25 Best Places to Visit in Europe - Travel Europe

25 Best Places to Visit in Europe - Travel Europe

Although it is the world’s second-smallest continent, Europe welcomes more than half, of all the tourists worldwide.,In fact, 7 of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations., It’s easy to see why; a well-preserved cultural heritage, rich history, safety and efficient, infrastructure makes visiting Europe a breeze., Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Europe


Number 25.,Vienna.

As the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire,
Vienna is awash with impressive imperial buildings, and palaces, which so
comprehensively convey the wealth and power of its former monarchs.,Now the capital of Austria, the city is a
delight to get lost in.,Nicknamed ‘the City of Music’,
the names of its famous residents roll off the tongue, with Mozart, Beethoven,
and Schubert among those who once graced its streets.,


Number 24., Stonehenge.


You have to marvel at the determination of prehistoric man when you look at Stonehenge.,
Construction started about 3000 BC on what was originally burial grounds.
,Huge monoliths,
weighing 25 tons, were dragged 150 miles to the site a few hundred years,later.
, It’s not known exactly how many humungous rocks were moved to a field near
Amesbury,but there are 13 standing today.,
It’s also not known why Stonehenge was built, but many believe this great
English landmark, is associated with early astrology.,


Number 23.,Matterhorn.


Egypt may have its pyramids, but Italy and Switzerland has a nature-made pyramid of,
their own: the Matterhorn.,At 14,692 feet high, this famous mountain is one of the highest in Europe.,
The mountain has four faces, each equally rugged.
,The legendary mountain has been popular with climbers since the first ascent in 1865;
during,the summer 150 people a day try to climb it.,
Couch potatoes may be just as happy to stay below and gaze in awe at the summit playing,
hide and seek with the clouds.,


Number 22.,Plitvice 


Lakes.,The Plitvice Lakes are so pretty, officials turned them into a national park.,
Located in central Croatia, Plitvice Lakes consists of 16 lakes that attract more than, a million visitors
a year.,The lakes are surrounded by lush forests and connected by waterfalls cascading down from,
one lake to another., The lakes are divided into two sections, lower and upper,
because of the difference in elevation.,The best way to see the lakes is walking; on the route,
you might even see some wildlife.,


Number 21., Budapest.,


Budapest was already an established city when the Hungarians took over in the ninth century.,Today,
Budapest is the country’s capital and largest city., In between these two events,
Budapest was ruled by the Mongols and Ottomans, among others.,Considered one of
the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is home to the Museum,of Fine Arts with its collection of
more than 100,000 works.,Be sure to visit the centrally located OldTown with its many museums,
churches, palaces, and Parliament building.,


Number 20.,Lisbon.,


The Portuguese capital of Lisbon lies on the Tagus River along the Atlantic coast.,It is this location tha
t encouraged explorers to sail far and wide around the world in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.,
One of the things you’ll want to see is Belem Tower, a 16th century fortress on the Tagus’ north bank.,
If you’re looking for good views of old Lisbon, head to Saint George Castle that was, built on a hilltop
by the Moors.,


Number 19.,Gullfoss,


You probably don’t know too many people who’ve been to Iceland.,But it may be worth a trip there
to visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls., Located in southern Iceland, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s
top tourist attractions., At times it almost appears glacier-like, appropriate, perhaps, since it is fed by
a glacier.,The waterfalls begin just after the Ölfusá River makes a perpendicular turn and then,
cascades down a three-step staircase into a canyon that is 115 feet deep.,


Number 18., Athens, Athens, 


a city that’s been inhabited since the fifth century BC, gave the world the concept,of democracy and
is the birthplace of Western civilization.,Many of the city’s major landmarks can be found in
the old town, particularly around,the Acropolis., The list includes the temple of Zeus; the Theatre of
Dionysus where Sophocles works, were performed and the Parthenon, which sits atop the Acropolis.
,


