Known For : The Colosseum Vatican Museums Roman Forum
The capital of Italy, Rome is a multifaceted metropolis steeped in a rich history of culture. Located on the central western side of the Italian peninsula, the city was founded on the shores of the river Tiber and has an independent country, the Vatican City, within its borders. The city occupies a central position in Western history, as is populated with nearly as many historical and cultural attractions as it has people. Capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman empire, the city has since become the 14th-most visited country in the world and a UNESCO Heritage site. This is one of the best places to visit in Europe to see the power and might of the erstwhile Roman empire in the ruins of the Colosseum or revel in the architectural finery at Palatine Hill.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Tower of London British Museum London Eye
Standing on the Thames River, London is the capital of England as well as the most populous city in Great Britain. The city is a confluence of the old and the new and is one of the most important tourist destinations in the entire world. It is a city with numerous attractions of all sorts including great architecture and heritage. London is made of two ancient cities which are now merged together to form the capital. The two cities are The city of London and the City of Westminster. Together, they are known as Greater London. London attracts over 15.3 million international tourists in a year. The numerous attractions in the city like the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster's Abbey and Nelson's Column attract a large number of visitors.
Best Time: April to September
Known For : Eiffel Tower The Louvre Notre Dame
Bonjour Mon Ami! Paris needs no formal introduction - synonymous with culture, architecture, food and fashion. That je ne sais quoi of the French capital makes it the dream destination for many. So would you want to leave Paris 'Before Sunset' or would you take our word and spend a 'Midnight in Paris'?! The mesmerizing wrought-iron spire of the Eiffel Tower piercing the skyline, the Arc de Triomphe guarding the most glamorous avenue, the Champs Elysees, the regal Notre Dame cathedral, lamp lit bridges spanning the Seine and art nouveau cafes spilling onto wicker-chair-lined terraces. At the forefront of international trends, chic designer boutiques, vintage shops, flagship haute couture stores and flea markets - redefining style, elegance and class. Paris is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Best Time: June to August
Known For : St. Mark's Square Grand Canal St. Mark's Basilica
A city located in northeast Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is known for its beautiful settings, artwork and a predominantly Venetian Gothic architecture. Equal measures of romance and culture make this city beautiful and breathtaking. This place is like nothing you imagined, even if you have seen it in movies and photos, it is totally dreamlike! Water shimmers everywhere in this breathtaking city, with canals where the streets should be. Unrelentingly romantic and beautifully chaotic, Venice is a land of art, history, magic, tradition and diversity. The palaces and churches reflect the glorious past of a place that was once a wealthy trading centre. Getting lost in the alleys of Venice is a part of the experience and the most magical way of uncovering this city.
Best Time: April to November
Known For : Galleria dellāAccademia The Ufizzi Gallery Ponte Vecchio
Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and the Metropolitan City of Florence. This city is endowed with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Located between Piedmont and the Coastal Regions of South Carolina, this is the largest city in the North-east part of South Carolina. The Arno river flows through this city. The township in Florence was initially established as a terminal for railroads. The place to visit in Europe boasts of wonderful theatrical performances, ballet company, and much such art and heritage and simultaneously preserves the comfort of close-knit townships with parks and streets lined with trees. The hospitable nature of the people of the South and soothing beauty makes it a must-visit location for the tourists visiting Italy.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Watch Sunset at Oia Hike from Fira to Oia Skaros Rock
Santorini is a volcano island just 200 km away from mainland Greece. The place was formed after a large volcanic eruption that created a caldera. Santorini is famous for its amazing views, beautiful sunsets, destination weddings, and an active volcano. The white beach, red beach, and black pebble beach in Kamari are some places which should not be missed. The major settlements on the island include Fira (Phira), Oia, Emporio, Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Therasia. Akrotiri is a major archaeological site, with ruins from the Minoan era. Santorini was ranked as the world's best island by many magazines and travel sites, including the Travel+Leisure Magazine, the BBC, US News, and TripAdvisor.
