Europe is brimming with fantastic cities to visit, from famous metropolises to charming and often overlooked locales. If you’re planning a trip, these spectacular destinations should be on your must-experience list.
Paris, France
From the first moment you set your eyes on Paris’ Eiffel Tower, you’re sure to be mesmerized. Not only is this city home to this famous landmark, but many others, like the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Seine and the Arc de Triomphe. In addition to the world-renowned museums and monuments, there are dozens of brilliant ones you’ve probably never heard. For instance Musee Gustave Moreau, the former home and studio of artist Gustave Moreau, which offers an insight into how Paris has long been an inspiration for artists. Each area of the French capital city seems to have its own unique personality too. Just whiling away the afternoon at a café, sipping wine and dining on delectable cheeses as you watch people walk by, or strolling the charming back streets can make for an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most romantic cities. Update: In April 2019 The Notre Dame Cathedral tragically caught fire. Efforts are underway to restore this iconic landmark to its former glory. Check in here for the most current information.
Rome, Italy
Rome is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Throughout much of the world’s history, it has been the capital of some of the most important empires and nations. As such, it’s home to some of the most impressive architecture on the planet. It hosts more than a quarter of Italy’s 45 UNESCO heritage sites, including the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Square, the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, the city’s most famous recognized symbol. This classical ruin was inaugurated in the 1st century AD and sat over 50,000 spectators into its perfectly arrange stands. Visitors can also gaze upon masterpieces of painting and sculptures that most only have the chance to read about, and then look forward to the amazing food, including dishes like bicatini all’amatriciana and spaghetti alla carbonara, paired with fabulous wine, of course. There are so many things to do in Rome, you could never be bored.
Edinburgh, Scotland
One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Edinburgh houses one of Scotland’s most popular attractions, Edinburgh Castle. A world-famous icon, it sits atop an extinct volcano that dominates the skyline and has witnessed everything from royal ceremonies, lavish feasts and the birth of a king to brutal battles, ruthless politics and the deaths of queens in its nearly 1,000 years of existence. Visitors can explore its palace rooms and view amazing items like the dazzling crown jewels, the Stone of Destiny and “Mons Meg,” a medieval siege gun. Scotland is brimming with things to do and fabulous hotels for an authentic Scottish experience.
Prague, Czech Republic
The magnificent city of Prague is home to some of Europe’s most breathtaking buildings, attracting visitors from around the world. It’s filled with 14th-century stone bridges, ancient cathedrals with spires that reach into the sky and hilltop castles, including Prague Castle. This is an important cultural and historical monument that houses the crown jewels, the relics of Bohemian kings, art treasures, precious Christian relics and historical documents. The famous Charles Bridge, commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357, spans 16 arches and is lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures.
Venice, Italy
This enchanting “Floating City” has awe-inspiring architecture built solely on the water, and cars have been replaced by gondolas and teak boats. It is on the bucket list of many, if not most travelers. A labyrinth of colorful canals wind through islands joined by romantic bridges while medieval squares play music that echoes between Gothic palaces. Just getting lost in the maze, encountering timeless scenes around nearly every corner is a highlight, including the little rowboats tied up in front of brightly hued facades, with artists sitting and painting in open squares. Admire the rainbow of fresh produce at the Rialto markets, enjoy a picnic along the Grand Canal, and sip an espresso in the sunshine watching Venetians go about their day.
Florence, Italy
One of the most important Renaissance architectural and art centers in Italy, and one of the most beautiful cities in the nation, Florence is home to many museums, palaces and churches that host some of the greatest artistic treasures on the planet. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, while the Accademia Gallery is one of the city’s most-visited museums. The genius Michelangelo’s works are exhibited here, including the imposing marble statue of David, standing over 13 feet tall. For one of the most enchanting views of Florence, climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte. There is a multitude of things to do in Florence, you’ll never be bored.
