- La Sagrada Familia in Bacelona - Leah Matthewman
For sheer history and excitement, few travellers can go past Europe as a place to head for that once-in-a-lifetime long holiday. But with so many appealing destinations it can be hard to know where to start looking, in terms of an itinerary. This article gives the traveller a starting point in terms of the main places to visit on a whirlwind journey across the continent; never forget that much of Europe’s charm can also be found in the smaller, lesser-known towns and villages as well.
Paris, France
It's not surprising the French capital has earned the reputation as a city of beauty and romance; most of the city went unscathed during WWII and thus maintains much of its old-world charm. From Europe's most popular attraction (the Eiffel Tower, what else?) to the very popular Louvre art museum to numerous historic cathedrals and buildings, Paris offers a series of wonders that will thrill anyone seeking a world of visual splendour in this city, which always meets and often exceeds expectations for its romantic near-perfection.
London, Great Britain
The symbolic home of the Commonwealth Empire, London presents itself as a truly modern city; a massive melting pot of culture and nationality, of history and modernity, of suburbia and commerce and of kingdom and democracy. The modern/historic squares of Piccadilly and Trafalgar are juxtaposed alongside ultra commercial Oxford Street and arty Camden Town Markets, while Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London take visitors back to dark and exciting times in the history of Britain. London is a city of many great sights, where the ancient and the modern come together to form a stunning metropolis that is loved the world over.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This Dutch city may have a reputation for extremely liberal values, with the decriminalisation of drugs and prostitution a centrepiece attraction, but there really is more to Amsterdam than mere titillation. Like Venice this is city of many canals and few cars, with bicycles the preferred form of transport. And no other city in the world resembles inner Amsterdam, with her tall, thin buildings, water streets and austere pockets of history to be discovered around every corner.
Berlin, Germany
The German capital is brimming with modern history relevant to the rise and fall of the Nazi Party, the previously split East and West German nations and the eventual reunification and progression of those nations. A brick line runs through the city signifying where the Berlin wall stood; past the rebuilt Reichstag and the impressive Brandenburg Gate. Berlin, now, is a thriving and exciting young city, well worth a visit.
Venice, Italy
There's no other city in the world like Venice; located on an island, the ancient city is criss-crossed by canals and pedestrian bridges, and the only form of transport is casually by foot or serenely cruising the water by gondola. Venice is best enjoyed wandering and exploring down aged alleyways, past historic churches with regular stops at wonderful restaurants and gelati shops. A world away from the real world; Venice exists as a universe of its very own.
Rome, Italy
A city alive with both human energy and gargantuan historical sites, Rome presents a living history waiting to be discovered. The Vatican, a nation in its own right, sits in Rome's centre and houses the Catholic world-centrepiece St Peter's Basilica along with the Sistine Chapel. Then there are the 2,000-year-old ruins of the Colosseum, plus the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Piazza della Repubblica in a list of endless impressive worldly sights.
Barcelona, Spain
A magical city is Barcelona; the influence of modernist architect Gaudi is everywhere, especially in the city's incredible centrepiece La Sagrada Familia, a church that's so far ahead of its time, technology is only now catching up to a point where this magnificent piece of architecture can be completed. Barcelona is a party city with flair and energy along with many great restaurants and hidden secrets for the energetic explorer to discover.
Prague, Czech Republic
The towns of eastern Europe have a familiar style built around ancient castles on hills, overlooking broad Soviet-influenced medieval-style towns. Prague is by far king of them all, offering visitors a walk through history starting with the majestic Old Town Square where tourists can step back into the ancient market days and marvel at the incredible Astronomical Clock. A walk along Charles Bridge is a must, then up to the immense Prague Castle for a towering sight of the city not to be missed.
Edinburgh, Great Britain
Scotland's dark past is now immensely beautiful and authentic; Edinburgh's city centre is a testament to the country's grand historical past. Very few cities in Europe bare their age so well and charm the visitor so easily, from the stout and picturesque Edinburgh castle, down past the golden mile to the stately parliament buildings, Edinburgh is Britain's festival city and is best enjoyed during the Fringe or Military Tattoo.
Vienna, Austria
With undeniable historic grandeur, Vienna seems as if designed as a visual accompaniment to one of Mozart's more dramatic symphonies. It may lack the notable sights of London or Paris, but it's this grandiose city itself that makes Vienna one of Europe's most memorable places to visit.
Istanbul, Turkey
This truly ancient city was once Constantinople; a city at the centre of the world. Istanbul straddles Asia and Europe, the Bosphorus River carving her between the two continents, and clearly carving up modern and ancient influences too. There's so much to see in this hot, bustling metropolis; but Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are surely a must, along with a lengthy exploratory meander of the public markets, where this amazing city truly comes to life.
