Europe

Travel Guide
Guaita Tower featuring a castle, tranquil scenes and a sunset
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 featuring a city, a skyscraper and night scenes
London
Known for Dining, Shopping and Entertainment
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 monument, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Rome
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Museums
Stand in awe of the ancient ruins, legendary artworks and breathtaking cityscapes that make Italy’s capital so alluring.

Reasons to visit

  • Piazza Navona
  • Pantheon
  • Colosseum
Eiffel Tower showing a sunset, a monument and heritage architecture
Paris
Known for Cafes, Museums and Art
From an afternoon picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens to a night at the opera, France’s romantic capital offers both simple pleasures and extravagant splurges.

Reasons to visit

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Notre-Dame
  • Louvre Museum
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Known for Museums, Art and Theaters
Madrid is one of Europe’s most popular cities for its lively atmosphere, fascinating history, renowned museums and stunning architecture.

Reasons to visit

  • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
  • Plaza de Santa Ana
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Amsterdam featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a city
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 which includes 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