20 main sights of Europe
As you know, Europe is one huge tourist center. Here are the most famous sights in the world that anyone who has not even been interested in traveling has heard of. Based on numerous ratings and polls, we have compiled a list of the 20 most important, famous and important attractions of this unique part of the world.
1. Parthenon (Athens, Greece)
The main architectural attraction of Greece is the ancient Greek temple of the Parthenon, built in 438 BC and is the center of the Acropolis of Athens. Today, it is one of the most famous monuments of ancient culture.
2. Colosseum (Rome, Italy)
The Colosseum is one of the most important sights of not only Europe, but the whole world. This is the oldest amphitheater where gladiatorial battles took place. The history of the Coliseum dates back almost 2000 years. It is located in the "eternal city" - Rome. Every traveler is obliged to visit the Coliseum and touch the centuries-old history.
3. Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)
According to many tourists, the Eiffel Tower is the main attraction of Europe. Indeed, who has not heard of her and does not know what she looks like? You can say anything, but there is one curious fact: the Eiffel Tower is the most visited and most photographed attraction in the world! Since its opening in 1889 and until 2008, 236 million people have visited it!
4. Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh, Scotland)
900-year-old fortress in the Scottish capital - Edinburgh, is one of the most popular attractions in Europe. This is truly a unique place with a unique atmosphere.
5. Temple of the Holy Family (Barcelona, \u200b\u200bSpain)
The capital of the Spanish Catholicism - Barcelona, \u200b\u200bin addition to its beautiful beaches, boasts unique architectural objects.
The most important of them is the Sagrada Familia, designed by architect Anthony Gaudi, who had a hand in many of Barcelona's sights. A curious fact is that the temple began to be built in 1882, and its construction is still underway! And its end is not to be seen even in the next 10 years.
6. Stonehenge (England)
The most famous archaeological site in the world is the mysterious Stonehenge, which, apparently, is more than 5000 years old. Stonehenge is located 130 km from London. Scientists still cannot come to a consensus on what the true purpose of this object is.
7. St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican)
The main architectural dominant of the Vatican - the most small state in the world, located in the city of Rome - St. Peter's Basilica. It is the largest historical Christian church in the world. At the sight of the cathedral, everyone's breath stops. Almost two dozen architects of different generations worked on it, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and many others.
8. Buckingham Palace (London, England)
The residence of the British monarchs has been almost two centuries old - Buckingham Palace is the "calling card" of London and the whole of Great Britain.
9. Moscow Kremlin (Moscow, Russia)
A fortress in the center of Moscow, the largest city in Europe, the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. The Kremlin is the "heart" of a great and mighty Russia and the pride of all its citizens - you and me. And not only do we admire the Kremlin, but also people from all over the world.
10. Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy)
Of course, this list is simply obliged to include the famous "falling" tower - the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Italian city of Pisa. It is noteworthy that for several years now, contrary to its name, the tower no longer falls. These are the results of many years of work to strengthen its foundation. If this work had not been carried out, then in a few decades, the tower would finally have collapsed and the world-famous landmark would have disappeared from the face of the Earth forever.
11. The Louvre Museum (Paris, France)
The Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most popular museum in the world located in Paris. The Louvre has collected collections from around the world.
12. Big Ben (London, England)
An almost 100-meter tower with a huge clock installed on it - Big Ben - the most famous landmark in London.
13. Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Mosque (Istanbul, Turkey)
Sultanahmet, or the Blue Mosque, is a visiting card of Istanbul. It is considered an outstanding image of Islamic architecture. Every year, this particular attraction attracts thousands and thousands of tourists of absolutely any faith to Istanbul: Muslims and Christians.
14. Hungarian Parliament Building (Budapest, Hungary)
Budapest is rightfully included in the top 10 of the most beautiful cities in Europe, despite its youth. The hallmark of the city is an outstanding architectural structure - the Hungarian Parliament Building, combining elements of the Neo-Gothic and Boz-ara.
15. Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria, Germany)
One of the most famous castles in the world is Neuschwanstein, located in the south of Germany, in Bavaria. It was founded by order of the Bavarian king Ludwig II. The history, description and photos of the castle are in a separate article by Neuschwanstein.
16. The Old Town of Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik, Croatia)
The historic center of Dubrovnik, surrounded by ramparts and located on the steep coast of the Adriatic Sea. According to UNESCO, Dubrovnik, along with Venice and Amsterdam are among the three most beautiful cities in Europe.
17. Atomium (Brussels, Belgium)
Atomium is a landmark that stands out from the others with its modern and unusual design. This building was opened in Brussels in 1958 and is a kind of symbol of the atomic age and the peaceful use of atomic energy. The height of the Atomium is 102 meters. At first, there was talk about demolishing this building, since it does not fit into the general architectural ensemble of the city. However, the Atomium soon became the main symbol of Brussels, eclipsing the most popular Manneken Pis.
18. Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)
The "calling card" of the Czech capital - Prague - Charles Bridge, named after Emperor Charles IV, who in 1357 ordered the construction of a stone bridge through the main waterway of Prague - Vltava. And so began the history of this famous building. Today it is one of the most romantic places in Prague, attracting millions of tourists. ...
19. Church of St. Basil the Blessed (Moscow, Russia)
An Orthodox church located on Red Square in Moscow and founded by order of the great Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Undoubtedly, it is the main monument and a symbol of Russian architecture, attracting millions of foreign tourists.
20. Tower Bridge (London, England)
and Momondo.
Some rules for finding cheap flights can be found in this article.
Cheap accommodation
Every traveler, of course, wants to optimize their costs and find a good hotel (or apartment) in terms of price / quality ratio. Thus, the more options you are offered, the more likely you are to find the best. Therefore, your search can be greatly facilitated by the Hotellook service, which searches for the best housing reservation systems.
You do not need to compare prices on different services yourself - Hotellook will do it for you!
Insurance
To apply for a Schengen visa, as you know, the list of required documents includes an insurance policy for people traveling abroad.
When traveling to other countries where a visa is not required, obtaining an insurance pole for the safety of you and your family members will also not be amiss, especially if you travel with children.
Excursions
The best way to get to know the new city are excursions from local residents. To do this, many travelers use services such as Sputnik8.
Ankara, Turkey
francesco carniani / Shutterstock.com Many are sincerely mistaken that the capital of Turkey is Istanbul. In fact, this is the first city in terms of population and tourist flows, but the administrative center of the country is Ankara. Almost 5 million people live in it, it is rightfully considered the cultural capital of Turkey. In evidence: the Museum of Ancient Anatolian Civilizations (Hittite Museum), the Rahmi Koch Industrial Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and Sculpture, the Museum of War, the Museum of Science and Technology, as well as dozens of mosques, ruins of Roman baths and other objects of art.
Bergen, Norway
Violin / Depositphotos.com Until the end of the XIII century, Bergen was the capital of Norway, and until the 30s of the XIX century - the largest settlement country. Now 278 thousand people live in Bergen. This is a major industrial center of Norway. The pride of Bergen is the medieval promenade of Bruggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for street art and the funicular Fleibanen. In addition, tours of the fjords start from Bergen.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
perseomedusa / Depositphotos.com 6.4 million people and one giant statue of Jesus are Rio, friends. The second city after São Paulo (there are almost 12 million people) in Brazil, the third in South America and the 26th in the world. Rio is a holiday city. After all, the planet’s most colorful carnival is held there. This is where the famous Copacabana Beach is located. This is where the Maracana Stadium stands, seeing the tears of Argentine fans this past summer. And it is there that next summer will host the Summer Olympic Games.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
scrabble / Depositphotos.com Rotterdam - Amsterdam. Sounds like it? But Amsterdam is No. 1 (813 thousand people), and Rotterdam is No. 2 (618 thousand). But its significance cannot be underestimated. After all, it is the largest port in Europe, an important transport hub. Rotterdam is famous for its cubic houses, the Euromast, the Erasmus Bridge, the Bleidorp Zoo, museums, and numerous nightclubs.
