- Venice
- Barcelona
- Amsterdam
- Amalfi Coast
- Athens
- Vienna
- Santorini
- Tuscany
- Madrid
- Seville
- Valencia
Data source: best-europe-vacations
1. Rome
Why go: Roma is the can't-miss spot on your trip
to Europe. The aroma of fresh Italian cooking wafts through alleys and
historic sites sit at every turn. The Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the
awe-inspiring Trevi Fountain are essential places for any traveler to visit in
Italy's capital.
2. Porto
Why go: A
coastal Portuguese city that has long been a place for wine lovers, this
charming destination offers plenty of fun for travelers. Spend the day
wandering the Avenida dos Aliados before visiting one of the city's famous
bridges, such as the Dom Luís I Bridge. And you must sit down for a glass (or
two) of port wine and local seafood.
3. London
Why
go: Exploring the world-class British Museum, seeing a musical in
the West End, touring the Tower of London and gorging on fish and
chips at a local pub are all part of the London bucket list experience.
However, London's high hotel prices can make budget travelers
cringe.
4. Paris
Why
go: A visit to Paris is filled with iconic museums (like the Louvre
and the Musée d'Orsay), monuments (like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de
Triomphe) and churches (like the Sacré-Cœur and Notre-Dame
Cathedral). Still, travelers should save some time for relaxing at sidewalk
cafes during the day and enjoying drawn-out meals with amazing wine at night.
5. Florence
Why
Go: Travel to Firenze for
an authentic taste of Italy. Florence boasts renowned museums, quaint
hotels, stunning architecture and mouthwatering cuisine. You can't miss
admiring Michelangelo's David and climbing to the top of
the Duomo.
6. Prague
Why go: Step
into a fairy tale with a visit to Prague. The gothic architecture impresses
visitors of all ages. And the city's love of music is contagious. You'll also
appreciate Prague's affordability compared to other captivating destinations
in Europe.
Why
go: Venice may conjure images of romantic gondola rides down the Grand
Canal, but this city in Europe isn't only for swooning lovebirds. With an
abundance of theaters, churches, historic sites and notable eateries, this
destination on Italy's northeastern coast will enchant all types of
travelers.
Why
go: Barcelona's diverse collection of architecture really makes the city
stand out. Gaudí's Parc Güell and La Sagrada Familia are
impressive, as are La Seu and Montjuïc Castle. When you tire of
architecture, relax on the beach, eat the local food (tapas) or sip sangria
along Las Ramblas.
Why
go: There's more to Amsterdam than its notorious coffee shop culture and
the Red Light District. Spend the day biking along the city's canals and
stylish streets before exploring noteworthy museums (think the Van Gogh
Museum). Friendly locals and affordable hotels keep bringing travelers back,
and the city makes for an excellent summer trip.
Why
go: Travel to this coastal region in Italy for once-in-a-lifetime views
of the Mediterranean's turquoise water from beautiful cliffside towns. Spend
the day wandering the narrow streets of Positano but make sure to visit the
more secluded places, such as the Furore Fiordo beach, too.
Why
go: Athens was made for history buffs and architecture aficionados, but
it also serves as a great European getaway for the everyday travel guru. The
capital's laid-back lifestyle and incredible food attract the masses just as
much as the world-class Acropolis and Parthenon do.
Why go: This
storied city is best known for its music and monarchs. Explore the
Habsburg's Schönbrunn Palace and stroll the narrow streets of
the Innere Stadt. If you're an art
lover, head to the MuseumsQuartier to tour the Museum of Modern
Art.
Why go: Visit
this Greek island for its abundance of diverse beaches. You'll find red sands
at – you guessed it – Red Beach and black sands at Kamari Beach. But don't
forget to save a day to travel to archaeological attractions such as Ancient
Thira and the Ancient Akrotiri.
Why go: This
renowned culinary region is full of quaint eateries serving up traditional
Italian fare. You can savor Tuscany's rich flavors at charming restaurants
in Siena and Cinque Terre, or head straight to the source on a
winery or olive grove tour.
Why
go: Spain's capital has all the makings of a quintessential vacation spot
in Europe: stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, world-class museums,
luxury hotels and, of course, plenty of delicious Spanish food. But save some
time for alfresco dining with locals, too.
Why go: A
trip to Seville may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think
of traveling to Spain, but it should be on your radar. The city does classic
Spanish tradition, including flamenco dancing and bullfighting, better than
any other place in the country.
Why go: Those
hoping to dodge the crowds of larger destinations in Europe should travel to
Valencia, Spain. What it lacks in worldly attractions, it makes up for with
places like the Mercado Central. Plus, you'll find hotel rates are much more
affordable compared to other European cities.