Europe is a popular travel destination, and it's easy to see why. It's full of lovely countries, cities, towns, and islands that you won't find anywhere else. Here are some of our favourites:
Paris
Paris is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The architecture, museums, and monuments are incredibly well preserved. There are so many things to see here. Art buffs will enjoy seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, featuring ancient Egyptian art and sculptures from Ancient Greece. You'll have to wait in a very long line for tickets, but it's worth it! Take in the view of Paris from below at the Eiffel Tower. Then, stroll down the Champs-Elysees, one of Paris' most famous boulevards. If you're feeling brave (and don't suffer from vertigo), climb up to the top of Notre Dame de Paris. There is excellent shopping on both sides of this street and Ile-de-la Cite.
To get a more thorough feel for French culture and history, take a walking tour with your friends or family through some of Paris' famous neighborhoods, such as Montmartre or the Latin Quarter!
London
You might know London for its iconic landmarks, double-decker buses, and red phone booths. You might also know it as the place where Harry Potter was filmed. Whatever it is you associate with London—the capital of England and the United Kingdom—there are plenty of tourist attractions in this bustling city to keep your attention.
London has a population of 8.98 million people. It is one of the world's most visited cities. It is a leading global city with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development (R&D), tourism, and transport, all contributing to its prominence.
The city hosts four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and the historic settlement of Greenwich is an example where modern development has successfully worked in conjunction with heritage buildings to link London's past with its future.
Rome
Rome is an ancient city with a rich history. No matter the length of your trip, you'll need to prioritize what you see and do since Rome has many historical sights. Here are some suggestions for things to visit when in Rome:
The Colosseum – The Roman Colosseum was built nearly 2,000 years ago. It is one of the world's most iconic structures from ancient times. It's estimated that over 5 million tourists visit this site every year.
The Pantheon – The Pantheon serves as a monument to all gods, and it dates back over 1,800 years. The pantheon used to be a temple, but now it serves as a church, so it is open every day except on Sunday mornings when masses take place.
The Vatican – St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are must-see sites in the Vatican City. You can expect long lines if you want to enter these buildings during peak tourist season or near religious holidays like Easter or Christmas. Have your bags searched before entry because backpacks (and other oversized bags) aren't allowed inside St Peter's Basilica, but they can check them at no cost by staff members just outside its entrance on Piazza San Pietro; there's also paid storage nearby for backpacks that aren't allowed into the rest of the Vatican Museums complex (but not St Peter's).
Fountain of Trevi – Built-in 1762 AD, this fountain is located near Plazza de Poli and attracts thousands of tourists daily who come here to toss coins into its waters for good luck!
Piazza Navona – Piazza Navona has been called “the drawing room of Rome” due to its long history as a meeting place for residents and visitors alike! This area has three magnificent fountains, including one dedicated to Pope Innocent X (who commissioned them) and another dedicated.
Florence
Florence, Italy, is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, so it's no surprise that this city is a hit with art lovers. In addition, the historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Italian culture capital, so there are plenty of things to see and do in the city. Here are some highlights:
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery: This museum was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de' Medici to house the powerful Medici family's impressive collection of Renaissance art. Today, visitors can view masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli, among others.
- Attend an event or festival: Florence has many festivals throughout the year, including the Festival del Bacco (the Festival of Bacchus), which takes place on August 14-15 each year and celebrates wine; Festa di San Giovanni (St John's Day) on June 24; and Il Palio (a horse race) during July 2-3.
Amsterdam
As a lifetime mecca for tourists, Amsterdam has much to offer anyone who loves the arts and architecture. Once your first stop, check out the museums for, the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, which display works by one of the greatest painters in history. You can also go shopping at De Librije, where you can find everything from Yves St. Laurent clothing to Philips electronics. You could even spend an entire day in this city because there are so many things you can do that are worth exploring—including biking along the canals where you'll view Amsterdam's historic districts such as Haarlem and (of course) Amsterdam itself. Afterward, head for a meal at one of the city's centuries-old restaurants like Kees Vroom or Le Coq Hardiberger (notwithstanding its rather lousy name). The food here is outstanding; if you're feeling especially fancy, go to Maastrichtse Schakel or Lamzart Brasserie. Finally, it wouldn't be proper Dutch cuisine without sampling cheese; we'd recommend stopping by Gouda Cheese Shop to do just that before heading home through one of Amsterdam's many parks (Vondelpark—famous for its free concerts—is our favorite). We hope this trip will give you lots more than another touristy snapshot in your photo gallery.
Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are another place where you will be on the verge of hyperventilation. The beauty is so overwhelming that you literally won't catch your breath. Hiking, biking, and skiing are all popular in this area, and there is something to suit your sense of adventure. When you visit the Swiss Alps, you'll know why people consider it one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a city in Spain with a Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural heritage.
You can go to the beach during the day or find some tapas and sangria in Barcelona's many bars and restaurants.