Best Time: Apr-Oct
Located in Eastern Europe, Croatia is a coastal country that is not only beautiful to look at but also offers a variety of things to do for tourists. There is history interspersed with architecture, great opportunities for swimming, Balkan wine, some of the best seafood and more. The most regularly visited cities here are Dubrovnik and Zagreb, it's capital. It also encompasses several islands that are breathtakingly beautiful. In a nutshell, this one of the best places to visit in Europe and offers pretty much everything under the sun for a great vacation.
Known For : Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum Vondelpark
The capital city of Netherlands probably has one of the most chilled out vibes across all cities of Europe. If you're travelling to Amsterdam, rest assured, it's going to be one of your most wonderful experiences. The city has everything, from bustling nightlife to picnic parks, to some spectacular museums. You're going to find yourself spoilt for choice! Ditch everything and rent a bike, have a picnic in the Vondelpark, go shopping in the streets of Jordaan, cruise in Amsterdam's picturesque canals, eat popular street foods such as the herring at the herring carts, visit the historical house of Anne Frank, or go beer tasting at de Goyer's Brouwerij 'Tij (and the tons of microbreweries on offer throughout the city). Amsterdam is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Best Time: March to October
Known For : Sagrada Familia Las Ramblas Park Guell
Hans Christian Anderson described Barcelona as the "Paris of Spain" because of its resemblance to the French atmosphere. The city has a beautiful charm and a rich cultural significance. It is the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain and the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona is a gateway to a few of the best tourists spots in the entire world like Costa Brava, Tarragona and Costa Dorada. Barcelona is also the chocolate producing centre for Spain. This city has everything that a European city is famous for- markets, restaurants, museums, churches and shops making it one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Best Time: May to August
Known For : St. Stephen's Basilica Fisherman's Bastion Budapest Thermal Baths
Budapest also called the 'Little Paris' of Middle Europe, is the largest city in Hungary. Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, has a diverse range of tourist attractions, from museums, galleries, churches and synagogues to ruin pubs, thermal baths and spas. Budapest has a rich culture and history which makes you want to know more about it. The place to visit in Europe offers a range of things to do for all kinds of people; from things to do for the history enthusiasts to things to do for the food enthusiasts and party enthusiasts. Parks, majestic synagogues, intriguing museums, churches, islands and thermal baths, Budapest has it all. You might love Budapest for different reasons, but you definitely will love Budapest.
Best Time: March to May & September to November
Known For : Prague Castle Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) The Clementinum and the National Library
Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe and even the world, Prague is a city of rich history, remarkable architecture and rustic cobblestoned streets. Packed with tourist attractions, old-school cafes and lots of beer, Prague is the place for those who enjoy culture, serenity and history. Often tagged as 'the City of a Hundred Spires', the city's skyline is dotted with historical domed structures and plenty of remarkable medieval church spires. The historical centre of Prague, a total area of 866 hectares was declared as the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register in 1992 and thus drawing tourists in large number from all around the globe. With art spilling all around, aroma of delicious food and drinks wafting off the cafes, the strings of classical music vibrating through the air, Prague will enchant you with its beauty.
Best Time: April to October
Known For : Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Old Town Holyrood Palace
The capital city of Scotland, Edinburg is located in the Central Belt region of the country. The city is a combination of both ancient and modern atmosphere and is divided into two segments: the Old town and the Georgian New City. Edinburgh is now a city of festivals and entertainment. It is also a great place for education. One may either get lost in the alleyways of the Old Town and the castle or admire the Georgian Splendour of the New town and the Calton Hill. Food lovers, this is a paradise for you all. You can get the best modern food cooked using the finest Scottish Ingredients. The backdrop of the city is Arthur's Seat and the Pentland Hills and it makes the city look even more beautiful. Overall, Scotland is easily one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Best Time: May to August
Known For : El Retiro Park Museo del Prado Royal Palace of Madrid
The capital city of Spain, Madrid is most popular for its cultural and artistic heritage. It also has the liveliest nightlife in the world. It is a cosmopolitan city which is the main centre of business as well as the seat of the government. It is also the political centre of Spain. Madrid provides many resorts, leisure facilities and some of the best restaurants in Spain. It is also a great place for shopping, theatre, opera, museums, parks and more. The international airport of Madrid has three terminals and is the busiest airport in Spain. It is an amazing place for the children as well as there are numerous theme parks, excursions and zoos to keep them occupied. It is also one of the best places to visit in Europe to spend some romantic evenings in the stunning gardens and parks that provide tranquillity.