Number 17.,Bay of Kotor,


When you’re hungry for breathtaking scenery, feast your eyes on Kotor Bay in southwestern,
Montenegro., This bay off the Adriatic is just downright picturesque: hemmed in by mountains, with,
quaint villages sandwiched between the cliffs and the gorgeous blue water.,Several well-preserved
medieval towns ring the bay., People make pilgrimages here, not only to take in the scenery but also
to visit the, many Orthodox and Christian churches spread among the villages.,


Number 16., Moscow,


For nearly 900 years, Moscow has been the capital of Russia.,As such, this old city has plenty to offer
visitors., Let’s start with the 15th century Red Square since many of the city’s key attractions, surround
it.,A top landmark is the Kremlin, a former fortress that houses museums and the president of the,
Russian federation., Lenin’s Tomb sits in the middle of the square, while the iconic onion-domed St.
Basil’s, Cathedral, now a museum, is on one side.,


Number 15., Venice, Venice 


is for romantics who love gliding through the Grand Canal with a gondolier singing Italian, love songs.
,This is, after all, the city that sent Marco Polo off on his journey to China., Start your exploration of
Venice at San Marco Square, the city’s most famous square.,Here you’ll find the Doge’s Palace,
the seat of Venetian government, and St. Mark’s, Basilica, the main church in Venice with stunning
views from the tower., Venice also is famous for its bridges across the canals.,


Number 14., Monte Carlo 


If you’re into glitz and glamour, look no further than Monte Carlo, the major city in, the tiny principality
of Monaco., Monaco has always been known for these qualities which reached new heights when its
prince, made Grace Kelly his princess., Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean,
Monte Carlo is known for fast car races and, its elite casino.,Take a walk along the harbor to see
yachts that belong to the rich and famous.,


Number 13.,Alhambra,


The Alhambra is one of the great wonders of Spain.,It’s a gorgeous palace-fortress complex
that can be found in Granada in southern Spain’s, Andalusia province.,This imposing complex
started out as a small fortress in the late ninth century, though,it was built on the ruins of a former
Roman fortress., Taken over by Christian rulers, it is the site where Columbus got the go-ahead to
discover, the New World.,The blending of architectural styles over the centuries is stunning.
, You’ll find great art and grand gardens throughout.,


Number 12.,,Florence


If it weren’t for Florence, the Renaissance might not have happened., Florence is generally credited
with bringing Europe out of the dark ages with great artists, like Michelangelo.,You can see their
works at the Uffizi gallery, or the Academia that displays the original, David.,Eat a gelato while
strolling the Ponte Vecchio that bridges the Arno River., Ogle the over-the-top riches of the Medici
family at the Pitti Palace., Marvel at the early engineering that created the great Duomo.,
This is Florence at its best.,


Number 11.,London.,


English history buffs will have a field day in London.,This city on the Thames is chock full of palaces,
from Buckingham Palace to Hampton Court Palace, More a prison than a palace, the Tower of Londo
n is home to the crowns jewels., And from Knightsbridge – don’t forget to visit the magnificent food
halls at Harrods,– to Carnaby Street, the shopping is awesome.,You can get around London quickly
and efficiently by riding the famous Tube.,


Number 10.,Neuschwanstein Castle.


“Fairy tale castle” is a phrase that aptly describes Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian, Alps.,This
19th century Romanesque Revival castles look like it just stepped out of a fairy, tale; some say
Neuschwanstein provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping, Beauty.,The castle
was built as a retreat for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who viewed it as a romanticization, of the Middle
Ages The castle was built of brick, then covered in rock, including the, white limestone that is visible
from afar.,


Number 9.,Amsterdam.,


Amsterdam is a pleasant city marked with meandering canals lined with tall, narrow row houses.,
It is the city where Anne Frank kept her famous diary, so visiting the house where she wrote, is a
must.,This “Venice of the North” also is a city of great art, beginning with the Rijksmuseum,, home to
great European masterpieces; Rembrandt’s house and the more modern van Gogh museum.,Take a
break from sightseeing to tour and sample Holland’s beer at the Heineken Brewery.

