10 Places to Visit in Europe Once in Your Lifetime
Europe is the first thing that probably strikes the mind of every travel fanatic whenever they think of cross-border vacations. From breathtaking landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris to insanely beautiful Santorini in Greece, Europe has everything for relief-seeking travelers. And even if you don’t have a peripatetic heart, fleeing to the continent at least once in a lifetime would surely be the best decision of your life. Reason – the majestic and thrilling beauty of Europe will bewitch you to such an extent that you won’t wish for a return.
So, before you embark on astral travel (we don’t wish you do that soon), pack your suitcase and set off for a European vacay. Here is a list of places in Europe you must visit in this lifetime:
#1 London, UK
If you are a highbrow individual, you are well familiar with what this amazing two-millennia-old city has got to offer you. From the opulent architectural structures like the Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to the avant-garde Tate, the eclectic city of dreams is nothing short of frenzy. Explore the world-class palaces and castles, enjoy a musical in the West End theater, and relish cultural cuisine at Oxford Street. Don’t forget to invigorate your mind by booking a ticket to Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Madame Tussauds London.
Top Attractions: Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds London, Tower Bridge, Tower Of London, British Museum, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, The National Gallery, and Victoria & Albert Museum
Best Time to Visit: March to Early June and September to November
Image Credit: unsplash
#2 Paris, France
Paris, also known as La Ville Lumière aka the ‘City of Light’, is highly regarded for its enthralling monuments, bustling museums and galleries, chic fashion, and renowned cuisine. Its streets are overflowing with beauty, ingenious history, art, and culture so make sure to embrace everything as you head to the world’s most romantic city. Witness the iconic Eiffel Tower, explore Louvre Museum, and seek blessings at Notre Dame Cathedral. Admire exotic flora at the Luxembourg Gardens and amazing terraces at the Château de Versailles. Shopping fanatics can head to Les Galeries LaFayette while foodies can relish decadent croissants alongside hearty espresso at a sidewalk cafe. Don’t forget to cruise on the Seine and visit the white-domed Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Top Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, Palais Garnier, Musée d’Orsay, The Château de Versailles, and Luxembourg Gardens
Best Time to Visit: June to August and September-October
Image Credit: pexels
#3 Rome, Italy
Reigned as the center of the Roman Empire for several millennia, Rome is the Eternal City for a reason. Its age-old architecture and rich history showcase some of the most iconic sights at every turn as you discover the stunning alleys of Italy’s capital. Head to Rome to have a glimpse of the Colosseum, The Pantheon, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica. You can also start your day at Piazza Navona before heading to Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum and then splurging at Campo de’ Fiori Market. And don’t forget about the majestic Vatican City that has awe-inspiring cultural sights and historic gems.
Top Attractions: The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine, The Pantheon, Vatican City, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Santa Maria Maggiore, and Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September-October
Image Credit: istockphoto
#4 Florence, Italy
Florence located in the Tuscany region of Italy is home to the world’s most renowned art galleries. Besides satiating the souls of art lovers, the metropolitan city can effortlessly delight history explorers and food lovers. Visit the top-notch museums including The Uffizi, Accademia Gallery, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, and Galleria Palatina. Encounter The Gates Of Paradise, walk across the medieval bridge of Ponte Vecchio, and ascend to the top of Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Don’t end the trip without dining at Mercato Centrale that has everything to satisfy your hunger pangs.
Top Attractions: The Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, The Gates Of Paradise, Ponte Vecchio, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Battistero di San Giovanni, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, and Piazza Del Duomo
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Image Credit: cntraveler
#5 Santorini, Greece
Hailed as the most popular and aesthetically appealing Greek island, Santorini has got all – from dramatic sunsets and relaxing beaches to picturesque villages. Not to mention, its very own active volcano that makes it an inviting place in the eyes of travel buffs. Spend the day at a colorful beach, indulge in an exotic boat excursion, watch the sunset, and taste decadent Mediterranean cuisine. Make sure to capture quintessential village scenes and white-washed architecture for Instagram-worthy clicks.
