Europe

Travel Guide
Guaita Tower which includes a castle, heritage elements and tranquil scenes
A vacation in Europe can mean anything from a tour of some of the world’s most famous landmarks and cities, to enjoying a quiet getaway in the far corners of this surprisingly diverse continent.

Europe packs in many flavors, traditions, religions and colors. The continent tops the list for those who love history, culture, shopping, wining and dining. Nature is never far away, if you need to unwind.

Whether you picture yourself skiing in the Alps, getting happily lost in cobblestoned old towns, getting pampered in Icelandic hotsprings and Scandinavian saunas, or lazing on a Mediterranean beach, Europe makes many daydreams come true.

Of course, visiting Europe is also about seeing some of the world’s most famous landmarks. Whether you fly, train or bus it, it can take as little as a week to visit Big Ben and Tower Bridge in London, the canal district of Amsterdam and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Make it a fortnight and you can also take in Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in France, the Roman Colosseum and Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, the Sagrada Familia in Spain and the Acropolis in Greece.

Don’t forget to also enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle by kicking back on Europe’s southern beaches and sampling its olives, cheeses and seafood and wines. Or how about a river cruise?

If you’ve done all that already, set out to find Europe’s less famous man-made wonders. The striking Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, the wonderful churches of St. Petersburg, the romantic Charles Bridge in Prague in the Czech Republic and the sparkling Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul are some of the other architectural marvels of Europe’s mixed heritage.

Southeastern Europe is making a name for itself as a summer hotspot now too. Hike through the Accursed Mountains in Albania or the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria, swim in the idyllic bays of Montenegro, party the night away by Lake Ohrid in Macedonia and enjoy an al fresco meal in the maze-like Old Town of Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Or why not start small? Europe is home to some of the tiniest countries in the world and visiting Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City can take no time at all, but will instantly show you what Europe is all about.

Popular cities in Europe

London showing a high-rise building, night scenes and a city
London
Known for Museums, Theatres and Historical
Big Ben, Nelson’s Column, the Tower of London and Abbey Road; every corner in London has a tale to tell.

Reasons to visit

  • London Bridge
  • London Eye
  • Natural History Museum
Roman Forum showing a temple or place of worship, a monument and heritage architecture
Rome
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Museums
Grandiose architecture, classical art and sunny piazzas: all the ingredients that make up the acclaimed Italian capital. As the home of the Roman Empire, it’s considered by many to be the centre of civilisation – the seed that birthed the Europe we see today. With so much architecture and history spanning back centuries, it’s an ideal city for the historians amongst you.

Reasons to visit

  • Piazza Navona
  • Pantheon
  • Colosseum
Eiffel Tower showing heritage architecture, a sunset and a monument
Paris
Known for Cafes, Museums and Art
A short break in the French capital is the perfect tonic; arrive feeling jaded and after a few hours you’ll be filled with va-va-voom!

Reasons to visit

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Notre-Dame
  • Louvre Museum
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Known for Museums, Art and Theatres
Madrid is the stylish, cosmopolitan and bustling capital of Spain. With its vast array of major parks, museums and galleries, cafés, and ornate churches, this is a city that’s going to keep you entertained. The lively atmosphere, fascinating history, renowned museums and stunning architecture make Madrid one of the most popular cities in Europe.

Reasons to visit

  • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
  • Plaza de Santa Ana
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Amsterdam featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and night scenes
Amsterdam
Known for Museums, Biking and Boating
Amsterdam, with its abundance of bars and infamous Red Light District, is known around the world as the premier party city. But the Dutch capital is famous for much more than partying, it’s internationally renowned for its 17th-century canals, its canal houses with beautiful facades, its museums great and small, and, of course, its coffee shop culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Anne Frank House
  • Leidseplein
  • Heineken Experience
Barceloneta Beach featuring street scenes, a city and night scenes
Barcelona
Known for Shopping, Cathedrals and Museums
Modernist art and Gothic architecture create a stunning backdrop in the Catalan capital, where sublime food and a sophisticated nightlife scene await.

Reasons to visit

  • Palau de la Música Catalana
  • Barcelona Cathedral
  • Arc de Triomf