How to Skip the Lines at Europe’s Top Attractions & Monuments
Last Updated on 21st January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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If there’s one thing you should know about visiting any of Europe’s biggest tourist attractions, it’s that they can get pretty busy! This is especially true during the summer months when everyone wants to visit the Colosseum, ascend the Eiffel Tower, or wander inside the halls of Vatican City. Luckily, there’s a solution to wasting too much time, and that’s the option to skip the lines at Europe’s top attractions. Here’s what you need to know about skip the line tickets in Europe.
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Skip the line tickets
There is a solution to the problem of wasting a lot of your precious time in Europe waiting in line and it is this: skip the line tickets. After booking your flights and accommodation, booking which monuments, attractions, and tours you’re going to go on should be the next thing you plan (before you even go on the trip.)
Typically, these skip-the-line tickets can be purchased for almost all top attractions, monuments, and places to visit ahead of time for an extra few euros (or whatever the local currency is) and will guarantee less time wasted queuing and more time enjoying and exploring the destination!
Just note that you’ll often have to book at least a few days ahead of your visit, though for the most popular attractions you’ll have to book out your slot a few weeks or months before your trip.
Therefore, don’t leave planning right down to the last minute and book your skip-the-line tickets soon after you’ve secured your accommodation and decided on your itinerary.
Booking your tickets in advance
Please note that, as of 2023, many of Europe’s biggest attractions (think the Colosseum in Rome and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City) sell out well before the day of. This means that you should buy your tickets at least a week or so in advance.
For example, at time of writing (a Wednesday in late May) I have checked for Colosseum tickets for this forthcoming Saturday and Sunday and they have almost all but sold out. As such, if you already have to buy your tickets ahead of time, you might as well buy the skip-the-line option!
How to skip the queues in Europe’s most popular cities
Skip the line in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is one of the most popular cities in Europe thanks to its endless canals, beautiful brick houses, and smattering of cultural institutions such as art galleries and museums.
Due to its compact nature, it has suffered from over-tourism over the past decade and so queues are pretty much inevitable whatever the time of the year you visit. For a complete run-down, check out our suggestions on what to book in advance in Amsterdam.
Keukenhof: Every year, the Garden of Europe is open to the public for a blissful period of just eight weeks. Easy to reach as a day trip from Amsterdam, Leiden, or Haarlem, Keukenhof is a celebration of colour and all things floral-related.
Brimming with flowers like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, it’s a must-see if you’re visiting the Netherlands in the spring. You can buy a skip-the-line ticket to avoid queuing.
National Maritime Museum: This water-themed museum showcases the history of water in Amsterdam and its links with canals, dykes, etc.
All in all, this is one of the world’s largest museums of its kind and if you want to save precious time during your trip, you can buy a skip-the-line ticket.
Rijksmuseum: The largest museum in the Netherlands is home to star attractions such as The Night Watchman and the Milkmaid by Vermeer. You can buy a timed entrance ticket so that there are fewer queues to wait in during your visit.
Van Gogh Museum: These timed entry tickets are your golden ticket to see Van Gogh’s masterpieces without having to spend hours in line queuing. Famous works of art at the Van Gogh Museum include Bedroom in Arles and Sunflowers.
Skip the line in Barcelona
As one of the most popular cities in Spain, it should come as no surprise that Barcelona has no shortage of things to see and do. From exploring mouthwatering markets to admiring some of the most famous architectural designs the world has to offer, you won’t regret booking a trip to the Catalonian capital.
For a complete overview on things to plan ahead of time, check out our guide on what to book in advance in Barcelona.
Fundació Joan Miró: Learn about the life, times, and works of one of Barcelona’s greatest artists by heading to the Miro museum. It’s a pretty popular attraction but you can purchase a skip-the-line entrance ticket ahead of time to save having to queue.
Gaudi’s Casa Vicens: This beautiful Gaudi designed building was the first Gaudi house and features all of the architectural quirks that people around the world have fallen in love with Gaudi’s works for. As well as a skip-the-line function, there’s an audioguide included in the price of a ticket.
La Pedrera-Casa Milà: Casa Mila is located just a short walk away from Casa Battlo and is also commonly referred to as as La Pedrera or “The stone quarry”.
This art nouveau period building typically takes around an hour to visit and tickets should be purchased in advance. Purchase your Casa Mila (including skip-the-line feature) ticket here in advance.
Mirador Torre Glòries: For one of the best viewpoints of Barcelona, you’ll want to ascend the Mirador Torre Glòries, which provides breathtaking views of the city from the top of a 130 metre tall skyscraper. If you want to go but don’t want to queue, then luckily you can buy a skip the line ticket!
