Recently updated on August 30th, 2022 at 06:35 pm
While the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, many countries in Europe are well on their way to quashing the virus and easing restrictions. As the continent begins to open its borders and biggest attractions, it’s becoming easier to dream about your next European holiday. We take a look at the most popular attractions in Europe that are now open to visitors and how sightseeing after COVID-19 has changed.
Please note that this list is current as of November 2020, and restrictions can change rapidly. Get in contact with our friendly team for the most up-to-date information on where you can travel in Europe after COVID-19.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower is way up there with Europe’s biggest attractions, and a must-see for any Paris trip. While you can always marvel at the famous spire from afar, you can also now head to the summit. The Eiffel Tower reopened 25 June with precautions, and it’s a great time to go, with fewer crowds than usual.
The number of visitors allowed at the summit of the Eiffel Tower is strictly limited to ensure social distancing. However, the summit platform can still hold up to 250 people at a time with proper distancing – so you’ll still have plenty of chances to tick this one off your Europe bucket list.
The Duo Lifts from the 2nd floor to the summit will also have the capacity reduced by half, while face masks are also mandatory and must be worn at all times while visiting the Eiffel Tower.
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Colosseum, Rome
After closing for almost three months due to COVID-19, the iconic Colosseum reopened on 1 June with new measures to ensure the wellbeing of visitors.
You can no longer line up at the site to buy a ticket and must book your ticket online in advance (your Trafalgar Travel Director will take care of all that!). You’ll get a virtual ticket to the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which also gets you access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Domus Aurea, along with the incredible Colosseum.
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You must also arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time to the Colosseum and you’ll have around 45 minutes inside. If you miss your time-slot, you will be denied entry. Remember to bring a face mask and wear it at all times, as you will be ejected from the site, or even prosecuted, for breaking this rule.
You must also practice social distancing and your temperature will be taken at the door. If it’s higher than 37.5C (99.5F), you won’t be allowed to enter, so stay home if you are feeling unwell.
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Louvre Museum, Paris
You can’t go to Paris without checking out the masterpieces of the Louvre. It’s the world’s most visited museum, with over 10 million visitors each year. It’s one of Europe’s biggest attractions and now you’ll get to enjoy it without the crowds, thanks to new distancing measures.
On arrival, you’ll find signs placed around the museum to guide you through the building and avoid crowding. The popular Salle des États, where you’ll find the Mona Lisa, will have two separate doors for entry and exit.
You will need to book a time slot (we’ll take care of this!) and visitors over the age of 11 must bring their own mask and wear it at all times. You’ll also have access to hand sanitiser at the entrance and must use it before heading inside. The Louvre is still offering wheelchairs, pushchairs and audio guides, and they are disinfected after each use.
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Vatican Museums, Vatican City
If you’re dreaming of seeing the magnificent Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, you’re in luck. The Vatican Museums reopened 1 June with new rules.
Every visitor will have their temperature checked at the entrance and will be denied entry if their body temperature is 37.5C (99.5F) or higher. You’ll also need to wear a face mask at all times and maintain a distance of over one metre from others at all times. These rules will be strictly enforced by the Guard Corps.
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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly one of Europe’s biggest attractions and an unmissable sight for any trip to Barcelona, and visitors can now head inside the cathedral with extra measures.
Everyone must wear a face mask and keep a distance of two metres from others. You must also follow the designated route in one direction, which enters on the Carrer de la Marina (Nativity façade) and exits on Carrer de Sardenya (Passion façade).
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Some spaces will be closed to ensure proper distancing, including the museum, the towers, the Schools building and the cloister of Our Lady of the Rosary. You’ll also find hand sanitiser stations throughout the building, and you should use it before and after going through security. Remember not to bring any big bags or backpacks to speed up the security process.
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Acropolis, Athens
You can once again bask in the ancient wonders of Greece at the Acropolis of Athens – with extra precautions! All visitors must wear face masks at all times and you will have your temperature screened at the entrance. You must also maintain a distance of two metres from others at all times, and hand sanitisers are available throughout the Acropolis.
