, the tour pauses at key sites like the Latvian National Library and Riga Cathedral. Passing by the renovated wooden architecture of the Kipsala and Kalnciema districts is a unique wonder of Riga.
To delve deeper into the Art Nouveau movement and its impacts beyond architecture, the Ultimate Art Nouveau Experience highlights how the movement influence art, fashion, and society.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain, is home to unique styles from Gothic to Modernisme, and is synonymous with the works of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. His masterpiece, the iconic Sagrada Família basilica, stands in the heart of the city, still under construction. A testament to Gaudí's genius, it features intricate facades adorned with sculptures, vibrant stained glass windows, and towering spires that dominate the skyline. Visitors can explore the interior, marveling at its organic shapes and symbolism, or ascend the towers for panoramic views of Barcelona.

Another must-visit site is Park Güell, also designed by Gaudí. This whimsical park showcases his playful imagination, with mosaic-covered benches, colorful tiled sculptures, and winding pathways that lead to sweeping vistas of the city. For a glimpse into Barcelona's modernist movement, head to the Eixample district, where you'll find the famous block known as the "Apple of Discord," featuring buildings designed by renowned architects like Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Don't miss Casa Batlló, with its undulating facade and dragon-like roof, or Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, renowned for its innovative use of stone and wrought iron. With its rich architectural heritage and vibrant design scene, Barcelona promises an unforgettable experience for aficionados of art and innovation.

Best Architecture and Design Experiences in Barcelona

For the best immersion into the world of Antoni Gaudí, the Complete Gaudí Tour explores his three most iconic sites, Casa Milà, Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia. Over five and a half hours, this small group tour includes skip-the-line admission to optimize the itinerary and allows for personlized questions. Offered in mornings and afternoons, the morning tour additionally explores Casa Batlló, while the afternoon tour adds a visit to Casa Vicens instead.
If a comprehensive Gaudí tour is too much, the Gaudí’s Masterpieces Private Tour hits the not-to-be-missed Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia. With private travel in an (air-conditioned) car, this might be the best choice if visiting Barcelona’s in the hot summer months.
Those more interested in Modernism overall, rather than Gaudí in particular, should seek out the Gaudí and Modernism Private Walking Tour. It includes stops at Casa Lleó Morera, designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, as well as Casa Amatller, designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Rotterdam, often overlooked in favor of its more famous sister city, Amsterdam, offers a fascinating blend of modern and historic architecture. Renowned for its innovative skyline, one of the must-see landmarks is the iconic Erasmus Bridge, affectionately known as "The Swan" due to its elegant design. Visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront and marvel at this striking feat of engineering, especially captivating when illuminated against the night sky. Additionally, the Cube Houses, designed by architect Piet Blom, showcases a unique and unconventional living experience. These tilted, cube-shaped homes are a testament to Rotterdam's avant-garde approach to urban planning and architecture.

In addition to its architectural wonders, Rotterdam boasts an array of museums and cultural institutions that celebrate design and creativity. The Kunsthal Rotterdam showcases a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions, while the Nieuwe Instituut (New Institute) offers insights into the city's architectural heritage and digital future. For a deeper understanding of Rotterdam's design scene, visitors can explore the Witte de Withstraat, a bustling street lined with art galleries, boutiques, and trendy cafes. Whether admiring innovative skyscrapers or exploring cutting-edge exhibitions, a visit to Rotterdam promises an enriching experience for design enthusiasts.

Best Architecture and Design Experiences in Rotterdam

This Rotterdam Architecture Highlights Walking Tour is the top recommended and best reviewed architecture tour among the many that are offered in the city. Led by a local architect, the tour highlights key architectural landmarks such as the Rotterdam Central Station, Timmerhuis, and the Cube Houses, all with the personalized attention that comes in a small group setting.

Rome, Italy

Rome stands as a living testament to the evolution of architectural styles throughout history. From the grandeur of ancient Roman structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon to the ornate beauty of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Trevi Fountain, the city offers a captivating journey through time. However, it's not just the ancient and classical buildings that define Rome's architectural landscape. The city also boasts a significant collection of Fascist architecture, representing a period of modernist experimentation under Mussolini's regime. Iconic examples include the imposing Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, known as the Square Colosseum, and the striking EUR district, with its geometric shapes and grand boulevards.

