Are you thinking of taking off this year to discover adventure, culture, and cuisine? There are plenty of destinations that cater to all of the above. But perhaps no region of the globe offers all these amenities in one place to visit, like Europe.
Europe offers countless tourism opportunities––and best of all, a comprehensive continental rail system allows for simple, stress-free travel between many destinations on our list. There has never been a better time to explore the beauty of Europe’s prime locales. Here is our list of the ten must-see European getaways.
Population: 11.2 million
Currency: Euro
In 2023, nearly 50 million people visited Paris––and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. The City of Lights is magical for many reasons and is home to the 2024 Summer Olympics. Still, some of the biggest draws include climbing the iconic Eiffel Tower, taking in the architectural splendor of the Arc de Triomphe, or strolling along the Seine. Submerse yourself in the works of art inside the Louvre or get lost in the charming streets of Montmartre, then waltz through the Jardin du Luxembourg, the city's outdoor green space.
Population: 160,000
Currency: Euro
Mixing ancient history with old-world charm, Split, Croatia, is one of Europe's must-see hidden gems. With its relatively small size and population, exploring the area is a manageable endeavor with plenty of payoffs. See the massive Diocletian's Palace, a Roman emperor's retirement resort turned city center. Roam the narrow alleyways of the town center, many of which are lined with shops, cafes, and charming piazzas. For the adventurers, try climbing the St. Domnius Bell Tower for gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea, or relax on Bačvice Beach or take a day trip to nearby islands.
Population: 712,000
Currency: Euro
There’s Italy, and then there’s Florence––a genuine Renaissance painting come to life. Experiencing the heart of the Tuscan region is a must for any visitor to Italy. Start by taking in the awe-inspiring gothic dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a marvel of 15th-century engineering, and follow it up with a view of the iconic Michelangelo's David. Then, head to the Uffizi Gallery and steal glimpses of Botticelli's Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo da Vinci.
Stroll the Ponte Vecchio, a fabulous bridge lined with gold shops, and sample Tuscan delicacies in one of many bustling piazzas.
Population: 6.7 million
Currency: Euro
The Spanish capital is alive and full of sights to see. Make the most of your visit by checking out the opulent Royal Palace or exploring artwork by Goya and Velázquez in the Prado Museum before ending with a stroll through the sprawling El Retiro Park, an expansive green space in the heart of the city. After working up an appetite, indulge in some tapas bar-hopping, savoring bite-sized delights alongside locals in lively squares before embracing the late-night buzz of nearby bars and restaurants.
Population: 1.2 million
Currency: Euro
Quaint doesn’t begin to cover it! Amsterdam's other-worldly beauty starts with its canals––probably the first thing that first-time visitors to the city will notice. Glide through the complex network of waterways to experience the best in architecture and design. Explore world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House, or embrace the Dutch way and hire a bicycle to tour through the city's flat lanes and arrive in Vondelpark, an impressive green space in the heart of the city center for a picnic of pancakes and other local fare.
Population: 1.1 million
Currency: Kroner
Oslo is a big city with small-town charm thanks to its beautiful fjords and traditional Nordic spirit. First-time visitors should try sailing the majestic Oslofjord to get a bird’s eye view of the city skyline from the water. Once back on land, explore ancient vessels at the Viking Ship Museum or familiarize yourself with contemporary art at the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Or take a hike through verdant Frogner Park before visiting the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump for even more panoramic views.
Population: 1.3 million
Currency: Euro
This gem of a city shimmers thanks to its wall-to-wall historic charm and renowned wine region. Visitors should start by scaling the Dom Luís I Bridge and heading towards the exciting Ribeira district to experience incredible dining, shopping, and entertainment. Then, take a trip to the São Francisco Church––a dazzling example of baroque extravagance––before descending into a port wine cellar to sip the sweet nectar that put Porto on the map.
Population: 1.3 million
Currency: Koruna
Prague always manages to enchant guests with its fairytale allure. Start your journey with a stroll along the iconic Charles Bridge towards Prague Castle, an impressive, centuries-old marvel stead that overlooks the city. Indulge in hearty Czech cuisine and raise a glass of the country's famous beer. Prague offers a rich blend of history, scenic beauty, and vibrant cultural experiences that need to be seen to be believed.
Population: 1.8 million
Currency: Euro
Explore the grandeur of Vienna with a trip to Schönbrunn Palace followed by a quick study of the city's musical legacy with a classical concert in one of the city’s squares––or, better yet, take a visit to Mozart's apartment. For art admirers, the style and design of masterpieces at the Kunsthistorisches Museum or Hundertwasserhaus are more than worth a visit. If strolling through town is more your thing, savor lovely pastries in a quiet café before clinking glasses of locally made Grüner Veltliner wine.
Population: 3.1 million
Currency: Euro
Athens is a history lover’s paradise––here, and travelers can walk in the footsteps of philosophers beneath the Acropolis, the crown jewel of ancient Greece, and then explore the architectural greatness that is the Parthenon while envisioning gladiator matches that once took place in the Panathenaic Stadium. Be sure also to check out the National Archaeological Museum and dig into some delicious Greek cuisine at one of the area’s thousands of local eateries or wander through the lively village of The Plaka.
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