From Coastal Havens to Architectural Epicenters
Always a popular choice, especially for summer travel, you can’t go wrong with most Europe destinations. Castles, churches and ruins populate the cities, towns and coastal villages of Europe. No matter where you go, you’re met with both endless Old World charm and the tireless urge of progress, as many historical places have been reimagined for use in the 21st century.
Each country has a rich appreciation for culture and the arts, elevating them to a point of pride, as they should be. Europe has produced an incredible number of world-renowned musical composers, opera singers, ballet dancers, actors, writers and artists. Some of the greatest works of art in the world can be found amid the galleries and museums of Europe.
Whether you’re looking to plan a single or multi-destination European vacation, it can be difficult to choose which places to visit. Perhaps you want to visit as many varied cities as you can. On the other hand, maybe you want to spend a week in one location, totally immersing yourself in the culture.
To help you decide, we’ve picked out some of the best places in Europe. Read on and see which locales make your feet tingle with the urge to walk their streets.
Rome, Italy
Rome is a quintessential European travel destination. Everywhere you look, you’re met with another impressive feat of ancient architecture. Steeped in over 3,000 years of history you’ll find landmarks from every era of Roman civilization, such as the Colosseum, The Forum, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
Vatican City, home of the pope, sits just over the River Tiber where important works of art are housed in the Vatican’s churches and museums, including the famed Sistine Chapel fresco painted by Michelangelo. Even if you aren’t Catholic or even religious, Rome is a spiritual place that is sure to awaken wonder within you.
Paris, France
For centuries, Paris has topped the list of popular European destinations. Known as the City of Light, its tiny, romantic streets come alive at night, but Paris is even lovelier when viewed from above on the Eiffel Tower.
Along with iconic churches like Sacre-Coeur and Notre Dame, dozens of world-class museums including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and the Centre Pompidou have made the city into a hub of art and culture. Aside from enjoying the sights, take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe for a taste of true Parisian lifestyle.
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London, UK
As English-speaking cities go, London always ranks as one of the best places to go in Europe. Dine and drink in pubs like the locals, go shopping at Harrods for the finer things (or on Portobello Road for a more bohemian vibe), see Shakespeare’s plays performed at the Globe Theatre, or walk down Abbey Road like The Beatles.
Of course, we can’t forget the queen. If you’re fascinated with the English monarchy, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London are hot spots for all things royal family.
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s capital has crept into the limelight in recent years and for good reason. You’ll find plenty of art, culture and nightlife in Budapest at a fraction of the price of big Western European cities. For a glimpse into the city’s rich history, visit Buda Castle and the various museums that surround it.
Take a river cruise down the Danube and enjoy sites like the Hungarian Parliament building or the Budapest Opera House. Shop and dine along the more modernized Pest side’s waterfront before relaxing at one of the city’s thermal baths. Spa parties are all the rave here, as are pub crawls between the city’s unique “ruin bars” located in the Jewish Quarter.
Prague, Czech Republic
A relic from the medieval age, Prague has an impressive number of landmarks for such a small city. Prague Castle dates back to the ninth century and features a sprawling complex filled with churches, galleries and palaces. Split by the Vltava River, the two sides of the city are connected by the iconic Charles Bridge, which features statues of Catholic saints.
Most of the nightlife and tourist activity happens in the historic Old Town area, where you’ll find the famed Astronomical Clock. However, as the city has a large American and British expat population, you’ll find their influence amid quirky restaurants like a James Dean-themed diner and The Beatles-themed John Lennon Pub.
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Barcelona, Spain
Enchanting Barcelona will seduce you with its Gothic architecture, seaside charm and late-night tapas scene. Famous artists such as Picasso and Miró came here and were inspired by the city, particularly the buildings created by master architect, Antoni Gaudi, which are now classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Art museums dedicated to the aforementioned artists can be found in Barcelona along with history museums, flower markets and theaters along its main tourist street, La Rambla. When you tire of exploring the narrow alleyways and palm tree-lined avenues, you can bask in the sun on the man-made beaches near the yacht-filled Port Olímpic.
Cyclades Islands, Greece
Ancient ruins, turquoise water and picturesque coastal towns await you in the Cyclades Islands. Located southeast of the Greek mainland, the islands have become a popular holiday destination for their beauty, history and culture. In particular, Santorini and Mykonos attract those looking to lounge on the beach by day and party in clubs and tavernas all night.
To really get a feel for the region and all its islands, charter a yacht and sail the Aegean Sea. Some of the top sites here are the Fira-Oia Hiking Trail in Santorini, the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa in Amorgos and the Venetsanos Winery in Megalochori.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has emerged as a cultural hub for Central Europe. Former royal palaces now act as national galleries and museums, Mozart concerts are held in churches, and its opera house has the largest repertoire of any in the world.
Sightseeing highlights include the Belvedere Museum, home to Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss,” the Spanish Riding School where you can see the Lipizzaner horses perform, and the Naschmarkt where you can dine on regional and international specialties or shop for fresh produce and spices with the locals.
Plus wienerschnitzel originated in Vienna (the city’s German name is actually Wien), so if you’re a fan of the dish, or have never had it before, this is the place to have some.
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city meant to be explored by foot, or even better, by bicycle. Have a picnic or see a concert in Vondelpark, go shopping down the “nine streets,” and wander among the Jordaan, an artistic neighborhood full of quaint gardens, cafes, antique shops and galleries.
