Travelers of all ages and backgrounds are drawn to the vibrant cities of Europe year after year. The continent offers unparalleled access to historic architecture and rich food. Take convenient trains between countries or slow down on a river cruise. Explore castles, see museum exhibits and hike through the great outdoors. Plan your European adventure itinerary to pack in amazing experiences at a fun pace. Think about the top cities in Europe as you survey the map.
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Why Europe?
Before we jump into the cities, let’s talk about why Europe is so awesome. Picture this: old castles next to modern buildings, streets full of history and food that’ll make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s super easy to get around. You can hop on a train and be in a whole new country in just a few hours!
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The canals of Amsterdam are lined with restaurants, distinctive tall houses and locals on a variety of cool bicycles. The city is a popular spot for vacationers on European cruises or weekend visitors from the United Kingdom. View paintings by Dutch masters in local galleries and snack on tasty stroopwafels on city strolls. Hop on a boat tour to see the districts from the water.
Here’s what you can do:
- Take a boat ride through the canals.
- Visit the Anne Frank House to learn some important history.
- Check out amazing art at the Van Gogh Museum.
- Munch on delicious stroopwafels (sweet waffle cookies) as you explore.
Fun fact: There are more bikes in Amsterdam than people!
2. Istanbul, Turkey
View the impressive dome of the Aya Sofya Byzantine basilica in Istanbul. This historic city is filled with modern amenities and vibrant nightlife options. Walk through the Grand Bazaar and see the Topkapi Palace. Feel further away from the city while lounging on local beaches. It’s the only city in the world that sits on two continents – Europe and Asia!
- See the massive Hagia Sophia, which has been a church, a mosque and now a museum.
- Get lost (in a good way) in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets.
- Try Turkish delight and strong Turkish coffee.
- Take a cruise on the Bosphorus strait for amazing views of the city.
3. Seville, Spain
Seville is home to delicious Spanish tapas restaurants and traditional Andalucian festivals. Listen to distinctive guitar strumming as you walk through the historic town center and view Moorish architecture. Visit the Royal Alcazar palace, soaring cathedral and Giralda tower. Explore an array of pretty city parks and plazas. The weather is usually warm and the people are even warmer!
- Watch a flamenco show (or take a lesson if you’re brave!).
- Visit the Royal Alcazar, a palace that looks like it’s from a fairy tale.
- Climb the Giralda tower for a bird’s eye view of the city.
- Eat your way through tapas bars (small plates of food).
4. Berlin, Germany
Germany’s large city attracts visitors with it’s varied history and busy beer gardens. Berlin is a diverse city with museums, modern art galleries and easy access to public transit. View the historic Prussian Palace and the remains of the Berlin Wall. Take a walking tour with a local guide or hop on a city bike. Berlin is like the cool kid of Europe. It’s always reinventing itself, but it never forgets it’s past.
- See what’s left of the Berlin Wall and learn about it’s history.
- Visit Museum Island, home to five world-class museums.
- Relax in Tiergarten, Berlin’s version of Central Park.
- Try currywurst, a popular Berlin street food.
5. Rome, Italy
Rome has much to offer for all of it’s many annual visitors. See the Pantheon, the Colosseum, museums, fountains, galleries, gardens and markets. Head into Vatican City to see more historic art and architecture. Eat the best Italian food in the capital city and explore vineyards in the surrounding region. Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t see it all in a day, either! But don’t worry, we’ll hit the highlights.
- Stand in awe of the Colosseum, an ancient arena where gladiators fought.
- Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain (legend says it means you’ll return to Rome!).
- Explore the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world.
- Eat gelato. Lots of gelato.
6. Paris, France
Visit the city of light and love to soak in French food and culture. See art at the Louver, tour the palace of Versailles, climb the Eiffel Tower and enjoy local cafes. Take pictures at storied landmarks and savor rich cuisine in small restaurants. Enjoy luxury boutique shopping, vibrant street market stalls and walk through expansive parks.
Paris is like a dream come true for many travelers. It’s romantic, beautiful and full of amazing sights.
- See the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.
- Visit the Louvre to say hi to Mona Lisa.
- Walk along the Seine River.
- Enjoy a picnic in front of the Notre-Dame cathedral.
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
For an open-air vacation, fly into Reykjavik. Iceland is a great destination for outdoorsy travelers who relish hikes to the Northern Lights and the opportunity to soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. Visit hot springs and see wildlife like puffins and whales. Explore the capital city for a taste of local food and cultural heritage.
Reykjavik might be small, but it packs a big punch! It’s the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders.
- Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa.
- Try to spot the Northern Lights (in winter).
- Eat some interesting Icelandic food like fermented shark (if you dare!).
- Take a day trip to see waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes.
8. Budapest, Hungary
Visit Hungary’s capital city on the Danube river and explore both sides of historic Buda and Pest. See Buda Castle, Szechenyi, art museums, old monuments and copious examples of baroque architecture. Take a fun ride on the Children’s Railway and sample foods like chimney cake or filling goulash. Budapest is actually two cities in one – Buda on one side of the river and Pest on the other.
- Soak in one of the many thermal baths.
- Take a night cruise on the Danube to see the city all lit up.
- Visit the ruin bars, cool hangout spots in old, abandoned buildings.
- Try some hearty Hungarian goulash.
9. Dublin, Ireland
Enjoy a trip to Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. Take a tour of the famous Guinness Storehouse and sample the product at the end. Walk through Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Then go to the Dublin Writers Museum, the Natural History Museum, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Grab a pint at Temple Bar and stop into shops on Grafton Street. Dublin is known for it’s friendly people and lively atmosphere. It’s like one big party!
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn how the famous beer is made.
- Take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green.
- Listen to live music in the Temple Bar area.
- Visit Trinity College to see the beautiful Old Library.
10. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for it’s wealth of royal palaces and romance. Visit the home of the waltz and see a performance at the gorgeous opera house. Take children to the Prater amusement park in the city and explore the verdant canopy in Europe’s largest greenhouse. Make sure to try pastries, cakes and other culinary specialties. Vienna is classy, elegant and full of music. It’s been home to many famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
- Attend a classical music concert (there are many to choose from!)
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Habsburg rulers
- Try a slice of Sachertorte, a famous Viennese chocolate cake
- Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel in the Prater amusement park
Planning Your Trip
Now that you’re excited about all these amazing cities, here are some tips to help you plan:
- When to Go: Europe is great year-round, but here’s a quick guide:
- Summer (June-August): Busy but lots of festivals and great weather
- Fall (September-November): Fewer crowds, nice weather
- Winter (December-February): Christmas markets, skiing, but cold!
- Spring (March-May): Flowers blooming, mild weather
- Getting Around: Europe has a great train system. Consider getting a Eurail pass if you’re visiting multiple countries.
- Accommodation: From hostels to fancy hotels, there’s something for every budget. Try local B&Bs for a more authentic experience.
- Language: Don’t worry if you don’t speak the local language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. But learning a few basic phrases can go a long way!
- Money: Many countries use the Euro, but not all. Check before you go and inform your bank about your travel plans.
Here’s a handy table of some common phrases in different languages:
| English | French | German | Spanish | Italian |
| Hello | Bonjour | Hallo | Hola | Ciao |
| Thank you | Merci | Danke | Gracias | Grazie |
| Please | S’il vous plaît | Bitte | Por favor | Per favore |
| Cheers! | Santé! | Prost! | Salud! | Salute! |
Remember, the best part of traveling is making memories. So don’t stress if you can’t see everything. Take your time, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy your European adventure!
Step into your European adventure with confidence and make awesome memories on the journey.