In the evening you can visit one of the many art museums or see some flamenco. There are also many historical sites to see all over Barcelona.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a 52-kilometer stretch of coastline in southern Italy. The area extends from the Sorrentine Peninsula to Positano, attracting travelers from all over the world. With its seaside cliffs, quaint towns, and stunning vistas, it's not surprising that this region was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
With so many beautiful things to see on the Amalfi Coast, it can be hard to decide where exactly you want to go while you're there. Here are some of our favorite places:
Praiano
Praiano is a small village between Positano and Amalfi on the southern coast of Italy. It's still relatively untouched by tourism compared to other towns nearby, making it a perfect stop for travelers looking for authentic local experiences. For example, check out La Gavitella Beach, which boasts gorgeous views of Capri Island and can only be reached by boat or foot!
Amalfi
A trip to the Amalfi Coast wouldn't be complete without visiting its namesake city! Some of the most beautiful places in Amalfi include St. Andrew Cathedral—a 9th-century church featuring a Romanesque architectural style—and Piazza Duomo—the main piazza that acts as the center point for visitors and locals alike.
Positano
When people think about Italian beaches, they often conjure images of Positano in their minds—and with good reason too! This town is known for its steep terrain and rich history as an essential destination on the maritime trade routes during medieval times.
Santorini
Santorini is known for its picture-perfect sunsets, beaches, and white-washed buildings. Beautiful views, great beaches, and delicious local food make for a lovely vacation spot.
The island is volcanic, so you'll find black sand on some beaches (one of the most popular beaches is Perissa Black Beach). You can also visit Red Beach for its interesting rock formations or take a boat to White Beach for white sand, with little tourist activity. The water is warm from May through October.
The island is also famous for its wineries, where you can tour vineyards and taste wine! Santorini's local specialty dishes are tomato fritters, fava beans, and a sweet dessert called militia. The nightlife in Santorini keeps going all night long as well!
Prague
Prague is an excellent place to visit in Europe. It's a city full of history, culture, and great nightlife. It's also reasonably easy to get around and not too crowded compared to other significant European cities. While visiting, a few things you should see include the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and the Jewish Quarter. There are plenty of good restaurants and shops around town as well.
Venice
Venice, Italy, is known as one of the most romantic cities globally. It has a rich history, incredible food, great culture and you can travel around it by boat. Here are some of the best places to visit while in Venice:
- Grand Canal: The main waterway of Venice (and the main thoroughfare, since there are no cars).
- Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Square): This is the central square of Venice—home to many landmarks like St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Be sure to see St Mark's Campanile bell tower for beautiful views of Venice.
- Rialto Bridge: Built-in 1591, this bridge is not just another bridge! It was built with two inclined ramps on either side, which allowed merchant boats carrying goods to go under it without any difficulty.
Athens
Known as the birthplace of democracy, Athens is where many of modern civilization's most essential concepts originated. Time spent in this city will give you a greater understanding of Western society and can be very educational for those with interest in cultural history.
Many people travel to Athens to see its ancient monuments, which are among the best-preserved examples of architecture from the halcyon days of Greece. The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the world's seven wonders. Other must-sees include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium (which hosted ancient and modern Olympics), and Hadrian's Arch.
Vienna
If you love visiting historical sites, Vienna is a must-see!
Located in eastern Austria, Vienna is the country's capital. Many people visit the city because of its beautiful Baroque architecture and rich history. The city has remained essentially unchanged since World War II.
Known as “The City of Music,” “The City of Dreams,” “The City of Waltzes,” and “The City of Freethinkers,” Vienna is home to many historic sights like Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace as well as numerous museums. The city also has some great restaurants if you're looking for a tasty meal to go with your sightseeing.
Madrid
If you're headed to Europe, be sure not to miss Madrid.
Madrid is Spain's capital and largest city, and the third-largest city in the European Union. Madrid is a major financial center and has one of the world's largest economies. It also hosts several cultural events, such as the art exhibitions at the El Prado museum.
Spend some time in Madrid's parks, including Retiro Park, which offers attractions like galleries, fountains, and a lake where visitors can rent rowboats or pedal boats. The park also hosts arts festivals throughout the year and has plenty of open green space for strolling or sunbathing during pleasant weather. You'll find several other parks outside of downtown Madrid that are worth exploring as well—we recommend buying an inexpensive guidebook at your hotel or hostel to make sure you don't miss any attractions while you're out sightseeing!
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. It is situated along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It offers visitors the chance to explore a Unesco World Heritage site for those interested in the country's culture and history. From taking a tour of the city's walls, going on a Game of Thrones tour, or taking a foodie tour, this city has much to offer tourists. For those who want to experience more of Croatia and its 1,800km coastline and rich historical culture, there is so much to see and explore in this part of the country. Not only can you enjoy the coastline, but you can visit one of the many islands, get out on the water by booking a Sailing yacht charter in Croatia, and experience modern and traditional parts of the country by visiting one of the many museums and areas of natural beauty that Dubrovnik and Croatia has to offer.