Top Attractions: Firá, Oia, Caldera, Red Beach, Perívolos, Kamari beach, Akrotíri Archaeological Site, Períssa, Ancient Thira, Santo Wines, and Paralia Vlichada
Best Time to Visit: April to May and September-October
Image Credit: hotels.com
#6 Venice, Italy
Venice, fondly known as the ‘The floating City’ and the ‘City of Canals’ is Italy’s forever-feisty city with staggering picturesque settings. With its gorgeous bridges, breathtaking architecture, striking canals, and exciting gondola rides, travelers find it easy to douse in sheer charisma. Get, set and explore Doge’s Palace, stroll across Rialto Bridge, and satiate your spiritual soul at St. Mark’s Basilica. St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, Bridge of Sighs, Burano, Gallerie dell’Accademia, and Piazza San Marco are other iconic sights that will leave you impressed.
Top Attractions: Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica. St. Mark’s Square, Gallerie dell’Accademia, Bridge of Sighs, Burano, and Piazza San Marco
Best Time to Visit: April-May, and September-October
#7 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Whether it’s an enchanting canal ride, extensive museum, or 17th-century architecture, you are sure to get smitten by the capital city of the Netherlands. Begin the day by appreciating stunning art at Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum before planning a picnic in Vondelpark. Book a boat tour in the afternoon and then head toward the streets of Jordaan before dining at Dam Square.
Top Attractions: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Jordaan, Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Rembrandt House Museum, The National Monument, and The Begijnhof Chapel
Best Time to Visit: April-May and September to November
Image Credit: unsplash
#8 Prague, Czech Republic
With its Gothic cathedrals, well-preserved castles, centuries-old palaces, and medieval squares, Prague is surely a cultural delight in its own right. Your trip to the cultural city is incomplete without a visit to Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Town Square, and Charles Bridge. Art lovers can check out exclusive art galleries at the National Museum on Wenceslas Square and also the Old Town Square’s Prague National Gallery. Don’t forget to shop for designer clothes at Pařížská Street and buy souvenirs from Golden Lane. And make sure you step into the dreamy nightlife scenes at Nove Mesto.
Top Attractions: Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, National Museum, The Astronomical Clock, Prague Zoo, Old Town Hall, and Tyn Church
Best Time to Visit: May-June and September to November
Image credit: unsplash
#9 Dublin, Ireland
The geniality and amiability of Ireland’s most populous city won’t let you think for a second that you are a solo traveler. Aside from Dublin’s striking infrastructure and lush greenery, you are sure to laud its culinary delights. The city is home to Croke Park stadium, The Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Dublin Castle. Dublin also has a plethora of free museums and city parks you can add to your list of itineraries.
Top Attractions: Croke Park stadium, The Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Dublin, Dublin Castle, and The National Museum of Ireland
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Image credit: benchmarkholidays
#10 Barcelona, Spain
Spain’s Barcelona has an architecture that is beyond impressive. Some ethereal structures like Barri Gòtic, Casa Milà, Basilica de la Sagrada Família, Palau de la Música Catalana, and Park Güell epitomize both medieval and contemporary architecture. After cherishing the beauty of these architectural gems, you can relax on La Barceloneta beach or relish local cuisine at Boqueria Market. In the evening, don’t miss the spectacular Magic Fountain of Montjuïc that will surely delight you no matter your age. Barcelona also has a cornucopia of alleys bustling with pedestrian markets, cafes, restaurants, and clubs you can visit to soak up the cosmopolitan city’s cheerful vibe.
Top Attractions: Barri Gòtic, Casa Milà, Basilica de la Sagrada Família, The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Palau de la Música Catalana, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and Mercat de la Boqueria
Best Time to Visit: May to June
Image credit: unsplash
So, load your suitcase, get your tickets sorted, and kick start your European vacation. You are sure to have a bewildering experience at these loveliest holiday destinations.
