Nearly 538 million people visit Europe every year, and this number is only increasing. If you are going to become a part of this statistic, then you may be wondering which European cities you should visit.
Europe is full of many incredible and unique cities and landmarks, so there is truly something for everyone. Whether you want a city vibe or a tropical paradise, you can find a destination to suit your needs. Here are 8 cities you need to consider checking out during your vacation to Europe.
London
London is easily one of the most popular European cities. London is the capital of the United Kingdom and is full of iconic landmarks and rich history. You can check out popular sites such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace or go off the beaten path to take a stroll down Oxford Street or walk across Abbey Road.
London is one of the easiest cities in Europe to get around in. If you are up for a walk, you can get from place to place on foot. If not, then you can take the tube or hop on one of the iconic red buses.
Paris
No European vacation is complete without a trip to Paris. France is easily the most visited country in Europe, with over 217 million international visitors in 2019. This gorgeous city is known for its fashion, culture, artwork, and gastronomy.
Paris is home to landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. This beautiful city is also known for its cuisine, with dozens of Michelin Star restaurants that will leave your tastebuds very happy. Paris is beautiful any time of year, making it perfect for those who are taking a winter vacation in Europe.
Madrid
Although Barcelona is more popular among tourists, Madrid is a hidden gem in Spain. This capital city allows you to experience Spanish culture at its finest. Take in historical sites such as El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and the Temple of Debod and eat traditional Spanish food at one of the city’s hundreds of traditional restaurants.
If you are a sports fan, then Madrid is the place to be! If you schedule a trip during football (soccer) season, then consider catching a Real Madrid game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Dublin
Located on the east coast of Ireland, Dublin is the country’s capital city and home to just over 500,000 people. Dublin’s cobblestone streets will transport you back in time as you stop to grab a Guinness at a local pub or have a picnic at Phoenix Park.
Dublin has a rich religious history, so there is a lot to learn when visiting this city. You can check out many religious sites such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Christ Church Cathedral.
If you are interested in checking out more than just Dublin, then pick up a travel guide to Ireland and hit up all of the incredible sights that this country has to offer.
Amsterdam
When vacation planning, don’t skip out on Amsterdam. It is the most populous city in The Netherlands and is known for its extensive canal system. There are more than 160 canals in the city and over 1,700 bridges.
Although the official language in Amsterdam is Dutch, the city has many English speakers and is one of the most popular cities for American expats. Because of this, there are many American-owned businesses in the city.
Amsterdam has a wide variety of attractions including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and Vondelpark. The city is also home to the Anne Frank House, which has now been turned into a museum that you can visit. Make sure to get your tickets in advance as this is one of the city’s most popular attractions!
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is often one of the most overlooked cities, but your trip to Europe will be made better with a quick stop here. Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and has often been called “the happiest city in the world.” This beautiful city is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”
Copenhagen is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, so consider renting a bike during your stay. When in Copenhagen, don’t forget to check out iconic attractions such as Nyhavn, Copenhill, The Marble Church, and The Little Mermaid statue.
Berlin
Another popular city for American expats, Berlin is one of the most history-filled cities in Europe. Walking down the streets of Berlin is like walking back in time. Berlin embraces its history and still has many parts of the Berlin Wall standing throughout the city.
Most of the museums with the theme of World War II are free in Berlin in an effort to educate both the residents and the tourists of what happened during this time. In addition to its history, Berlin is known for being a hipster’s paradise, with many incredible thrift shops, record stores, and cool cafes.
Mykonos
If you are searching for a tropical destination, then give Mykonos a try. Mykonos is the island itself, while Mykonos Town is the capital of the island. Known as “The Island of the Winds,” Mykonos is widely recognized for its iconic white buildings and beautiful blue seas.
Looking out over the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Europe. This island is the most popular in the summertime and has a fun party vibe. If you prefer a quieter vacation, you may want to visit Mykonos in the off-season.
Plan Your Vacation to Europe Today
No matter what your vacation goals are, Europe has something for you. Any one of these cities will provide you with friendly people, amazing attractions, and delicious food. Don’t hesitate and start planning your vacation to Europe today.
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