Number 8.,Prague.,Prague, 

with a long history of war and destruction, is considered one of the best places to visit,in Europe.,
Despite the devastation caused by World War II, Prague has a very nice Old Town that is worth, mo
re than a few hours of your time.,Prague has many pedestrian zones, which makes walking a delight,
as you wander by Prague, Castle, through the Jewish Quarter and over the Charles Bridge.
,Wenceslas Square, situated in the New Town, hums with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment,air.,


Number 7.,Istanbul.,


Istanbul may be on the outer fringes of Europe but well worth a visit when you’re traveling, abroad.,
Turkey’s biggest city is a fascinating place, filled with a rich history, colorful markets, and mosques.
,Top attractions include the Bosporus that separates Europe and Asia; the ecumenical, Hagia Sophia
that’s been a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque, and now a museum, and
the 15th century Topkapi Palace, also a museum today., Get in a little shopping at the Grand Bazaar
that’s been in operation since 1461.,


Number 6.,Geirangerfjord.,


When the summer heat of Europe gets you down, head to Norway with its pretty cool scenery.,
Geirangerfjord is a 9.3-mile long fjord with crystal blue waters fed by picturesque cascading,
waterfalls., Take a sightseeing trip on a car ferry through the fjord, passing villages on the shores.
,Look out for the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls so named because legend says he’s, trying to
court the sisters.,Also, look for Bridal Veil – when the light is right, it looks like a thin veil covering,
the rocks.,


Number 5.,Barcelona.,



Founded by the Romans, Barcelona today is a bustling city on the M
diterranean Sea.,As the capital
of Catalonia, it is a powerhouse in the region.,It is perhaps best known for the unusual buildings
designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi.,These landmark structures include La Sagrada Familia, a
church that’s been under construction, since 1892.,You could build your entire visit around his bu
ildings, but then you’d miss out on other, Barcelona delights, such as La Rambla, a popular pedestrian
street in the central part of the, city.,


Number 4.,Dubrovnik.,


As European cities go, Dubrovnik isn’t very big, but don’t let its size deter you.,This little jewel, with
less than 43,000 people, is one of the most visited cities on the Mediterranean.,Dubrovnik transports
visitors back to a time the Mediterranean.,As you wander the streets, you’ll likely come across sculpture
s of St. Vinho, the city’s, patron saint whose life is celebrated every February.

Number 3.,Santorini.,


When it’s time to sit back and relax, take yourself to Santorini, an island in the, Aegean.,Top travel
magazines consider this a prime destination; once there, you can’t help, but agree., The island has
picture-postcard villages, an active volcano, and stunning sunsets.,Be sure to visit Fira, a village
perched atop a cliff.,You’ll also want to sample wines, such as the dessert wine Vincent as well as
the produce, that is made sweeter and tastier because of the volcanic ash soil it grows in.,


Number 2.,Paris,


Songs laud Paris in the springtime, but any time of year is a good time to visit this, riveting city on
the River Seine., It’s a city loaded to the brim with history, culture, great food, and high fashion.,
The iconic Eiffel Tower is one landmark you won’t want to miss.,The Louvre houses one of the
greatest art collections in the world., Its great churches include Sacred Heart and Notre Dame.,
When it comes to opulence, there’s Versailles with its famed Hall of Mirrors.,

Number 1.,Rome,


The ancient Romans established outposts as far away as Great Britain.,They didn’t ignore their home
city, however, when it came to building great monuments.,One must-see landmark is the Colosseum,
an arena that could hold up to 80,000 people, for gladiator contests.,One of the biggest draws is a
tiny country inside the city: The Vatican City, with its, impressive St. Peter’s Basilica with art provided
by Michelangelo., Maybe you’ll get a glimpse of the pope at his Wednesday audiences.

Post a Comment

0 Comments