Dublin
It's no secret that Ireland is one of Europe's most popular travel destinations. And beyond the obvious reasons, there are plenty of things to see and do here that those visiting for only a short time will never experience. Here are some suggestions for places to check out during your visit (the list is by no means exhaustive):
St. Patrick's Day: Celebrated every year on March 17, St. Patrick's Day is an elaborate day-long celebration—with parades, music, and festivities—celebrating Ireland's patron saint. The central location in Dublin is O'Connell Street, where a street parade begins at noon and continues until 9 pm. After that, you can watch the festivities outside St. Stephen's Green and head into the city center. You can join in any number of activities and several blocks worth exploring throughout the day (walking tour maps are available online). Afterward, grab some Irish whiskey at Dublin's many pubs before heading back home for more revelry with your friends and family in your favorite Irish pub or bar!
Stockholm
As the capital of Sweden, Stockholm is often overlooked by tourists who visit Europe for the antiquities and art of Italy, France, and Spain. While it's true that Stockholm may not have hundreds of years' worth of history in its buildings or an internationally renowned museum like the Louvre or Hermitage, those willing to give this modern city a chance will be rewarded with a rich cultural experience that's uniquely Scandinavian. It still has plenty of historical buildings and museums to satisfy any culture buff.
Stockholm sits on 14 islands in what is known as an archipelago where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. It has over 50 bridges connecting its islands—more than Venice, which has given it the nickname “the Venice of the North.” The city itself has over 1 million people, making it one of Europe's largest cities even though Sweden itself is one of Europe's least populated countries.
The Azores
The Azores are known for their hot springs, beaches, and mountains abundant with hydrangeas.
The nine volcanic islands of the Azores archipelago make up the only Portuguese land in the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of Europe's most popular travel destinations. The islands sit between Portugal and Newfoundland in the North Atlantic Ocean, 932 miles west of Lisbon. The landscape is green and mountainous, with many hot springs, beaches, and lakes.
Berlin
Berlin is the place to go if you enjoy history, culture, or vibrant nightlife. It has been dubbed “poor but sexy,” and it's easy to see why. As one of Europe's most popular destinations, it boasts a rich history—from being the capital of Prussia and the German Empire to becoming a thriving metropolis after World War II—and you can learn about all of this at museums such as the Pergamon Museum and Neues Museum.
However, Berlin is not just for history buffs: since reunification in 1989, this bustling city has become famous for its contemporary art scene, music festivals, and world-class nightlife. There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping, walking along scenic lakeside paths, or visiting nearby castles and palaces that date back centuries.
Munich
Munich is a travel destination that will satisfy almost any traveler. It's the capital of Bavaria, Germany, and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Munich is home to world-renowned museums and landmarks, including Marienplatz, Englischer Garten, BMW Museum, and The Hofbräuhaus. The city has been called “the secret capital of Germany” for its high standard of living and abundance of cultural attractions. For example, Munich is a beautiful city for shopping and dining (visitors enjoy exploring Viktualienmarkt).
The Hofbräuhaus is Munich's most famous beer hall. Opened in 1589 by the ducal Bavarian Brewery (Hofbäu), today it serves an ordinary 6 million people per year with its traditional dishes like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) alongside the locally brewed beer.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and, with a population of 1,280,371, is Denmark's largest city. This city is perfect for tourists who love to cycle! Copenhagen has become a haven for cyclists, with over 400 kilometers (249 miles) of cycle routes and 35,000 cyclists passing through the center every day. You can also explore museums, visit some breweries, or even see local sights such as the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, Nyhavn harbor district, Christiansborg Palace, and Frederiksberg Palace.
Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world's greatest cities. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, it straddles Europe and Asia. The crossroads of these two great continents have created a city that is rich in history and culture. From ancient Roman times to modern-day Turkey, Istanbul has been a critical location in shaping the world's history.
On your visit there you will have many options for activities to do. You can visit many historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. It also has a vibrant nightlife with great restaurants and bars throughout its modern European section and its more traditional Turkish neighborhoods. It truly is one of the best cities to visit in Europe (or anywhere else!).
Seville
Seville is the perfect place for travelers looking for a relaxing vacation. It is a city known for its Moorish architecture, flamenco culture, and vibrant nightlife. The capital of Andalusia is situated in southern Spain on the banks of Rio Guadalquivir. It draws visitors with its many parks and gardens and its famous cathedral, palaces, and monuments.
Reykjavik
You may think Reykjavik isn't a serious contender as one of Europe's top destinations, but you'd be wrong. Interestingly enough, it is the northernmost capital globally and has a population of just over 120,000 people—similar to Baltimore, Maryland. This is because it was settled by Vikings who used its location on the North Atlantic Ridge to direct boats between the Nordic countries and Greenland. Their descendants have created a city rich with culture and a vibrant music scene matched only by its nightlife.