Europe has been a favorite travel destination especially of U.S. travelers. That is for a multitude of reasons and in a multitude of ways.
This region is just packed with diverse cultures, languages, landscapes, food, and history. No matter how often the region is visited, people just can’t get enough of the historical significance, modern culture, and urban innovation of iconic destinations such as Paris, London, Rome and Barcelona.
Of course, people like to explore the huge cities but they have also begun to embrace less-visited and smaller cities that might not have the star power of those biggies. Nevertheless, these small cities offer outstanding experiences for travelers.
When choosing a place to travel to, a lot of things has to be considered, such as sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.
That is to have the best travel experience on one of the best regions in the world. Countries in Europe sure are full of vibrant cities known for their museums, restaurants, nightlife and also architecture like that of England, France, Italy and Germany.
It’s really not a surprise to have difficulties in choosing which spots are the best places to visit in Europe. There are more 40 countries to choose from in Europe. This is a roundup of the top 10 places to visit in Europe.
Paris, France
Capital of France. Well known for the incredibly beautiful city of Paris, France also has other great destinations such as the French Riviera, Alps, and wine regions such as Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, and Bordeaux.
The city has a staggering amount of art held in gigantic and beautiful museums with arguably the best restaurants the world has to offer. Pont du Gard, Nimes, Arles, and Glanum are just three of the numerous ancient Roman sites you can find in France.
You can also find the largest museum in the world which is the Louvre in Paris. Starting with iconic sites like the Louvre and the Père Lachaise Cemetery, there’s really so much to see and explore.
Now, Notre Dame has partially reopened after a devastating fire in 2019. Also, there we can find a thriving international cuisine from North Africa and beyond. The enduring countercultural spirit remains.
Paris, France has it all. That is probably why it’s a must-see in Europe. Every corner is just as magnificent, for food, history, culture and beauty is everywhere. The city is filled with highly regarded museums, monuments and even churches.
Spending you whole vacation to such a wonderful place with admirable iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower is just perfect.
On top of that, you can wander through exhibits at the Louvre. Not to mention, you can enjoy strolling through the beautiful green space admiring flowers at Luxembourg Gardens.
The view of the setting sun in France is just so amazing, you’d want to just sit down for a decadent French meal with amazing wine.
Florence, Italy
Even though there are so many places to go in Italy, Florence is just so special you really can’t afford to miss it. You can have the obvious perks such as art and history, but of course, you can also get to enjoy doing food tours and cooking classes.
To explore the treasures of Tuscany, you might really want to go to Florence for it makes a great base for Tuscany. For an authentic taste of Italy, travelling to Florence is the thing to do. The city boasts top-notch museums, ,stunning architecture and such mouthwatering cuisine.
It is definitely a must-do to admire Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia and also to take in city and river views from the Ponte Vecchio. Let’s not also forget to climb to the top of the Duomo when we get to Florence. Duomo is Florence’s most recognizable attraction.
Of course, when traveling, you can’t just do anything but succumb when hunger strikes. You must head to the Mercato Centrale Firenze to stock up on fresh meats and cheeses or you could also sit down for pizza or gelato at an outdoor eatery in the city.
It’s nearly impossible to unravel in just one trip. Just by walking around, you can easily see some of Florence’s charms. Some of these charms are the UNESCO World Heritage designated historic center, the Medici palaces, the Medici palaces and also the bridges arching over the Arno.
You can also get to see the legacies of Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Dante. And not just that, you can also feast your eyes by looking at some of the most famous pieces of art in the world which includes Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Primavera, and Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith Beheading Holofernes.
There are so many little details that make this city a favorite, aside from the obvious attractions. The city is also praised for its romantic atmosphere, hidden gardens, walkable streets and lamp-lit piazzas.
The city also has excellent public transportation. For the shopping lovers, you definitely don’t want to miss shopping at Florence.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the single best holiday destinations in Europe. The caldera views are so incredible, you won’t get enough of it. The island is one of the best for its sunsets, local wines, and black volcanic beaches.
