Traveling through Europe is a unique experience through which one can fulfill their interests and passions. You can enjoy the fine cuisine, visit many beautiful cities, and relive some amazing moments in history within this continent. Europe also gives travelers breathtaking vistas of pristine country sides and opportunities to relax at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. A person could easily spend ten lifetimes getting to know Europe.
However, as most people only have a few days or maybe a couple of weeks to explore, planning your time carefully is essential in order to make your visit fun and memorable. You can literally go from the beach to the greatest museums in the world, and from ancient castles to some of the highest peaks when you’re in Europe. To help you shortlist some of the best places, we’ve listed a few top locations here:
Paris, France
Ernest Hemingway once said, “There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris.” Paris is definitely a city that never truly leaves you once you have visited it, especially if you have had the good fortune of staying there for an extended period of time. How could it not, when its history, beauty, and culture are so rich and marvelous?
Some of the sights to see while in Paris are: the Louvre Museum; the Eiffel Tower; Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees; Notre Dame Cathedral; and the Musee d’Orsay. Another worthwhile excursion is to take a tour of the Seine River, which allows you to see some of Paris’ most beautiful sceneries.
Travel tip while visiting Paris: purchase the Paris Museum Pass. This pass will save you money to some of the museums and main attractions in Paris.
Paris might be the world’s loveliest city, but it’s also one of the most expensive places on earth. Don’t worry though; we’ll give you some tips on how to enjoy your stay in the City of Love even if you’re a budget traveler:
First, take advantage of Paris’ Free First Sundays program, which has been up and running since its launch in 2000. Perks on this program include free entrance to the Louvre, as well as other museums such as the Orsay and the Musee Albert Kahn. Other attractions in this free program also include Musee the Anes 30, Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, Musee National de Arts Asiatiques, Musee de Arts et Metiers, Musée de l’Assistance Publique, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Musée National Delacroix, Musée National Gustave Moreau, Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner, Cité Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration, Château de Malmaison, Musée National du Moyen Age, Musée de l’Orangerie, The Centre Pompidou, Musée du Quai Branly, Musée National de la Renaissance and Musée National Rodin
There are other free attractions in the City of Love such as watching outdoor movies on the grass at Parc de la Villette Open Air Cinema; checking out the Love Wall; strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Jardin du Luxembourg; visiting the Notre Dame cathedral; checking out the interesting Pere Lachaise cemetery as well as the sculptures at Atelier Brancusi; ramping through the Promenade Plantee; having a late-night picnic at Square du Vert-Galant; and enjoying a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette. Be sure to get great memories of your trip by finding photographers in Paris to hire.
London, England
When one thinks of London, images of royalty, castles, and Shakespeare come to mind. If such images beckon you to visit this historic city, you should plan to spend some extra time in London. Here, there’s is an abundance of culture and history to see and experience. Some of the more popular places to visit in London are Windsor Castle; Kensington Palace; Tower Bridge; St. Paul’s Cathedral; Hampton Court Palace; Shakespeare’s Globe Theater; the London Bridge Experience; and a cruise on the Thames River.
Another part of the London experience is the theater. Some of the top plays to see are: Wicked the Musical; Les Miserables; War Horse; and Phantom of the Opera. You can go to the museums, visit the quaint little English shops or even pay a visit to the Royal Palace and try to get a glimpse of the Queen.
Rome, Italy
If Rome could be described in three words, they would be: ‘art’, ‘beauty’, and ‘history’. If you only have a few days in Rome, you definitely want to be strategic about the sites that you hit. Here are just a few of a long list of favorites: St. Peter’s Basilica; the Vatican Museum; the Colosseum; the Pantheon; the Roman Forum; the Borghese Gallery; and the Trevi Fountain.
While in Rome, taking a stroll in some of their squares and plazas is a must! Some of the more famous ones are: St. Peter’s Square; Piazza Navona; and Campo dei Fiori. Visiting Rome is more convenient by car, and for driving in Italy you will need an Italian international driving permit.