For architecture enthusiasts visiting Rome, a must-see itinerary includes exploring the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, marveling at the engineering genius of the Pantheon's dome, and taking in the grandeur of the Vatican City's St. Peter's Basilica. Delving into the city's Renaissance and Baroque heritage, highlights include wandering through the opulent halls of the Vatican Museums and admiring the intricate facade of the Trevi Fountain. To experience the modernist influence of Fascist architecture, a visit to the EUR district offers a fascinating glimpse into Mussolini's vision of a new Rome. Here, visitors can stroll along the wide avenues, admire the monumental architecture, and gain insights into the political and social context of this controversial architectural style. Whether exploring ancient wonders or modernist marvels, Rome offers an immersive journey through architectural history.

Best Architecture and Design Experiences in Rome

To better understand Fascist and Rationalist architecture, seek out the Fascist Rome Guided Tour: The Rise and Fall of Mussolini. The tour highlights the contemporary political atmosphere that allowed Mussolini to gain power in the 1920s, and traces the dark days of Fascism until the dictator’s downfall during World War II. It’s a fantastic look at a recent period of Italian history, and is perfect for those on repeat visits to Rome and those seeking something beyond the typical tourist path.
The Mussolini Imperial Architecture Tour highlights sites in the Testaccio and EUR neighborhoods where architecture was used to reinforce the message of Fascism. Led by an architectural historian, it highlights not only the structures but also the architects who assisted Mussolini in the realization of his vision.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, contemporary marvels, and innovative urban spaces. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the striking glass dome of the Reichstag building, the city's architecture tells a compelling story of its divided history and melting-pot culture. Visitors can explore remnants of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the city's tumultuous past, or wander through the contemporary structures of Potsdamer Platz, an example of cutting-edge design and urban renewal.

For those seeking to delve deeper into Berlin's architectural heritage, guided tours provide fascinating insights into the city's landmarks and hidden gems. A stroll through the historic neighborhoods of Mitte and Kreuzberg unveils charming streetscapes adorned with centuries-old buildings, while visits to architectural icons like the Berlin Cathedral and Charlottenburg Palace offer glimpses into the city's royal past. Meanwhile, modern marvels such as the futuristic Sony Center and the glass and steel Berlin Hauptbahnhof showcase Berlin's position as a hub of innovation and design. Whether exploring the city's historic landmarks or admiring its contemporary creations, Berlin promises an unforgettable experience for design enthusiasts.

Best Architecture and Design Experiences in Berlin

This private Berlin Architecture tour is the best way to discover the architectural history and highlights of the German capital. The four hour tour can be experienced by bike or walking, and allows for personalized attention around specific interests. Generally, the tour will highlight the different architectural styles found in the west and east of the city, a result of Berlin’s division at the end of the Second World War. A visit to Friedrichstrasse will highlight the city’s current urban renewal plans, and secrets of the Gendarmenmarkt, considered one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares, will be revealed.
A more niche architectural tour, the Embassy District Architecture Walking Tour focuses on the unique architecture and history of Berlin’s Embassy District. Each embassy was constructed with design codes from its home country, resulting in a concentrated area of diverse architectural elements.

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Venice, Italy

Venice, with its labyrinthine canals and exquisite structures, is a dream destination for architecture enthusiasts. The city's unique urban layout, characterized by stunning palaces, grand basilicas, and picturesque bridges, offers a feast for the eyes at every turn. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, marveling at the intricate facades adorned with ornate detailing and elegant balconies. Iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace showcase the city's rich architectural heritage, while hidden gems like the Ca' d'Oro and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo offer glimpses into Venice's aristocratic past.

To fully appreciate Venice's architectural splendor, visitors can embark on guided tours that delve into the city's rich history and cultural significance. A visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection provides insight into modern art and design, housed within the elegant surroundings of the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni overlooking the Grand Canal. Meanwhile, exploring the charming neighborhoods of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio reveals hidden treasures such as the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, showcasing exquisite examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. For a truly local experience, visitors can take a gondola ride along the city's canals, marveling at the enchanting architecture that has made Venice a timeless symbol of beauty and romance.

Best Architecture and Design Experiences in Venice

This private Venice Architecture tour highlights the city’s history through the lens of its architectural marvels. From Piazza San Marco, discover Venice’s tallest tower, the politically deliberate opulence of St. Mark’s Basilica, and the technological mastery of the Torre dell'Orologio. It continues towards the Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art and the gothic Church of Madonna dell'Orto, home to several of Tintoretto’s masterworks.
A small piece of contemporary architecture can be toured just off of St. Mark’s Square at Negozio Olivetti, one of the most famous works of Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. Originally the flagship store of Olivetti typewriters, the two-story shop was reopened in 2011 after a careful restoration.

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