You can also get to enjoy the boat tours and the most luxurious hotels along the Mediterranean. You do not want to miss Santorini. This Greek island is famous for its abundance of diverse beaches. In the island you will find red sands at Red Beach. Aside from red sands, you will also find black sands at Kamari Beach.
Manage your schedule, and save a day to travel to archaeological attractions. These attractions include the Ancient Thira where you’ll discover ruins and abandoned settlements from the ninth century B.C. and the Ancient Akrotiri where you’ll discover ruins and abandoned settlements from the 17th century B.C.
You’ll encounter the whitewashed buildings Santorini is also famous for and also the stunning views of the electric blue sea no matter where you go. Exquisitely swanky hotels are also what Santorini, Greece is known for.
The country, Greece, is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is located in Southeast Europe. Greece has the longest coastline on the Mediterranean, so, there are plenty of beach resort destinations to enjoy.
It also has 227 inhabited islands. Furthermore, the ancient Greek monuments, delicious food, and budget friendly tourist packages make this country an ideal destination.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Once you get to travel to this place, you’d really make Amsterdam as one of your absolute favorite cities in Europe. The city is pedestrian and bike friendly; it’s a wonderful city center. Good restaurants, great museums, leafy parks and fun cafes load the city.
Amsterdam is the European city you’ll really want to live in after your first day. Amsterdam has the notorious coffee shops and Red Light District. You can spend the day biking and enjoying the city’s stylish streets. That, and then, you can start exploring noteworthy museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
You might also want to plan a picnic in Vondelpark. Or, you can opt for a boat tour along the city’s many canals when it’s time to rest your feet. Travelers keep coming back because of the friendly locals and affordable hotels, especially during the warmer months.
Some of the Netherlands most distinct features are the tulip fields, windmills, canals, and the flat landscapes. The city of Amsterdam has many structures from the 17th century.
This makes walking around the city like a trip back in time. The famous Keukenhof tulip festival is also a must-experience for the springtime visitors.
On the other hand, the several beach towns located on the North Sea are the must-experience for those traveling in summer.
London, England
The capital and largest city of England, London, is considered to be one of the world’s most important global cities. The city has also been called the world’s most powerful, most desirable, most influential, and most-popular-for-work city.
Aside from that, it is also the most visited, most expensive, sustainable, and the most investment-friendly city. Arts, commerce, education, entertainment, and fashion are just some of which London exerts a considerable impact upon on. The city bursts with world-class sights and museums.
Be sure to seek out local London and get away from the most popular attractions. Your London bucket list experience should include seeing a musical in the West End, exploring the world-class British Museum, and touring the Tower of London.
You can also add to your bucket list is gorging on fish and chips or a Sunday roast at a local pub. But you might want to increase your budget when traveling to London because its high hotel prices can make budget travelers cringe.
Just a tip, so you can save money: you must book your accommodations far in advance or even consider a vacation rental.
London boasts four World Heritage Sites. These are the Tower of London, the Kew Gardens, the Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church, an the historic settlement in Greenwich where the Royal Observatory, Greenwich defines the Prime Meridian and the Greenwich Mean Time.
You can also explore London’s landmarks, like the Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Piccadilly Circus. The city numerous museums, galleries, libraries and sporting events.
These sporting events include the British Museum, Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, West End theatres and the British Library. The oldest underground railway network in the world, is the London Underground.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain is known for having the large number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it ranks third in the world. The diverse landscapes of Spain vary from snow-capped mountains, deserts, to lush meadows, along with coasts on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
You can find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in the country, Spain. Spain has islands in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean such as Mallorca and Canary Islands.
People consider Barcelona as their favorite city in Spain. Packed with great food, lively nightlife, art, architecture, and eye-popping sightseeing, it is a great holiday destination for families too. Barcelona’s diverse architecture sets the city apart from other European destinations.
The Gaudí’s Park Güell and the La Sagrada Família are just as impressive as the Catedral de Barcelona which is also known as La Seu, and the Montjuïc Castle. In the Gothic Quarter, there you can find many medieval buildings. The city’s architecture is indeed stunning.
