The Vacation You've Been Dreaming of: 20 of the Best Destinations in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
One of the oldest capital cities in Europe, Lisbon’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly merge the old and new. You can ride the 1930s-era yellow tram around the city, and then visit the medieval São Jorge castle on the top of a hill overlooking the city.
However, besides admiring the historical aspects of Lisbon, the best way to truly experience it is through its music and food. See a traditional “fado” show in Alfama, a soulful guitar and mandolin-based style of music unique to the city. Many tour packages exist that will also combine a show with dinner or drinks.
As for the food, you can have anything from catfish cakes off the street to Michelin-starred cuisine served up with a side of port wine. Just prepare yourself for a ton of seafood, as the Portuguese eat more seafood than almost any people except for Icelanders.
Venice, Italy
Obviously, Venice’s main attraction is its series of canals. A gondola or water taxi ride will allow you to experience how truly magical (and unique) the design of the city is. On land, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge Palace fully represent the grandeur of Venetian culture and architecture.
Enjoy an espresso in St. Mark’s Square, or a sweet waffle from a street vendor, as you admire the waterways from the Rialto Bridge or the Bridge of Sighs. Venetian opera is also a must-see and if you arrive during carnival season, be sure to take part in the celebrations and masquerade balls that take place all around the city.
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Bavaria, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria region attracts millions of visitors every year during Oktoberfest alone. However, there’s more to its appeal than pretzels and beer. Munich has palaces and museums that reflect its former status as a kingdom. Indeed, you can see the castles of Mad King Ludwig, including the Disney-like Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau.
Bavaria is also full of small villages and medieval towns, which can be accessed via the scenic Romantic Road route. If you have an interest in World War II Germany and are up to experiencing the darker, formerly Nazi-occupied side of the region, a visit to Dachau concentration camp can be a sobering, but life-changing, experience.
