Europe

Tourist Guide
Guaita Tower which includes a castle, a sunset and heritage elements
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 which includes skyline, a city and a high-rise building
London
Known for Museums, Theatres and Historical
One of the elite few that can legitimately call itself a global city, London is rich in history, packed with places of interest and truly somewhere where there is a story to discover around almost every corner.

Reasons to visit

  • London Eye
  • London Bridge
  • Natural History Museum
Roman Forum showing a monument, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Rome
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Museums
A captivating blend of revered art, incredible architecture and sunny piazzas, the Italian capital of Rome combines epic history with the hustle and bustle of a major European city to create the perfect city break.

Reasons to visit

  • Piazza Navona
  • Pantheon
  • Colosseum
Eiffel Tower which includes a monument, heritage architecture and a sunset
Paris
Known for Cafes, Museums and Art
With a deserved reputation as one of the world’s most cultural and romantic cities, it is easy to forget that Paris is also one of the busiest and most exciting.

Reasons to visit

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Notre-Dame
  • Louvre Museum
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Known for Museums, Art and Theatres
This great Spanish city is known for its art history and beautiful ancient landmarks. However, its modern architecture is equally striking, and can be appreciated immediately on arrival at Madrid airport.

Reasons to visit

  • Plaza de Santa Ana
  • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Amsterdam which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and night scenes
Amsterdam
Known for Museums, Biking and Boating
Wander around a fairy-tale lattice of canals and captivating neighborhoods, where old-world charm is fused with modern luxury and world-famous nightlife.

Reasons to visit

  • Anne Frank House
  • Leidseplein
  • Heineken Experience
Barceloneta Beach showing night scenes, street scenes and a city
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