While it’s certainly fun to admire all the tulips and windmills (one of which is now a microbrewery), Amsterdam is like Paris in that each neighborhood has its own charm. For touristy sites, be sure to check out the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the city’s scenic canals, which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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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.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Until recently, Dubrovnik flew relatively under the radar due to the damages it incurred during Croatia’s War of Independence in the ’90s. However, its use as a filming location for HBO’s “Game of Thrones” has renewed interest in this fascinating medieval city.
Its Old Town and coastal fortresses are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are even more impressive when viewed by boat or from above on the city’s cable car system. You’ll find numerous monasteries turned museums, palaces, towers and cathedrals that all warrant exploration on a visit.
Dubrovnik’s walls are also some of the finest in the world and are one of its top attractions. You can walk along them or venture into the city and still feel like you’re following in the footsteps of past residents and visitors from hundreds of years ago.
Edinburgh, UK
Edinburgh is one of those cities where there are a seemingly endless number of things to do. Start in Old Town and walk the Royal Mile where you can visit some of the city’s top sites: Holyroodhouse Palace, the Scottish Parliament building and St. Giles Cathedral.
The Edinburgh attractions don’t end there. Stop in for a pint along Rose or George Street. Take in the National Museum, the unfinished pillared monument on Calton Hill and of course the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, there’s a fabulous hike to Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano, with impressive vistas of the city from above.
If you have time, take a side trip to the Scottish Highlands —Loch Ness will give you a greater sense of the timeless beauty of Scotland and all its myths and legends.
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Athens, Greece
As the heart of Greek culture, Athens provides a window into the past when the country’s early ancestors worshiped multiple gods and goddesses. At the Acropolis, the city’s citadel-on-a-hill, several temple ruins, including the Parthenon, offer spectacular panoramic views that stretch for miles.
The modern Olympics also started here, at the Panathenaic Stadium, which is sometimes still used for concerts. Despite its ancient structures, Athens is a thoroughly modern city full of archaeological museums, romantic coastal scenery and a thriving taverna scene.
Istanbul, Turkey
East meets west in populous Istanbul, a truly cosmopolitan city. Byzantine churches (like the Hagia Sophia) and ornate palaces of former sultans are nestled between market bazaars and Ottoman-era mosques. You’ll feel like a sultan yourself when visiting the traditional Turkish baths or hamams, which were originally meant for the sultan and his many wives.
But besides the city’s rich architecture and cultural history, Istanbul’s food scene has made it a prime European destination. Sample spices in the spice bazaar, dine on kofte, doner and borek, or indulge in something a little sweeter like baklava or Turkish delight.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s rolling hills, medieval villages and cultured cities have made the Italian region one of the best European destinations to visit. Stand in awe of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or admire priceless pieces of Renaissance Art in Florence’s Uffizi or Accademia (where Michelangelo’s “David” is on display).
Drive amid unbelievable greenery, past vineyards along the Strada Chiantigiana, stopping for tastings at wineries in Chianti, Siena and Montalcino. Of course, any trip to Italy calls for a little indulgence in the local cuisine. You can’t go wrong with ordering a bottle of table wine (chianti) and eating as much bruschetta, pasta, seafood and pizza as you possibly can.
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French Riviera
Experience French luxury along the Mediterranean Coast in the south of France. Best experienced by yacht, the French Riviera is a playground for the very rich, due to its stunning coastline and world-famous events like the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix.
Some of the most popular beaches in the world are here, full of beautiful people, and nestled in among posh beach resorts, ritzy casinos and steamy nightclubs. Visit Nice during their annual Mardi Gras street carnival — which rivals New Orleans’ — with masks, puppets and decadent food.
If you want to a more laid-back vibe, head to Saint-Tropez, known for its beaches (many which are clothing optional) and beach clubs where many a celebrity has been photographed on vacation.
Berlin, Germany
As the capital of Germany, and its largest city, Berlin has played an important role in Germany’s history. You can visit what remains of the Berlin Wall and other Cold War relics like Checkpoint Charlie. Then there are all the architectural landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and the Fernsehturm.
Depressing as it is, Berlin was also the center of Nazi Germany and you’ll find a number of memorials, museums, plaques and landmarks dedicated to the remembrance of the Holocaust victims and the events that led up to their execution. However, if you’d rather explore Berlin as it is today, the city has plenty of art museums, palaces, an aquarium and a world-famous zoo.
Riga, Latvia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Riga is full of architectural masterpieces including the largest number of surviving Art Nouveau buildings. You can step back in time at the Open Air Ethnographic Museum and see how Latvians lived throughout different regions and decades.
Shop for local artisan-made gifts and food at the Central Market, see a performance at the National Opera and Ballet, or admire Latvian works of art while enjoying panoramic views of the city from roof terraces at the Latvian National Museum of Art. Best of all, since Latvia isn’t as obvious a choice for most travelers yet, you won’t find the crowds of Western European destinations, or the prices.
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How to Choose
Each country, city and neighborhood has something different to offer; as such, you won’t have a problem finding things to do for every taste. Take time to marvel at the resiliency of the European people through wars, occupations, changes in government and modernization. It’s fascinating to have well-preserved medieval castles and villages nearby fully modernized cities.
Plus, there’s nothing better than seeing famous locations from history firsthand to make you fully grasp their importance and lasting influence on a culture and its people.
Whichever European destinations you choose to visit, they’ll likely make an impact on you as well, inspiring return visits to explore the fascinating evolution of one of the world’s most beloved and inspiring regions.