11 Gorgeous Castles You Should Visit

No building sparks the imagination and daydreams quite like castles do. Whether we have envisioned being a prince or princess ruling over a kingdom or just an incredibly rich owner of a gigantic estate, we’ve likely all dreamt of owning a castle at one time in our lives.

Since most of us will never actually get to live in a castle, these super dreamy chateaus will have to suffice. Luckily, tourists can visit these, take photos, and walk the grounds, and if you want to wear a tiara while you are there, I won’t judge.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace perched on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany.

Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the palace as a retreat and homage to Richard Wagner, the King’s inspiring muse. Despite its medieval look, Neuschwanstein was equipped with state-of-the-art technology of its time.

Situated in the scenic Bavarian Alps, the castle is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall to avoid the heavy tourist crowds of summer.

Guided tours are available and recommended for a comprehensive understanding of its history.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland’s capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation’s story. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.

Location & Tips: Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the castle offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Buying tickets in advance is advisable, especially during the Edinburgh Festival in August when the city is particularly busy.

Versailles Palace

Though not a castle in the traditional sense, the Palace of Versailles is a magnificent example of French Baroque architecture and a symbol of the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV. It features stunning gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel.

Location & Tips: Situated in Versailles, France, just outside Paris, it’s easily accessible by train. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays can help avoid the crowds. Remember, the gardens are as impressive as the palace itself and deserve ample time for exploration.

Alhambra

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in 889 and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13th century by the Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada, who built its current palace and walls.

Location & Tips: The Alhambra is an Islamic art and architecture masterpiece. Tickets should be purchased well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season from April to June. Consider a night visit for a different perspective of the palace’s beauty.

Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord in France is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its distinctive French Renaissance architecture, which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. It is the largest château in the Loire Valley and was built to serve as a hunting lodge for François I.

Location & Tips: Located in Chambord, France, the castle is nestled within a vast national park. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with fewer tourists and mild weather. Don’t miss the double helix staircase, believed to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, in the English county of Berkshire, is the world’s largest and oldest occupied castle. It is open to visitors throughout the year and is an official residence of The Queen. The castle’s history spans almost 1,000 years, and it remains a working palace today.

Location & Tips: Situated in Windsor, just outside London, it’s easily accessible by train from London’s Paddington or Waterloo stations. Check the castle’s official website before visiting, as it closes for royal events.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is a castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic, dating from the 9th century. It is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle was a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia.

Location & Tips: Located in the heart of Prague, the castle offers panoramic views of the city. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning. The castle grounds are vast, so allocate enough time to explore thoroughly.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex in the city of Himeji Hyōgo Prefecture. It is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period.

Location & Tips: Situated in Himeji, Japan, it’s a short train ride from Osaka or Kyoto. The best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season in early April when the surroundings are particularly beautiful.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times and has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name since the 8th century AD. The Mont is one of France’s most recognizable landmarks and was one of the most important pilgrimage sites during the Middle Ages.

Location & Tips: Located in Normandy, France, Mont Saint-Michel is accessible via a causeway at low tide. It’s advisable to stay overnight on the island or nearby to experience it without the day-tripper crowds.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace is a Romanticist castle in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera. The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra, and a clear day, it can be easily seen from Lisbon and much of its metropolitan area.

Location & Tips: Situated in Sintra, Portugal, Pena Palace is a colorful marvel of 19th-century Romanticism. The best time to visit is during the week in the morning to avoid the weekend crowds. Don’t miss the nearby Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace.

Predjama Castle

It is a Renaissance castle built within a cave mouth in south-central Slovenia, in the historical region of Inner Carniola. This architectural marvel is perched in the middle of a 123-meter-high cliff for over 800 years. Its unique placement and ingenious construction make it one of the most spectacular medieval castles in the world.

Predjama Castle’s history is filled with tales of sieges and its famous inhabitant, the knight Erazem of Predjama, who was besieged within the castle for over a year. The castle has a network of secret tunnels, which served as supply routes when under siege, and it showcases a mixture of medieval and Renaissance architecture, making it a fascinating visit for history enthusiasts.

Location & Tips: Located in the village of Predjama, approximately 9 kilometers from the town of Postojna, Slovenia, it’s easily accessible by car or tour bus from Ljubljana or other major Slovenian cities. For the most pleasant weather, visit during late spring through early fall. The castle is also close to the famous Postojna Cave, making visiting both attractions conveniently in a single trip.