Park Guell: Parc Guell is a beautiful Dali designed park which overlooks the rest of the city and is fun for all ages. Explore unique installations set against the backdrop of some seriously beautiful gardens. Purchase your timed entry ticket here.
Picasso Museum: The famous Picasso Museum is one of the top attractions in Barcelona thanks to the fact that it contains 4,251 pieces within its permanent collection, including treasures such as the series “Las Meninas”. You can skip the line by buying a ticket with guided tour like this one.
Poble Espanyol: This open-air architectural museum is open every day of the year and showcases architecture from all over Spain. It was originally built for the 199 international exhibition and its collections even include pieces by Picasso, Dalí and Miró. If you want to visit, you can buy a skip-the-line ticket here.
Sagrada Familia: The Gaudi masterpiece is a must-see when in Barcelona and, luckily, you can purchase a skip-the-line ticket with guided tour that will not only mean fewer waiting times during your visit but that you’ll also get to discover the famous monument together with a knowledgable guide.
Skip the line in Berlin
Berlin is a unique city that is nowhere quite like anywhere else in Europe. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city has seen a surge of international visitors who are seeking to learn about WWII history, experience the buzzing nightlife, and enjoy the vibrant culinary culture that the city has become so known for in the past few decades. Today, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Europe.
Berlin TV Tower: One of the monuments of the city which has since become an emblem of Berlin itself is the TV Tower. Standing at 368 metres in height, the tower offers around 1.2 million visitors a year the chance to enjoy 360 degree views of the city.
Luckily if you wish to visit, then you can buy a fast track ticket with a window seat reservation to avoid having to queue for too long (though you’ll still have to queue for the elevator and security)!
Berlin Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie: The museum was actually founded as early as October 19th, 1962, just after the construction of the Berlin Wall. It has since been educating visitors about the Wall and was established for fighting against the human rights violations that the wall caused/ created. If you want to see this museum for yourself, then you can buy a skip the line ticket.
Panoramapunkt: This panoramic observation deck is accessible on the 24th floor after taking the fastest elevator in Europe. From the top of the 100 metre tower, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Berlin or even visit the bar. Purchase your ticket in advance to get extra perks such as the option to skip the line at the elevator.
Pergamon Museum: Located on Museum Island, this museum was created between 1910 and 1930 and now hosts exhibitions featuring ancient artefacts and ruins. If you want to visit for yourself but don’t want to queue, you can buy a skip the line ticket.
Skip the line in Dublin
Dublin is a fairly small European capital, with almost everything located within walking distance. The city is a bustling and busy European capital with plenty of things to do and even more to see.
Best known for its traditional pubs, breathtakingly beautiful libraries, and live music scene, it’s one of the most popular cities in Europe, particularly for weekend breaks.
Little Museum of Dublin: This museum is all about the history of Dublin. Highlights include artefacts, objects, and panels detailing the complex story of the city and its residents. Included in this skip the line ticket is a small guided tour, 10% discount in the café onsite, and access to temporary exhibitions.
Skip the line in Florence
Birthplace of Dante Alighieri (you know, author of the Divine Comedy and the Inferno!), Florence is a magical city and probably my favourite place in all of Italy.
Filled with secret passages, off-the-beaten-tourist-track coffee shops, and countless museums, you could spend ten lifetimes trying to decode the secrets of Florence, and still never uncover them all.
Florentine highlights include the domed Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore and its countless artworks and architecture dating back to the time when Florence shot to fame as the place of the Cradle of Renaissance (la culla del Rinascimento).
Accademia Gallery: Home to none other than the iconic David Statue, these entry tickets allow access to the museum through a separate entrance, ensuring that you skip the long lines of people waiting to buy a ticket.
Palazzo Vecchio: This beautiful palace dates back to the 13th-century and is a fine example of exactly what makes Florence so special. Those who don’t want to queue and wish to get a greater insight into the palace can book a tour like this one.
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Brunelleschi’s Dome: If you’ve ever seen photos of Florence, then no doubt you’ll have enjoyed imagines of its impressive cathedral and accompanying dome. As one of the most popular attractions in Florence, you’ll want to buy this Priority Entry and Express Guided Tour.
Santa Maria Novella: This special church was referred to as Michelangelo as his bride and is a beautiful blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. If you want to visit yourself, you should consider booking this skip the line ticket.
Uffizi Gallery: Some of Italy’s greatest treasures are held within the walls of the Uffizi Gallery, which is an absolute must-see if you’re visiting Firenze. Highlights include Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and works by Michelangelo. As one of the most popular attractions in Italy, you’ll want to buy a skip the line ticket in advance.