Kosice, Slovakia
stanzi11 / Depositphotos.com Kosice is a small European town with 241 thousand people. But he has a glorious story. Kosice was founded in the XII century, and in the XIV century it was the first in Europe to receive its own emblem. Now it is a major scientific and educational center in Slovakia: there is the University of Pavel Joseph Schafarik (an outstanding scientist). Another famous landmark of Kosice is the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth with the tomb of Ferenc Rakoczi. Inside this temple is a unique altar with Gothic paintings of the 15th century, and nearby - a bewitching singing fountain.
Busan, South Korea
sepavone / Depositphotos.com “Sea Capital”, “Summer Capital” - Busan has many honorary titles, but he is the second largest after Seoul (3.6 million people). Busan is a typical modern metropolis with dizzying skyscrapers (Busan Lotte Super Tower promises to be the highest in the world) and crazy malls (Busan Sinsege Centum City is already the largest in the world). The city also has six luxurious beaches, the most famous of which is Haeundae. However, fans of not only the "seal", but also outdoor activities will find a lesson in Busan: the city has many bars, restaurants, discos.
Porto, Portugal
sergeypeterman / Depositphotos.com 1.3 million people live in Porto. But the city forms an even larger agglomerate (Greater Porto), the population of which reaches 1.7 million people. The city is often called northern capital Portugal. Indeed, in terms of cultural and economic significance, it is not inferior to Lisbon. The main attraction of Porto is the tower of Clerigos 76 meters high. The city stands on the Douro River and is famous for bridges. Finally, Porto is the birthplace of port.
Krakow, Poland
bloodua / Depositphotos.com Krakow is one of the oldest cities not only in Poland, but also in Europe. Currently, about 760 thousand people live in it. The number of architectural monuments of the city cannot be counted on the fingers of both hands. Many of them are protected by UNESCO. Perhaps the most remarkable the Royal Castle, Kazimierz, market square. The old city is surrounded by a ring of parks - the famous Krakow plantes. Therefore, Krakow is one of those places where you want to walk.
Quito, Ecuador
naticastillog / Depositphotos.com Quito is the capital of Ecuador. The political, economic and cultural center of the country. But in terms of population, it is inferior to Guayaquil: 2.6 million people live there. At the same time, Quito is considered one of the most beautiful cities. South America. Its architecture is a harmonious interweaving of Spanish, Dutch and Native American architectural traditions. With huge hills, the city is divided into three parts: the old city (museums, monuments, etc.), south area (industry) and the northern region (banks, institutions, luxury stores and housing).
Milan, Italy
photobac / Depositphotos.com Milan is a city that you can talk about for a long time and excitedly. But in terms of population, he is second (guess who is in the first place?) - 1.3 million people. Milan is one of the cultural capitals of the world. There are two great medieval basilicas - the Ambrosian and Lavrentian, as well as the legendary La Scala Theater. In Milan, the fresco of Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, is stored. Milan is one of the world fashion capitals. There are the main offices of Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Armani and other "masters of beauty." Milan is one of the sports capitals of the world. “Milan” and “Internationale” are the grandees of European football. Also next to Milan is the Italian Grand Prix Formula 1.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Andrew Koturanov / Shutterstock.com Northern Palmyra, Northern Venice, the city of white nights, the cultural capital, the most beautiful city Russia (you can argue in the comments) is all about him, about St. Petersburg. There are 221 museums, 80 theaters, 2,000 libraries, 45 galleries and hundreds of historical buildings in the city on the Neva. But this is dry statistics, and Peter is poetry. This is the heart of the country's classical and avant-garde culture, this is a place with a special atmosphere, from where many artists, poets, writers came out ... Palace Square, Vasilievsky Island, drawbridges - this is worth admiring at least once in your life.
