Romania's triumphal arch looks out over Bucharest.

Nine centuries-old fortresses guard the walls of this medieval Romanian city.

The European towns of Brașov and Râșnov each have proud signs reminiscent of the Hollywood sign.

A fire once nearly devoured this gorgeous 14th-century Gothic cathedral.

Something's watching you.

This communist behemoth is the heaviest building in the world and a legacy of a brutal regime.

The bust of Romania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Dracula aka "Vlad the Impaler," keeps watch over the ruins of his medieval court.

This elaborately decorated, fairytale-like Romanian royal palace is one of the most striking castles in Europe.

The possible imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler here earned the medieval castle its nickname, "Dracula's Castle."

Rebuilt several decades ago, its striking murals prevent it from being reconsecrated as a church.

A gigantic statue of a Russian soldier watches over the ancient city of Plovdiv, a prominent reminder of the Soviet period in Bulgaria.

"Holy Wisdom" overlooks the city that became its namesake.

This once-grandiose behemoth of a monument from the socialist era now sits quiet and closed up.

A decaying, yet still functioning, work of communist architecture.

Sofia's legislative center is continuously reinventing itself.

A vast Communist-era exhibition space in the Bulgarian capital.

This ancient theater, restored in the 20th century, lives on as a venue for dramatic and musical performances.

A striking symbol of the Bulgarian capital.

This massive concrete sculpture is said to be the heaviest communist monument on Earth.

Eat the ultimate iteration of Portugal's most beloved pastry.

This glass skywalk offers vertiginous views down the volcanic cliffs to the beach below.

These small, triangular, colorful houses are a staple of Madeira Island.

A lush oasis full of vibrant plants and striking geometric displays.

The best place in the world to buy tinned fish.