Skip the line in Milan
Milan is known as the fashion capital of Italy, and each year countless fashion shows take place in the city. The most important time in the fashion calendar is fashion week, which is held twice a year but unfortunately closed to the public. As well as this, Milan is the capital of the region of Lombardy, one of the biggest industrial areas in the boot-shaped country.
Last Supper: Of course, one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous masterpieces is The Last Supper, which has now found a home in a special museum close to the Sforzesco Palace. There are a few ways to purchase tickets for The Last Supper, but undoubtedly one of the best is to book a guided tour like this one.
Milan Cathedral and rooftop terraces: After visiting the interior of Milan’s Cathedral, one of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the city is to go up onto its rooftop terrace. If you’re thinking of heading onto the rooftop as well as going into the cathedral, consider purchasing a combination fast track ticket and guided tour like this one.
San Sepolcro Crypt: One of the more hidden gems of Milan, this fascinating crypt lies beneath the 11th-century built Chiesa di San Sepolcro and houses treasures including recently restored frescoes. One of the best ways to enjoy this Milan site without queuing is to purchase this skip the line entry ticket.
Sforza Castle & Leonardo: Right next to Milan’s largest park, Parco Sempione, you’ll find a castle that was once home to the First Duke of Milan. Constructed in the 15th-century on the remains of a 14th-Century fortification, today the castle complex includes a large variety of civic museums and other cultural hubs.
Highlights of visiting the Castello include the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Ancient Arts, and the Museum of Musical Instruments. Purchase your Sforza Castle and Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini Tour here in advance.
Skip the line in Paris
The beautiful capital of France is none other than Paris, a stunning city which has been the muse of millions for centuries. Home to attractions such as The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacré-Coeur, it’s one of the most visited cities on the planet.
This means that advanced planning is required to create the perfect trip. For a complete overview on things to plan ahead of time, check out our guide on what to book in advance in Paris.
Arc de Triomphe: Without a doubt, one of the best views of the city can be enjoyed by going up the Arc de Triomphe. After all, even though going up the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular things to do in Paris, you can’t capture it in your photos. To save you some time, purchase these skip-the-line tickets.
Eiffel Tower: No trip to Paris is complete without going up the Eiffel Tower, especially if it’s your first time in the city. Buying this direct access tour will save you precious time.
Catacombs: This underground network tell the secret story of Paris: that of WWII resistance fighters, those cultivating mushrooms deep beneath the city, and of course, an underground city of the dead. Today, around 1.5 km worth of tunnels are open to the public.
I have lived in the 14th arrondissement of Paris for two years and it’s not uncommon for people to wait upwards of two hours to access the catacombs. Therefore, you’ll certainly want to buy this skip-the-line ticket in advance.
Louvre Museum: When you think of the Louvre, your first thoughts are probably of elbowing your way through selfie sticks to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa. However, the Louvre museum offers so much more than a maybe smiling muse.
Home to medieval ruins and plenty of priceless artefacts from around the world, the Louvre also happens to be the largest museum in the world. For those looking to make their most of their time, you may well want to purchase a skip-the-line timed entrance ticket to the Louvre.
Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s Tomb: Even from a distance, it is hard to miss the golden domed roof of Napoleon’s Tomb glinting under the Parisian sunlight. However, while the prominent presence of Les Invalides in the Parisian skyline is undisputed, it still remains one of the less frequented touristic destinations within the City of Light, but you can still buy a ticket in advance.
Musée d’Orsay: Located in a former train station and best-known for its beautiful clock, not to mention some of the most famous art pieces in the world, such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night, the Musée d’Orsay is a must-visit while in the French capital city. Buy this skip the line ticket and you’ll save time (I’ve done it before and it was definitely worth purchasing in advance!)
Palais de Versailles: Though technically not in Paris proper but instead in the city of Versailles, the illustrious Palace of Versailles is a must-see if you’re in the French capital. Rich with history and brimming with fascinating tales of times long gone by, Versailles is famous the world over.
Once home to one of the richest kings in history, Louis XIV commissioned the Palace that would have cost over $2 billion to build in today’s money. Today the queues can be huge and so it’s definitely worth investing in a priority access ticket.
Picasso Museum: This beautiful former home turned museum lies in the heart of Le Marais and boasts some 5,000 pieces. If you want to save time, then buy this priority access ticket.
Sainte Chapelle: Sainte-Chapelle contains some of the oldest and extensive pieces of stained glass in the World. It was originally built to house Louis IX’s collection of religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
The ecclesiastical building can be found on Île de la Cité; the little island in the middle of the Seine where Notre Dame is also located. Those wishing to also visit the nearby Conciergerie (where Marie Antoinette was held prisoner during the French Revolution) can buy a skip the line combination ticket.