Melbourne Australia
ncousla / Depositphotos.com Melbourne is inferior to Sydney in terms of the number of inhabitants quite a bit (4.3 and 4.7 million, respectively). It is considered one of the most comfortable cities to live in the world. No wonder, because the commercial, industrial and cultural forces of Australia are concentrated in Melbourne. Despite the modest history by European standards (from the beginning of the 19th century), there are many attractions in Melbourne: the Eureka tower, the South Star Ferris wheel, the Royal Exhibition Center, the Victoria State Library and others. And Melbourne is the birthplace of a cool shuffle dance. Everyday I’m shuffling!
Abu Dhabi, UAE
ventdusud / Depositphotos.com Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Less than a million people live in the city (921 thousand), but its contribution to the country's GDP is more than 56%. The city stands on the shores of the Persian Gulf, and a beautiful legend is associated with its foundation. The hunters chased a gazelle, the animal looped for a long time in the desert, and in the end led the hunters to the source fresh water. The hunters founded the city in that place and named it Abu Dhabi - "the father of the gazelle." Modern Abu Dhabi is the grand mosque of Sheikh Zayed, the Al Bahar skyscraper tower, the leaning Capital Gate tower and other bright sights.
Cordoba, Argentina
christian kober / Shutterstock.com The city of Cordoba was founded on July 6, 1573 by the conquistador Jeronimo Luis de Cabrera. The name he received in honor of the eponymous Spanish settlement. Now Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina (1.3 million people), as well as the country's military-industrial center. In the historical part of Cordoba, Jesuit buildings that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites are preserved.
Durban, South Africa
michaeljung / Depositphotos.com Durban was founded in 1835. Now about 600 thousand people live in it. It is the largest port in South Africa, as well as an attractive center for beach holidays (comfortable beaches, warm sea). Among the attractions of Durban - City Hall City Hall, Juma Mosque, National Museum Natural History, Fitzsimmons Reptile Park and others.
Brno, Czech Republic
merial / Depositphotos.com Brno is a city with more than a thousand-year history, no less beautiful than Prague, but smaller in size. Only 378 thousand people live in it. “Total,” because the Czech capital is a million-plus city. Brno has preserved many historical and architectural monuments. For example, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the castle of Spielberg, the town hall, the monastery of the Capuchins and others.
Hamburg, Germany
sborisov / Depositphotos.com The second largest city in Germany and the eighth in the European Union. Hamburg has a population of over 1.8 million. In addition, it is one of the largest port cities in Europe (and the richest). The city has retained part of the medieval buildings: the city hall, opera theatreCathedral of St. Nicholas and other attractions. Hamburg hosts over 60 museums. The most interesting of them is the Museum of Erotica. In Hamburg, there are more than a hundred parks and the chic Hagenbek Zoo.
Marseille, France
Photocreo / Depositphotos.com In Marseille, 853 thousand people live (for comparison: in Paris - more than 2 million). These are happy people! After all, Marseille is a beautiful port city on the coast The Mediterranean Sea. Walking along La Canbier Boulevard, you can admire the graceful yachts and breathe in the sea breeze. Connoisseurs of history and architecture will appreciate the abbey of Saint-Victor, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Cathedral, the Lonshan Palace, If Castle, the Cathedral and other attractions.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock.com Guadalajara, also known as the “city of roses,” is a city of 1.5 million people. It was founded in 1542 and is the cultural capital of Mexico. It is believed that it was there that the Mexican folk music of mariachi was born. The city has several monuments of Spanish colonial architecture (the church of San Francisco, the church of Santa Monica and others), as well as a Mexican rodeo - charriada.
Beijing, China
chungking / Depositphotos.com Beijing is the administrative, political, cultural and educational center of China. While Shanghai is an economic center. Perhaps this explains why 3 million more people live in Shanghai. The population in Beijing is 21,148,000. No wonder that in such a large and ancient city (the history of Beijing has more than 3 thousand years) there are many attractions. One of the most popular is the Forbidden City, or Gugong, Tiananmen Square, Beijing Yuanmingyuan Imperial Palace, Temple of Heaven.
