Cities In Europe You Need To Visit Before You Die
Travelling is like chicken soup for the soul. You find out about new cultures, meet a variety of people, all while trying to figure out who you are. Travelling is rediscovering the person you are.
Europe is a popular travel destination, but which places are exactly worth the hype?
Here is a list of cities in Europe you have to visit before you die:
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Harold and Kumar taught us all that weed is legal in Amsterdam. But, that’s not the only thing the city is known for. Forget about the large I heart Amsterdam sign or the uncensored side of the red light district. Amsterdam is the third largest city in Europe, close behind Paris and London.
With its beautiful architecture and green living (literally), there is so much to do. Countless museums and parks for one to learn new things and relax. It an incredibly clean and friendly city that one won’t be able to get away from.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
Lewis Capaldi would be proud to know you might be considering visiting Scotland. If you’re into hard to understand accents and amazing views, then Edinburgh is your calling.
It has beautiful landscapes and sometimes identical buildings that look like they’re from the Victorian era (you know what, they just might be). You can walk to a lot of places and never get bored. There is always something to do. During Summer, it doesn’t even get too hot!
If you ever find yourself in Edinburgh, visit the Castle and attend the Scotch Whiskey Experience.
3. Bucharest, Romania
Stop thinking about Dracula, because there’s more to Romania than a fictitious vampire.
There is so much to see in Romania, from the beautiful mountains to the vast seaside. But, we picked the capital to entertain you. Not only that, but train journeys will get you to cities surrounding Bucharest quickly!
Visit the Old Town of Bucharest, where some of the best nightlife in Europe can be found there. Clubs, pubs and lounges surrounding every building, waiting to be picked by you! Not only was Bucharest known as ‘Little Paris’, you can observe the similarities yourself from the architecture to the replica ‘Arc De Triomphe’.
4. Rome, Italy
Almost every city in Italy has to be visited before death, and probably most of them will be mentioned. But, for now, we’ll start of with the capital: Rome.
Even though Paris is known as the city of love, Rome is a very close second. With all the ancient architecture still standing from the Roman era, or the Trevi fountain sculpted in the 18th Century, Rome is a walking History tour.
Experience authentic pizza and taste freshly brewed espresso like they do nowhere else. Visit the places that locals go to, not tourists, and then you will truly experience the real Rome.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Have you ever wanted to taste the best beer in the world? Forget about Germany, because the Czechs claim that they have the best beer, so what better way to test this theory than by drinking beer in Prague?
With the Gothic churches and colorful baroque buildings, like Bucharest, Prague is also known for its Old Town Square which is the heart of its historic core.
A city that people don’t usually consider when going on holiday, Prague has a lot of locations that would impress anyone, especially a so-called ‘Dancing House’ which is a modern curved building that offers city views at the top of it.
6. Paris, France
Ah, Paris, je t’aime tellement.
You can certainly go to Paris for Disneyland, or the Eiffel Tower, but you will end up staying for the delicious macaroons and the early morning brewed coffee and the alleyways that lead somewhere new every time.
Paris is a city that you want to spend the rest of your life in, because no one really ever wants to leave. It’s one of the cities in Europe that has so much happening in it. Paris Fashion Week to celebrities finding themselves in the heart of France every time.
It’s also the legendary home of Moulin Rouge!
7. Venice, Italy
No roads! Unbelievably precious, Venice has no roads and no cars, just canals. Most of the transportation is done by walking or by getting on a gondola.
It’s a quaint and exciting city with large, picturesque buildings such as Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Square which is the main of the city.
It’s a wonderful City if you’re looking for a quick getaway where no one knows you and you just need a little breather. Beautiful hotels and delicious meals, it will be difficult saying goodbye.
8. Vienna, Austria
Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud all found themselves in the heart of Austria at least once in their lives. Becoming a resident is easy. Leaving forever is the hard part.
The Vienna State Opera is open to people looking to attend tours if you don’t catch a show when you’re there. It’s worth seeing, with it’s beautiful decorations and high ceilings. If Opera isn’t your cup of tea, make sure to visit the Hunderwasser House where a roof forest is found on the top of the apartment block.
For light fun and entertainment, visit the House of Music which is a interactive sound museum in which you get to explore music science, art and history.
9. Milan, Italy
If you’re feeling a little fancier than usual or particularly posh one day, visit Milan which, as most people know, is the capital of fashion and design. High-end restaurants to appeal to your taste buds and expensive shops to rob you of your money. But then again, treat yourself!
The Duomo di Milano is the gothic cathedral most Instagram shots happen when you’re in Milan due to its beautiful architecture and artworks.
Also, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is housed in Milan so you can get to see the authentic mural in real life.
10. Istanbul, Turkey
The one city in the world that is in two continents, Istanbul is technically still in Europe. And if you ever find yourself bored in Europe, you simply cross to the other side of Istanbul where you’ll find yourself in Asia.
What’s amazing about Istanbul is that there is so much history and art embedded in the city itself that you always have something to look forward to. The locals are nice and welcoming, too!
Visit the Grand Bazaar for amazing gift ideas and authentic spices for some laid back shopping. Go to the Basilica Cistern for some history and art or take a boat tour around the Bosporus to enjoy the rays and houses along the water.
11. Lisbon, Portugal
One of the most colorful cities in Europe, Lisbon is hilly and and coastal so you get to pick which scenery is your type of thing! Houses are usually different colors and it’s a hot temperature, especially in Summer.
The Praca do Comercio is a beautiful square lined with shops and cafes, where the waterside public plaza also holds a notable arch. Or if you’re interested in an arch with views, visit the Arco da Rua Augusta which is a ornate triumphal arch with sculpted figures! With views over the whole city when you’re at the viewing platform, too.
12. Santorini, Greece
Santorini, a city out of a fairytale, is one of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea. The volcanic eruption that devastated the place in the 16th Century BC is what shaped its rugged legendary landscaping.
You can visit the Ancient Thera witch is an ancient mountaintop city with ruins. But if sightseeing isn’t what you’re interested in, then Santorini is definitely one of the cities in Europe that you can go to in order to have a relaxing few days off.
Sun bathe, have a few cocktails, attend beach parties and let your worries wash away.
13. Florence, Italy
Yes, a lot of cities in Europe on this list are mainly made of cities in Italy. However, Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, so it doesn’t really count.
Visit The Galleria dell’Accademia to have a first-hand look at Michelangelo’s ‘David’, whereas The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’.
Florence is one of the many cities in Europe brimming with history, art and knowledge.
14. Barcelona, Spain
Antoni Gaudi’s designs are all over the city of Spain, such as the fantastical Sagrada Familia church.
Barcelona has beaches, modernist landmarks and amazing restaurants. Visit the La Rambla which is a famed tree-lined pedestrian walkway known for its historic buildings, shops and sometimes even festivals!
The Aquarium in Barcelona even allows people to scuba dive with sharks if you’re ever looking to impress your friends.
15. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen holds its own Jazz Festival in July, so most tourists go during May-August, when it’s not too hot, either. In August, there is a festival called Kulturhavn which brings dance, music and more to the city’s harbor. Also in August is the Copenhagen Cooking which features master chefs and outdoor food stalls.
Of course, during winter, Copenhagen is cold and dark, however outdoor Christmas markets are sure to light up the city.
Make sure to visit The Little Mermaid statue which is an iconic landmark and to take a picture in front of every colorful house you see (there are a lot).