Florence, Italy
If you’re a foodie at heart or love to cook, this city should be on your priority list while visiting Europe. It’s been widely hailed as the center for all food lovers as well as a popular hub for cooking classes. Even if you’re a traveler, you might be able to get a few lessons on some of the best cooking in the world.
Italy might have a plethora of worthwhile places to visit, but Florence takes the cake in almost every aspect. It’s not just about the food; you get a lovely variety of art, history, and food tours as well. If you’re interested in exploring Tuscany, Florence is among the best places to base yourself.
Santorini, Greece
A honeymoon is among the most popular times to go traveling. Santorini in Greece is one of the best destinations for such occasions, with some even claiming it to be the most romantic spot for honeymooners. The caldera views alone are sure to make your time with your new spouse something to remember for life.
You can also have your pick of activities here, from watching sunsets to exciting boat tours. Also included are hikes, trips to the black volcanic sand beaches, and stays in luxurious hotels.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This city is a favorite for many travelers, and with good reason. Here, you have a pedestrian, bike-friendly city center. This means that you get to enjoy all the facilities of a big city without the irritating traffic or pollution.
You get a wide range of choice here regarding quirky cafes, interesting museums, leafy parks, and all sorts of restaurants. Plus, the people are so welcoming that you’d feel like making this amazing city your home for evermore.
Istanbul, Turkey
This is among the most exotic places you can visit while still technically being in Europe. You’ll experience some awesome historical sights here, including the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, and the Topkapi museum. The Hippodrome, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, and the Süleymaniye mosque are all definitely worth a visit. These sites are full of history and also provide some dazzling decorations that make for memorable pictures.
Other than the history, you’ll also be in awe of the street culture, the unique neighborhood, Turkish food, and the bazaars. The Grand Bazaar is arguably the most popular tourist attraction, where you’d be sure to find souvenirs for those back home.
Famous Nightlife
The popular spots in European consist of not only the scenic countryside and galleries but many famous places where you can enjoy the nightlife. In Italy, you will want to see the nightspots in Bologna, Rome, and Naples. Here, you’d be able to hear some fantastic music and enjoy the disco. The Spanish Nightlife spots are outstanding, and you don’t want to miss the incredible evenings at the Madrid clubs. France offers an array of places to go clubbing; alternatively, you also have many options regarding concerts and musical festivals.
You will not want to miss going to Germany when it comes to enjoying the nightlife. German clubs and bars were made for night owls. There are underground clubs, exotic bars, and lots more on offer for those who enjoy the nightlife scene. The United Kingdom holds its own when it comes to exciting nightlife spots. You will find clubs all over the UK, music shows, comedy clubs for laughs, or just the opportunity to dance the night away at one of the many clubs. The popular European places that are a must-see are located in every country waiting for you to come and join the fun.
Brasov, Romania
Nestled between the Carpathian Mountains is the most charming medieval city in Romania: Brasov. Walk on its 1,000 year old streets and alleys passing by colourful and sturdy medieval townhouses before coming into the huge Council Square where locals enjoy an easy life against the beautiful mountain scenery. Visit landmarks such as the Black Church or Weaver’s Bastion, find the narrowest street in Europe or enjoy a typical Transylvanian meal. There are many popular day trips from Brasov to go hiking in the Carpathians, visit Bran Dracula’s Castle or go wildlife watching – so you can’t get bored!
Conclusion
The list of sight and locations in this article barely touch upon all of the places to see and visit in Europe. Hopefully, though, this article will give you a start on some of the things you would like to see and do while you’re there. If you’re planning on doing a self-guided tour of Europe, the most important thing to remember (besides plan, plan, and plan) is to do your research about the country and know a little bit about its people, language, and customs. You will find Europeans to be excellent hosts and extremely helpful, especially when their traditions and customs are respected.