If you want to take a break from exploring its architecture, you can also relax on La Barceloneta beach. Still, Barcelona remains a must-see destination for travelers around the world. Travelers can go for exciting Catalan food and the alluring Gaudí architecture.
Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy is packed with some of Europe’s top attractions. These attractions include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican.
Anything less than 5 days in Rome is considered cheating. That’s just not enough. You definitely can’t miss Rome in your European trip. Historical sites stand proudly at every turn.
Your travel to Rome wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the awe-inspiring Trevi Fountain.
Don’t forget to venture beyond the main sights to the Roman Forum, Trastevere and the Spanish Steps, if you have additional time.
It’s called the Eternal City for a reason. Rome has been attracting leisure tourists and foreign dignitaries. Italy’s capital city is a living, breathing city with plenty of appeal for those seeking a more modern form of fun although most of the main attractions are centuries old. Italy is indeed full of ancient wonders.
The delicious food is just irresistible, the coastal villages are just amazing, and the beautiful hilltop towns are just mesmerizing.
Prague, Czech Republic
Once you visit Prague, the odds are high that it will be one of your favorites. There are loads to see and to do in Prague. Prague’s beer is one of the best beers you’ll ever taste.
You will as if step into a fairy tale once you decide to have Prague as your next vacation destination. In the city, you can take in the vibrant atmosphere and the Gothic architecture of Old Town Square.
Also, be sure to tour the Prague Castle. The other attractions on the castle’s grounds include the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
The capital and the largest city of Czech Republic’s affordability compared to the other equally captivating destinations in Europe makes it a great and probably the best place for travelers on a budget.
The city has been a cultural and intellectual hub in Central Europe for centuries and possibly till now. Most of the travelers are attracted to its appealing mix of traditional and modern. The city offers a fascinating tour of a medieval fortress followed by a cutting-edge tasting menu. Prague’s food and nightlife are to be praised.
The city offers incredible value.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is proud for its incredible Turkish cuisine and monumental historical sights. You can also be left in awe of its markets, street culture and neighborhoods.
Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city. It offers a literal bridge between the regions we call Europe and Asia. There are exciting modern developments that will add to the draw for travelers aside from the kebabs, raki, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques.
Among the exciting modern developments is the new Six Senses Kocataş Mansions. This is a 45-room so-called urban resort inside the manor of a 19th-century Ottoman vizier. Another one of these exciting modern developments is the mile-long Galataport.
This modern development is a redesigned waterfront space that will include a park, mixed-use buildings, and also a new cruise port. Skyscrapers is an ancient city that boasts modern advances. It stands next to historical monuments in Istanbul.
The city’s Grand Bazaar during the day is filled with shopaholics. On the other hand, the local nightclubs are filled with the partygoers. The variety of dining options around every corner will most likely loved by any foodies out there.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s capital and most populous city is Copenhagen. Copenhagen is home to the University of Copenhagen which was founded in 1479. University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark.
Copenhagen is also home to the FC Kobenhavn and Brondby football clubs. Established in 1980, is the annual Copenhagen Marathon. Copenhagen is also one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world.
Copenhagen is full of everything. In the city you can find the top-notch museums which features art and history. Also, the city has palaces for visitors to explore.
The Christiansborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens amusement park and the central Nyhavn neighborhood are some of the must-visit spots in Copenhagen. Copenhagen is certainly eye-catching. Its bold, colorful buildings overlooking the river are just proof.
Renting a bike or taking a walking or Segway tour are just two of the few excellent ways to see Copenhagen. Copenhagen also serves as the cultural hub of Denmark and wider Scandinavia, apart from being the national capital. This is a definite result of huge investments in infrastructure and culture.
This is also a result of the hard work of the successful new Danish architects, designers and chefs. The largest fashion event in Northern Europe which is the Copenhagen Fashion Week takes place every year in February and August.