The site also encourages the use of credit cards for any payments at the museum. Note that visitors can no longer use the museum’s baby strollers, wheelchairs and family backpacks.
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Stonehenge, Wiltshire
As England’s most mysterious icon and one of the most ancient attractions in Europe, travellers are very happy Stonehenge is open again with new rules in place. The site has introduced limits on visitor numbers to ensure proper social distancing, and you’ll also need to book your timed tickets in advance (we’ll handle that!).
There’s also a new 2.6-mile circular route you must follow, that takes you to the stones and back through the stunning landscape. A shuttle bus option is also available for those who prefer it. The surrounding shop, cafe and exhibitions are also open with limited numbers, so you may have to wait before entering during busy times.
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Hand sanitiser will be available to all visitors, and remember to bring a face mask as it must be worn in all indoor areas and on the shuttle buses. You won’t be able to enter without one and the site does not provide them, so come prepared! The site is also legally required to record the contact details of every visitor, to support the NHS Test and Trace.
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Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Exploring the Grand Bazaar is one of the best parts of any trip to Istanbul, and the famous market has now reopened, with precautions in place. Everyone entering the market must have their temperature checked by a police officer or security guard, and everyone must wear face masks.
Customer numbers are limited inside the shops and you must maintain proper social distancing at all times. There will also be hand sanitiser and a high-alcohol Turkish cologne, or kolonya, available throughout the market.
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Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
If you’re dreaming of getting back to nature, you’ve got to explore the magical blue lakes and green forest of Plitvice. The national park is open for visitors and you’ll love stretching your legs in this enchanting slice of nature.
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You’ll need to wear a face mask in all enclosed public spaces and panoramic vehicles, and you should use hand sanitiser regularly throughout your trip. While some cafes and restaurants will be open, payments will only be possible by card, as they are not accepting cash.
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Palace of Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is once again open to visitors, and you can’t miss exploring this French icon, renowned as one of Europe’s biggest attractions. The Palace has introduced new safety measures, and they’ve even set up a COVID-19 Information and Assistance point in the South Ministers’ Wing to help visitors with any queries regarding the new procedures.
All visitors over the age of 11 must bring their own mask (no masks will be provided on-site) and wear it throughout their visit. Everyone must also keep a distance of one metre between others, and use the markings on the ground and the designated entrance and exit points.
You’ll also find hand sanitiser stations at the entrance to each magnificent space, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King and Queen’s State Apartments, and the Empire Rooms.
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British Museum & Tate Modern, London
These London institutions are two of the world’s most visited museums, and you can still explore them on your next UK trip, while following the new rules. You’ll need to book a timed slot online in advance (we’ll help you with this!), and everyone must follow the new one-way route through the museums. There are plenty of signs and markers to help guide you.
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You must wear a face mask during your visit and maintain social distancing. You’ll also find hand sanitiser stations throughout the museums. Note that contactless payment methods are preferred at the few cafés and shops that are open.
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Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning Tower is one of Europe’s biggest attractions and a favourite for every Pisa visitor – and it’s open again! Visitors can still head to the top of the Leaning Tower, but only for 30 minutes. Plus, visitor numbers are limited to 15 at a time – so no crowds.
You’ll need to wear a face mask at all times and use the hand sanitisers through the site. You’ll also need to carry an electronic device which sends out sounds and signals if anyone gets within one metre of others.
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Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
As the home of some of the world’s greatest masters of art, you’ve got to check out some of Amsterdam’s art museums, including the Van Gogh Museum. It reopened on 30 September with safety measures, including limiting the number of visitors inside the museum. So now you can get closer to Van Gogh without the crowds!
All visitors aged 13 or older must wear a face mask at all times. Everyone must maintain a 1.5-metre distance from others, and use the multiple hand sanitiser stations throughout the museum. If you are displaying any coronavirus symptoms, you cannot enter the museum, so stay home if you’re sick! You can always rebook your ticket to another day free of charge.
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What big attractions are on your Europe bucket list? Where will you go sightseeing in Europe after COVID-19? Let us know in the comments below!