Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe
Europe is home to a wealth of famous landmarks and destinations. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Acropolis in Athens to the fjords and geysers of Norway, European landscapes are both awe-inspiring and culturally rich.
Madrid is the fourth Spanish city to make the list, a place where you can indulge in bocadillo de calamares and dark El Greco paintings. But there’s more to this city than meets the eye.
1. Paris
A first visit to Europe is not complete without a trip to Paris. This iconic city is full of charm, and there are countless things to do in Paris for the first timer.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower is a must for first-timers. Although it was originally disliked by many locals, the Eiffel Tower is now a symbol of the city and one of the most famous buildings in the world. Skip the daytime crowd zigzagging up the Eiffel Tower and instead admire it at night, when its lights illuminate the city.
A stroll through the Louvre Museum is also a must for Paris first-timers. This vast art museum is huge and can get crowded so opt for a guided tour to see the highlights in just a few hours.
2. Athens
The birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy (think Plato, Socrates and Aristotle), Athens is full of historic treasures. A guided visit of the Acropolis and Parthenon is a must, followed by an archeological tour that takes in the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch.
The city also has a collection of neoclassical architecture jewels including the National Library of Athens which is designed to resemble a temple and the original H-shaped University of Athens building. Don't miss the chance to watch the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square.
Lisbon has been on a bit of a rise lately - it's becoming popular among remote workers for its cheap bars, beaches and beautiful views over the Tagus River. Don't forget to visit the 19th-century botanical gardens Jardim do Torel and the stunning sculptures at Gulbenkian Museum.
3. Kotor Bay
The eponymous bay is the highlight of this gorgeous Balkan region. You can see much of it by sailing or kayaking around, but it's also worth exploring the rocky islands in the middle of the water.
Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, a picturesque man-made island topped with a church and museum. Or, visit the ruins of the wealthy Roman villa at Risan with its remarkably well-preserved mosaics.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor's old town is a delightful labyrinth of winding streets and squares filled with medieval buildings. Climb the city walls for stunning views, or check out St Tryphon Cathedral and the nearby Church of St John. Pet lovers will enjoy the quirky Kotor Cats Museum.
4. Rome
With a little slice of history around every corner, Rome has no shortage of things to see and do. From the famous Spanish Steps, which are a prime people-watching spot, to St Peter’s Basilica – one of the world’s most outstanding churches – there is so much to discover here.
A trip to the Colosseum is a must, but you’ll save time and annoyance by booking your tickets online in advance (or on a guided tour). Also consider purchasing priority entry tickets at the Vatican Museums for quick access to skip the line.
If you have a free afternoon, wander the streets around Piazza Navona with its showy fountains and baroque palazzi. The square is home to the impressive Column of Octavia and the Pantheon, which features an Egyptian obelisk and two lovely fountains designed by Bernini.
5. Florence
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is renowned for Renaissance art and architecture. The city’s most famous monument is the awe-inspiring Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), which boasts a gilded cupola that rises 140 feet over Florence’s sea of red rooftops. It’s worth the 463 steps to climb to the top.
Another must-see is Michelangelo’s David, a masterpiece that he carved from a block of marble and detailed down to the veins. The Accademia has other sculptures by the artist, including his unfinished Prisoners, also known as Slaves.
Madrid’s bustling streets, historic sites, and nightlife make it a European hot spot. But for an authentic experience, venture outside the city to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo. It’s a trip you’ll never forget.
6. Brussels
A cosmopolitan city on a human scale, Belgium's capital charms visitors with its world-class art, delicious beer and quirky little attractions. Take in a dazzling view of Brussels' skyline from the futuristic Atomium, where its spheres encase fascinating museums.
La Grand Place, a cobbled rectangular market square, showcases a remarkably homogenous collection of public and private buildings from the 17th century, offering a vivid illustration of the level of social and cultural activity at the time.
For art lovers, a visit to the Parc du Cinquantenaire should not be missed, where a cluster of museums explores modern, classical and military history. The spirited atmosphere of the Belgian capital also fuels innovative projects like 59 Rivoli, an infamous squat turned legit gallery. A sense of freedom extends into the nightlife, where bars like Café Fuse and C12 welcome music fans to dance or just relax with a drink.
7. Strasbourg
A cultural powerhouse, Strasbourg has a rich intellectual heritage. It’s the formal seat of the European Parliament and its architecture blends French and German influences. The city’s Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame is famous for its astronomical clock and sweeping views from partway up its 142m spire.
It also boasts one of the best museums in the country. The Musee Historique de la Ville de Strasbourg is a living museum with 1500 exhibits revealing the history of the city. It includes original building plans for Notre-Dame as well as models of the rooms you’d find in traditional Alsatian houses.
Complementing the city’s museums and theaters are its lush gardens. Stroll around the Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) or discover a hidden gem like Metelkova, an old barrack turned art studio. For nature lovers, Norway is a wonderland of Viking history and wild beaches, pristine forests, glaciers, fjords, and the Lofoten Islands.
8. Vienna
The capital city of Austria is a fascinating collage of historic and contemporary culture. The Ringstrasse – a ring of magnificent imperial buildings - is home to the Vienna State Opera and Museum of Art History, and the vast natural park of the Prater offers everything from old-fashioned amusement rides and dining to dinosaur-themed parks.
The two splendid Baroque palaces of Belvedere and Unteres Belvedere are both worth a visit, with the former providing insights into the pomp, majesty and grace of the Habsburg monarchs while the latter's highlights include the grounds' statue-filled fountains and Ceremonial Staircase. The museum of Applied Arts (Museum fur angewandte Kunst) is also an excellent resource for Austrian crafts and design.
The bizarre Hundertwasserhaus, a brightly colored apartment block designed by painter Friedensreich Hundertwasser is a must-see. Take in the architecture from the outside, or pop in to the ground-floor cafe to sample the views of Lowengasse and Kegelstrasse.
9. Prague
The Czech capital feels like a 3D architecture textbook. Its Old Town has centuries of buildings, and its new squares feature modern construction. It's a good idea to explore on foot; you can also use the city's public transportation system.
Prague's landmarks include the soaring, Gothic Tyn Church and the astronomical clock at Old Town Hall. You can also admire the sculptural adornment on the Charles Bridge, where a statue of the Virgin Mary presides over the Vltava River.
The city's celebrated cafes are worth a visit for their classical decor, historic clientele, and exceptional coffee. You can try them out, such as Cafe Slavia for a nearly Parisian atmosphere, and the Grand Cafe Orient for its exceptional Cubist interiors. And don't miss Vysehrad Cemetery, where dozens of Czech luminaries, including composers Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak, are laid to rest.
10. Budapest
A city of contrasting experiences, sprawling Budapest is the heart of a unique nation. Soak in one of the city’s opulent thermal baths, surrounded by Speedo- and bikini-clad Hungarians. Admire the neo-Gothic parliament building, the most stunning in Europe (though London technically got there first).
On the Buda side, climb to Gellert Hill to see the Liberty Statue – originally engraved to remember those who died liberating Hungary from the Soviets. Atop the hill are the seven stone towers of Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Gothic Matthias Church.
Budapest also has a booming ‘ruin bar’ scene, where shabby-chic is the order of the day. Szimpla Kert is the best and biggest, but can get pretty crowded. For a less-touristy bar, head to the lesser-known Rudas Baths for a hot tub with a view. It’s also worth checking out the city’s vast City Park for a stroll through fairytale-like Vajdahunyad Castle.