Salzburg, Austria
While Salzburg is famous for being the home of “The Sound of Music” and the birthplace of Mozart, it offers much more than that including a diverse array of museums and churches. Its landmark cathedral has the most impressive Baroque edifice with a huge facade that soars over the Domplatz, and its interior is just as grand. The city is also home to a number of castles, like Castle Mönchstein, which rises above the center of town at the north end of a large city park. If you’ve ever wanted to spend the night in a castle, this is your chance. It was first documented in 1350 AD as the Tetelheimer Tower, built by the archbishops of Salzburg until it became the estate for St. Peter’s monastery in 1654 for “educated professors” to “recover from difficult mental work.” In 1948, it was transformed into a hotel with 13 suites and 11 rooms. The castle hotel also has a spa with a steam bath, sauna and a variety of massage and beauty treatments on the menu.
London, England
It is worth spending at least several days or more in this cosmopolitan city. London boasts a long list of famous sights as well as beautiful green spaces, endless shopping opportunities, hopping nightlife, and rich and dramatic history. It also hosts some of the world’s best museums and art galleries, many of which are free. See the city from above by riding the London Eye and check out some of the most precious treasures on the planet at the British Museum. It’s just about impossible to get bored here, with the astounding array of buzzing bars, world-class restaurants, theaters, and diverse range of events on offer, from sports to music festivals and everything in between. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of London hostels where you can lay your head.
Barcelona, Spain
As the capital of Modernism, Barcelona is home to many impressive monuments built and designed by Antoni Gaudi, Such monuments include Park Guell, Casa Batllo, Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera, as well as other spectacular buildings like the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. It’s also a sensational destination for foodies, with everything from seafood to fresh fruit and lots of great food markets and eateries serving delicious Catalan cuisine. Shopping enthusiasts will find paradise too, with everything from boutique designers and antique stores to big-name stores and local chains spread throughout the city. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the flavors of Catalonia is by visiting the chaotic yet fascinating La Boqueria Market, with its more than 72 fruit and vegetable stalls as well as fresh seafood and cured ham, known as jamon. Here are more things to do in Barcelona.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the most affordable cities in Europe to visit, and while it may not have Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower, there is a myriad of things to do in Portugal. you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in unique scenery and outstanding local culture including Sao Roque Church, the world’s most expensive chapel. By wandering Alfama, the city’s oldest district, you’ll find a maze of narrow cobblestone streets which lead from the Tejo estuary uphill to Sao Jorge Castle. It’s a place where women sell fresh fish from their doorways, Fado singers find inspiration, sardines are barbecued outside hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and tiny churches and squares abound. If you choose to extend your stay, there are many incredible resorts in Portugal worth visiting.
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital and the largest city offer practically an endless list of things to see and do. Trinity College hosts the Book of Kells, written around 800 AD by Irish monks and is considered to be one of the world’s most beautifully illuminated manuscripts. The National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology exhibits one of the finest collections of prehistoric gold artifacts in all of Europe, as well as the famous bog bodies, which are bodies that were mummified and preserved in peat bogs. Enjoy a free pint of Guinness and spectacular city views following a tour of the Guinness factory, and some of the best shopping in Dublin at O’Connell and Grafton Streets. Of course, live Celtic music and Guinness can be enjoyed at multiple pubs throughout the city too.
Bruges, Belgium
While there are many places to visit in Belgium, fairytale-like Bruges is another one of the world’s most romantic cities. Travelers of all types are sure to be enchanted by it. The cobblestone streets, open squares and charming homes are especially atmospheric. Visitors can enjoy boat rides through the lovely canals, taking a ride on a horse-drawn carriage to Beguinage, a monastery with beautiful bridges and swan-filled streams. Of course, as Belgium is famous for its chocolate, you’ll find numerous chocolate shops and some of the best in hot beverage form at De Proeverie. Outside of Bruges, there are many other things to do in Belgium worth adding to your itinerary, as well as stunning hotels.
