The Vacation You've Been Dreaming of: 20 of the Best Destinations in Europe
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.
The best fall beach vacations will give you the perfect dose of relaxation and excitement. Plus these destinations have warm temperatures and fewer crowds!
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.
