As we ease into autumn, many European travellers say that culture and heritage are among their main travel motivations.
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When the weather starts to cool down in October and November, people are increasingly planning trips around these activities, according to the European Travel Commission.
That research is backed up by data from travel company TUI Musement, too.
Its findings show that 94% of people say they are interested – or very interested – in enjoying experiences related to history, culture and heritage during their next city break. Eight out of 10 respondents also say they have visited a monument or landmark close to where they live.
With that in mind, TUI Musement has revealed a new ranking of the 30 most popular castles and palaces in Europe for 2026, using accumulated Google reviews to back it up.
Its analysis compared the volume of reviews recorded in 2023 and 2026 to show how the ranking of attractions has changed over the past few years.
The list shows that Spain is the country with the greatest representation, with six of the 30 castles and palaces located in the country. Both the Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Palace of Madrid are in the top 10.
Ever-popular Prague Castle manages to retain its first-place spot, while Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna enters the top three. Buda Castle in Budapest was the only new entry into the list, thanks to a 65% increase in the number of accumulated Google reviews compared with 2023.
These are the top 10 castles you may want to consider visiting this autumn.
Top 10 shows a wide geographic spread
Few who have visited Prague Castle will be surprised to see it in the top spot.
Boasting 199,000 reviews – 31% more than in 2023 – it’s one of the largest palace complexes in the world.
A visit offers travellers the chance to discover centuries of history in one place, as a ticket includes the chance to see landmarks including St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the picturesque Golden Lane.
Next up on the list is Buckingham Palace, arguably London’s most famous monument. One of the three official residences of the British monarchy, it’s an enormously popular tourist attraction.
Thousands of visitors annually watch the daily Changing of the Guard and, in the summer, they can opt to enter the building and tour its iconic state rooms.
Climbing two places from its 2023 ranking to third is Schönbrunn Palace in Austria’s capital, Vienna.
This year, it’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of its designation as a World Heritage Site, and offers a rich history and insight into the world of the imperial legacy that shaped centuries of Austrian history.
In fourth place is the Palace of Versailles, an integral part of French history, and the former residence of the kings of France.
The beautiful structure houses the Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments and extensive, manicured gardens. Here, you can explore everything from the absolutism of Louis XIV and the fall of the monarchy to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles that brought the First World War to an end.
Although it’s dropped two places since 2023, Wawel Castle in Kraków still ranks fifth and remains one of Europe’s major cultural attractions.
The former residence – and coronation site – of Poland’s kings also houses the famous Dragon’s Den statue at its foot, which remains one of the city’s best-known symbols.
Castles in Spain take the sixth and seventh places in the ranking.
Granada’s Alhambra is in sixth, and its complex of palaces, gardens and fortresses is nothing short of breathtaking.
Once home to the Nasrid sultans and then the kings of Castile, the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba and Palace of Charles V are among its most iconic spaces.
In seventh spot is the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is up one position after increasing its number of accumulated Google reviews by 47% since 2023.
The vast space actually continues to host receptions and official events of the royal household, but members of the public can visit highlights including the throne room, Gasparini room and royal chapel.
For eighth place, it’s back to London and the iconic Tower of London.
This ancient building saw events which shaped England’s destiny, including the execution of Anne Boleyn and the disappearance of brothers Prince Edward V and the Duke of York.
Today, it’s home to the legendary Crown Jewels and is guarded by traditional Yeoman Warders as well as ravens, who some consider the guardians of the fortress.
Neuschwanstein Castle, in the Bavarian Alps, has risen to ninth place in the ranking, thanks to a significant increase in reviews.
The palace, which looks like something out of a fairy tale, invites visitors into the world of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, known as the “Mad King” or “Swan King”, and his fascination with art, architecture and medieval legends.
Rounding out the top 10 is Bran Castle in Romania. Also known as “Dracula’s Castle”, it makes a visit to Transylvania a must for fans of all things spooky.
Beyond the Dracula myth, it also lays bare centuries of Romanian history, from its role as a frontier fortress to its period as a royal residence.
The top 10 most popular castles in Europe
- Prague Castle, Czechia
- Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom
- Schönbrunn Palace, Austria
- Palace of Versailles, France
- Wawel Castle, Poland
- The Alhambra, Spain
- The Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain
- The Tower of London, United Kingdom
- Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
- Bran Castle, Romania