Skip the line in London
Bustling, busy and ever humming with the constant buzz of city life, London is a city which is ever changing and always worth a visit. Some of the top highlights include seeing Buckingham Palace, visiting the many museums
While most of London’s major museums are free to visit and are therefore not ticketed, there still remain a few places and attractions that you’ll have to pay for (and will therefore want to purchase a skip-the-line ticket for).
London Eye: Once the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, it can be seen from miles around and the London Eye welcomes over 3.75 million visitors annually! Places are obviously limited and so you’ll want to buy a ticket ahead of time. Purchase your forty-minute London Eye ticket in advance here.
St Paul’s Cathedral: Iconic Christopher Wren at his finest, St Paul’s Cathedral is easily the most iconic church in London. Located on Ludgate Hill, it’s all opulent architecture and is easily one of the best things to do in the City of London. Avoid queuing to buy a ticket by purchasing one in advance.
Tower of London: This attraction is right in the heart of the city and is home to centuries worth of history. It’s also home to the iconic Crown Jewels, making it one of the most popular attractions in the entirety of the UK. One of the best ways to avoid the crowds is to buy an early access tour.
Warner Brothers Studios: This is one of those London attractions where you absolutely have to buy your tickets in advance. The Warner Brothers Studios details the making of Harry Potter and it is here where you can see the acclaimed studios and even drink a butterbeer! Purchase your entrance ticket and transportation from London here.
Westminster Abbey: Grand and Gothic Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic buildings in the country and is where countless Royal weddings have taken place. Buy your ticket here in advance.
Skip the line in Rome
As the capital of Italy, you’ll want to spend at least two nights in Rome during this two weeks in Italy itinerary! While you could spend just one day in Rome, this definitely won’t allow you to even scratch the surface of what the Eternal City has to offer.
Highlights of Rome include throwing a coin or two in the Trevi Fountain (one to return to Italy, two to return to Rome, and three if you want to meet an Italian lover!) and entering the gigantic Colosseum.
When in Rome do as the Romans do, and make sure to dedicate at least half a day to exploring Vatican City, as well as all of its treasures. The smallest City State in the world is home to treasures such as the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
For a complete overview on things to plan ahead of time, check out our guide on what to book in advance in Rome.
Borghese Gallery: If you want to get up close and personal with art, then you have to head to the Borghese Gallery. And one of the best ways to enjoy this Rome treasure is to go on a guided tour (that ill have you skipping the queues) like this one.
Castel Sant’Angelo: This Roman Castle is none other than the final resting place of the Emperor Hadrian and so is one of the must-see places in Rome for history buffs. And this skip-the-line ticket will allow you to skip past the crowds.
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: Of course, you can’t visit Rome and miss out on seeing Rome’s best-preserved Roman monuments. However, they are some of the most popular places to visit in all of Europe and so you’ll want to book a combined package that includes fast-track entrance into these sites like this one.
Crypts and Catacombs: Romans aside, another thing that Rome is world-famous for is its catacombs and so they, too, are incredibly popular! If you want to avoid having to waste your precious time queuing, consider purchasing a tour like this one.
Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb: For an unforgettable experience during your time in Rome, you’ll want to head into one of the smallest states in the world, the Vatican, and see everything there is to experience. Booking a guided tour like this one will not only ensure that you don’t miss out on anything but also that you get to skip the line.
Skip the line in Venice
Ah, the picture-perfect canals and waterways of Venice! The meandering cobbled lanes of Venice are the ultimate starting point for an Italian adventure.
This is without a doubt also one of the most popular places to visit in Europe, let alone Italy, meaning that you should plan your visit carefully and definitely consider investing in skip-the-line tickets. Please note that, as of 2024, as well as having to buy skip-the-line tickets in advance, depending on when and why you’re visiting, you might also have to pay to visit Venice (and buy your permit ahead of time).
Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica: Of all the things to do in Venice, the number one attraction on most people’s bucket lists is the Doge’s residence, which was once the seat of Venetian government.
Over the course of 1100 years, there were 120 Doges. The building you see in St Mark’s Square today was constructed by the Duke of Venice in 1340 so as to show off his wealth. If you’re planning on visiting St Mark’s Basilica as well (and want to do a guided tour), consider purchasing this skip the line tour.
La Fenice: The opera house La Fenice is an opulent feat of engineering and can be visited even without going to see a show. This skip the line ticket also includes an audio guide available in several different languages.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: This modern art museum showcases pieces of art by the likes of Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí, among others. Having an advanced ticket such as this one will reduce the amount of time you need to wait to enter the museum.
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