Building a list of the best places to visit in Europe is no easy feat. Europe after all is filled with iconic sites and dozens of fascinating cities, cultures, and regions, all of which have long and storied histories. The entire continent has a vibrancy and a life of its own that is unique to any other continent on Earth.
Europe might be the second smallest continent in the world, but it is more than generous when it comes to touristic options, which is also why it’s the most visited continent in the world by travelers. In fact, Europe’s compactness is what makes it so appealing to tourists. Unlike a trip to other countries or continents from which it’s harder to build a full itinerary of stops, a European vacation can easily hit multiple countries and dozens of famed cities and locations in mere days.
As such, we would like to present you with a list we have compiled of the best places to visit in Europe, based on a report compiled by TripAdvisor, to help you plan just such a European vacation. Experts at TripAdvisor took into account millions of reviews sent in by tourists from around the world and came up with a ranking of the most sought after hot spots on the continent.
Read on to discover what the best places to visit in Europe are and what they have to offer. And if you’re still not done with your desire to discover great tourist destinations after that, be sure to take a look at the 10 best places to visit in the US.
No. 6: Berlin, Germany
Berlin is the perfect mix of history, culture, technology, and last but not least, fashion. This modern city has managed to preserve a lot of its tradition and maintains its spot amongst the top destinations in Europe. While you’re there, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Berlin Wall, a landmark in world history.
No. 5: Rome, Italy
How could a countdown of the best places to visit in Europe not include Bella Italia? Although there are countless touristic cities across Italy, we encourage you to pay Rome a visit. It might be packed with tourists virtually all year round, but there’s a lot to do and see here. It is the perfect place for self-indulgence: countless museums, ancient ruins, open-air markets, and good food all around.
No. 4: London, United Kingdom
London is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and we ensure you that it is virtually impossible to get bored while visiting the British capital. If you’re more into culture, you can visit the Royal Opera House or the Tate Modern. If you’re looking for a little bit of shopping, Oxford Streets is more than enough to satisfy all of your needs. Finally, if you’re nostalgic for good music, definitely take a stroll down Abbey Road.
No. 3: Paris, France
Our countdown of the best places to visit in Europe would not have been complete without mentioning Paris. A popular touristic spot, Paris has a lot to offer: from attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre museum, to picture-perfect streets and mesmerizing architecture. Oh, and let’s not forget the great Parisian cuisine that is bound to delight your taste buds. Just be wary of the many skilled pickpockets that prowl around Paris’ tourist hotspots.
No. 2: Prague, Czech Republic
Few cities in Europe are as culturally rich as the Czech capital, Prague. After visiting the Prague Castle, which might take up a whole day, we suggest you stroll down to the Old Town section of the city for further sightseeing and cultural immersion. In the evening, you’re more than welcome to hit a local pub or restaurant and try the local cuisine, accompanied by a great selection of local wines.
No. 1: Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, the only city in the world to stretch across two continents, is the perfect blend between European and Asian culture, so it pretty much doesn’t get any better than this. Take a stroll down the city’s streets and discover its mesmerizing mosques, its product-filled bazaars, or relax yourself in one of the local hammams – or Turkish baths. There are a ton of touristic sights in the city, so taking a tour guide could be a good idea, although there are plenty of things to discover on your own as well.