Alexandria, Egypt
Ivantagan / Depositphotos.com This city in the Nile Delta, stretching for 32 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast, is Egypt's main seaport. Alexandria was founded in 331 BC. Once it was a rich and powerful city, second only to Rome in grandeur. Now 4.5 million people live in Alexandria. It is an important economic center of Egypt. And there is something to see (Kait Bay Fortress, Pompey's Column, the catacombs of Kom el-Shukaf, and so on) and what to do (numerous sandy beaches).
Delhi, India
Pikoso.kz/Shutterstock.com More than 11 million people live in Delhi. It is noisy, like an anthill, a multinational and very distinctive city. In it, antiquity coexists with the trends of modern life. So, in the old city there are many architectural monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The tomb of Humayun, the minaret of Qutub Minar, the Red Fort - what is worth seeing without fail. In addition, the old Delhi is famous for its bazaars, the most popular of them is Chandi Chowk. New Delhi is more modern, the business life of the metropolis is concentrated there: business centers, supermarkets. But there are historical sights. In total, there are about 1,375 objects of culture and art in Delhi.
Antwerp, Belgium
Nut Iamsupasit / Shutterstock.com This is the second city in Belgium after Brussels. More than half a million people live in it (quite a lot by the standards of miniature Europe). Antwerp is one of the twenty largest ports in the world and is the second port in Europe (only Rotterdam is ahead). Antwerp is a city of art. There are many museums, galleries, art salons and more. No wonder: Antwerp is the birthplace of Rubens, Brauer, Matses, Brueghel and other painters. Antwerp is a jewel city. And this is not only a matter of architecture and a wide range of entertainment, but also that it is the world's largest diamond cutting center.
Los Angeles, USA
lunamarina / Depositphotos.com Los Angeles is the largest city in California (about 4 million people) and the second largest in the United States. This is a fairly young city, it has no venerable architectural monuments. In the center there are several buildings of the early twentieth century, built in the Art Deco style. But, despite this, LA is a fairytale city, a dream city. After all, this is the birthplace of Hollywood. There you can meet world-class stars and yourself become a superstar.
Aarhus, Denmark
Rolf_52 / Shutterstock.com The city number 2 in Denmark is Aarhus, in the east of the Jutland peninsula, on the shores of the bay of the same name. It is the main port of the country. About 300 thousand people live in the city of Aarhus, but together with agglomerations more than a million will be typed. The most important sights of Aarhus are the cathedral (the largest in Denmark) of the 13th – 15th centuries, the town hall, and the university. There are more than fifty historical sites in the old part of Aarhus.
Tel Aviv, Israel
slidezero / Depositphotos.com The architects of the German Bauhaus school worked on the development of Tel Aviv: the houses were two- or three-story, concrete, and the streets stretched strictly perpendicular to the coast. For these houses, UNESCO has added Tel Aviv to the list of cultural values \u200b\u200bunder the name “White City”. Tel Aviv is the cultural center of Israel. There are several dozen concert and theater halls, many museums and galleries. In terms of population, it ranks second in the country - 414,600 people.
Geneva, Switzerland
kyolshin / Depositphotos.com 194 thousand people live in Geneva, 44% of them are foreigners. No wonder. After all, Geneva has been repeatedly recognized as the best city to live in (including in 2014). Geneva is an important political and economic center of Europe (and indeed the world). The headquarters of dozens of international organizations are located there: UN, Red Cross, WTO, WHO and others. At the same time, Geneva is also an incredibly beautiful city with many attractions. What are the basilica of Notre Dame, the Cathedral of St. Petra, Geneva Fountain and others.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Aoshivn / Depositphotos.com Hanoi ("the city between the rivers") was founded in 1010. Today it is the capital of Vietnam. 2.6 million people live in it - the second largest city in the country. This is a huge metropolis. Of the historical sights - the Presidential Palace, the Hanoi Citadel, the Temple of Literature and others. Hanoi is an inexpensive city with a special atmosphere, combining the traditions of East and West. From the labyrinth of narrow streets of the Old Quarter, you can exit to one-hundred-meter skyscrapers. There are more than a hundred of them in Hanoi.
