5 Top Cities to Visit in Europe -- and Why
Europe is full of lively cities synonymous with rich cultural backgrounds and beautiful landscapes. From the French countryside to Greek and Spanish Islands, you will find something to marvel at. With so many beautiful places you could visit on the European continent, you could be spoilt for choice.
Every city is diverse in culture and history but they are all exciting destinations. Whether you are more interested in architecture and art, or you have an inclination towards culture and history, you will find a European city that ticks all boxes for you.
You also get to enjoy scenic views and culinary delights while at it. If you are having a hard time choosing your next European destination, here are six cities you should definitely consider visiting.
1. Berlin
Berlin, Germany's capital, is a place where history meets a lively, modern vibe in a wonderful way. It's a spot where old stuff blends perfectly with the cool things happening now. The Berlin Wall, which split the city during the Cold War, is a super famous thing here. Today, there's a 1.3 km part called the East Side Gallery, and it's like an outdoor art museum with bright paintings and graffiti.
If you're into history, Berlin has loads of cool museums and places to check out. The Topography of Terror Documentation Center and the Stasi Museum give you the scoop on Germany's crazy past.
The Berliner Dom, a fancy cathedral, and the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of when Germany got back together, are also really neat historical spots to see. Germans really love their language, so speaking German is helpful. But don't worry if you don't know it well, you can still have a great time exploring Berlin.
You can take German lessons with flexibility as you prepare for your trip for an even better experience. Understanding the language will make it easier to interact with the locals and learn about the culture.
2. Skane
This small city on the south of Sweden is an underrated destination since most of the attention is drawn towards the Oresund Bridge. However, Skane is the ideal destination if you want to enjoy both the affluence of the city and the beauty of the country often referred to as Sweden’s larder.
The best way to experience Skane is to travel to the countryside where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and grass dunes in the Skanor Falsterbo Peninsula. For a more city-like experience, travel north to Molle where you can enjoy beautiful beach views from the Grand Hotel Molle.
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3. Santorini
The island of Santorini in Greece is super cool. It has a special volcanic landscape and calm beaches. Plus, it's got buildings that look like old Greek stuff. You can chill by the blue sea at the beach or walk around the towns with their white buildings.
If you like wine, you'll have a blast at the local wineries. They make this tasty Greek wine called vino from grapes grown in volcanic dirt. You can also find out about Greek history by checking out places like Ancient Akrotiri and Ancient Thira, where old stuff from the past is.
Be sure to make your booking well in advance as Santorini is a popular tourist destination.
4. Prague
Found in the Czech Republic, Prague is characterized by gothic architecture which you can best enjoy with a visit to the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. It feels like a fairy tale walking through the city and seeing the buildings up close but that's not all Prague has to offer.
You can enjoy beautiful greenery at the city’s parks like Petrin Hill and the Wallenstein Garden. Prague is a great destination for a budget travel thanks to the affordable accommodations and culinary options.
5. Venice
No European tour is complete without visiting Venice. There is no better place to enjoy the Italian canals and historical architecture. Italian dishes are also mentioned among the best and Venice will give a good taste of this. The historic St. Mark’s Basilica showcases the beauty of Italian architecture.
You can also pose for beautiful photos at the infamous Rialto Bridge. To dive deep into Italian beauty and culture, visit one of the most fascinating opera houses at Teatro La Fenice for a live show.
When visiting Venice, note that it is a top tourist destination and you will have to deal with crowds. You may have to part with a small fee to enter the theater. Accommodations and gondola rides are on the higher end in terms of price so set a big budget.
6. Helsinki
Ignore the majestic architecture and beautiful beaches for a moment and take in the beauty that is Helsinki. The city has channeled billions of dollars into its cultural and historical scene leading to a major improvement in what was already a great collection of art galleries and museums. It has the perfect blend of relaxing nature and the quirky city setup.
Take a free walking tour through the city after arriving to visit the main attractions and get your bearings as you get ready to dive in. You can stop by the Post Museum to learn about the evolution of the mail service to what it currently is. After a long day of touring Helsinki, you can hit the sauna or take a walk at the Sinebrychoff Park to relax and unwind. You can try local snacks at the coffee shops in the parks.
Europe has always been the epitome of history, culture, and art. The cities listed above offer the best of all three for anyone touring Europe. Be sure to set a sizable budget since most European cities can be quite expensive.
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