Best Time: March to early October
Known For : Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Grand Bazaar
Although not the official capital of Turkey, Istanbul is still very much the heart of all activities of the country. It is Turkey's largest and most populated city, and is also the centre of tourism of the country. It's played a huge role in the history of the Roman and Ottoman empires, and the city's rich heritage can still be seen in the many imperial structures. Most of these beautiful structures can be seen along the Bosphorus Strait, the thin dividing waterway between Europe and Asia, between European Turkey and Asian Turkey. When we talk about cityscape, the marvellous structures of Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Dolmabahe Palace just have to be mentioned, widely considered to be the most imposing and important buildings in the city today.
Best Time: March to May or September to November (Spring or Autumn)
Known For : Kilmainham Gaol Spire of Dublin Guinness Storehouse
The history, the food, the architecture, the stories, and of course the pubs, Dublin is always among the list of favourite cities of people who've ever been there. Being the capital, Dublin is a major global city. It caters to the requirements of all sorts of tourists and travellers, from pubs to castles, and churches to parks, there is something for everyone here. Dublin is also the centre of Ireland's tourist attractions. There are plenty of old monuments, none more famous than the Dublin Castle, built in 1204, and new ones such as the Dublin Spire built in 2003. The number of parks laid out throughout the city are countless, such as the Phoenix Park, St. Stephen's Park, and St. Annes Park. The National Museum of Ireland is also found here, and Dublin is also home to many events and festivities throughout the year. And then, of course, a visit to Ireland is incomplete without indulging or even drowning, yourself in the local Irish beer.
Best Time: May to September
Known For : Milan Cathedral Santa Maria delle Grazie The Last Supper
A leading global city and the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan is best known for its fashion. Milan is one of the most important cities in Europe. It is best known for its fashion, art, culture and tourism. It is the first most populous city in Italy. It also hosts the Italian stock exchange. Milan's theatres, museums and landmarks make it a popular tourist destination and has a high accreditation from the Michelin guide and is home to major football clubs including AC Milan and FC Internazionale.
Best Time: April to May and September to October
Known For : Reichstag BrandenburgĀ Gate Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Berlin is all things exuberant and vibrant. It is extravagant, yet affordable; cosmopolitan and forward, yet steeped in rich history. The morbid days of Cold War and a city divided by the Wall are long forgotten and the reunified capital beats fast as the heart of Germany. Although the city has moved on, the scars of the World War remain in the remnants of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Prussian Palace and the very room where Hitler planned the Holocaust. Berlin's music scene has also been nurtured over the years, with the likes of Lou Reed and David Bowie hailing from this city. And if you thought this was it, Einstein and Marx, also call Berlin home. What is wonderful about the city is, even with its throbbing nightlife, chic boutiques, rapid economic growth, the German capital is unpretentious, unassuming and for the most of it, laid back!
Best Time: May to September
Known For : Wieliczka Salt Mine Auchwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps Wawel Royal Castle
Krakow is one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, is a perfect place for a cheap and easy weekend getaway from Germany. One can opt for the free walking tours for their old town Krakow tour and it is totally worth it. The main sightseeing spots of the Old town include the St Mary's Basilica, Rynek Glowny, old university building, John Paul II sites and finally the Wavel Castle. The oldest and second-largest city in Poland, Krakow is stunning to the core and is encapsulated by a fantastical atmosphere. Architecture is all-pervading and is a brilliant amalgamation of fragments of the present and the golden past. It is one of the best places in Europe to visit Wawel Royal Castle, Rynek Glowny, Wieliczka salt mine and the cloth hall.
Best Time: May to September
Europe is a continent of contradictions. The diversity and expansiveness of Europe makes it a very unique experience unmatched by anywhere else in the world.