Montreal Canada
lmel900 / Depositphotos.com It is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second most populous in Canada. More than 1.6 million residents enjoy their city, because it is one of the most convenient in the world. UNESCO considers Montreal a design city, and Monocle Magazine is Canada’s cultural capital. The city hosts many cultural forums: the World Film Festival, jazz festival, francophone music festival and others. Montreal is a city for walking and contemplation. Locals and visitors alike walk along Bernard Avenue and have a picnic in Lafontaine Park on weekends.
Medellin, Colombia
jkraft5 / Depositphotos.com Medellin is honored with many epithets. “City of Eternal Spring” - Medellin is located in the equatorial zone, but the humid stuffiness typical of the equator is practically absent in it - the city has a very comfortable climate. "Capital of the mountains" - Medellin is located in the north of the Andes in the valley of Aburra. "City of flowers" and "capital of orchids" - the annual popular flower fair is held in Medellin. Medellin is also called the “beautiful village”, but 2.5 million people live in the “village”.
Manila, Philippines
fazon1 / Depositphotos.com Manila is the capital of the Philippines. One of the 16 cities that make up the country's metropolitan area is Metro Manila. This is the second city after Quezon in terms of population. 1.7 million people live in it. But Manila’s area is only 38.55 square kilometers, so it’s the most populated city in the world (hence the big environmental problems). Manila is a relatively young city, but it also has its own historical district - Intramuros. It is believed that he laid the foundation for modern Manila and that it is there that the most beautiful palaces, temples and museums of the city are located.
Arequipa, Peru
Flickr.com 861 thousand people live in Arequipa - this is the second most populated city of Peru, but not by cultural significance. In 1868, Arequipa was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, but in the city center several buildings in the Baroque and Neo-Gothic style survived by a miracle. The historical part of the city, built in colonial times from white volcanic stone, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Arequipa is also famous for its gastronomic institutions and is considered the capital of Peruvian cuisine.
Rabat, Morocco
Flickr.com Rabat - beautiful ancient city. Now it is the capital of Morocco, its cultural and industrial center. About 1.7 million people live in it. Among the attractions can be identified royal Palace, Mausoleum of Muhammad V, Hassan Minaret, Kasba Udaya fortress. There are also many ethnic museums in Rabat: a craft museum, an antiquity museum, a folk art museum, and others.
Wellington, New Zealand
Flickr.com Another capital on the list of “second” cities in the world (population about 400 thousand) is Wellington. It is located in the southern part of the North Island of New Zealand, on the shores of the bay of the same name of volcanic origin. This is a very cozy city with many parks, bridges, tunnels, squares, viaducts. The historical buildings of the late XIX - early XX century combined with modern. One of Wellington’s most interesting buildings is The Beehive. So the townspeople call the local parliament for its peculiar form. St. Paul botanical Garden, Zoo - Wellington certainly has something to see and do.
Barcelona, \u200b\u200bSpain
Flickr.com Barcelona is a fabulous city. The capital of Catalonia is the second most populated area in Spain and the tenth in the European Union: more than 1.6 million people consider themselves Barcelonaers. The city stands on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea (this is an important port) and has a mild climate. It is in Barcelona that the most famous street of Spain is located - Rambla Boulevard, stretching to the Old Port. Between the streets of Rambla and Layetana is another iconic attraction - the Gothic quarter. And there, on St. Haume is the world famous Barcelona Cathedral. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Barcelona is a city in which it is impossible not to fall in love. This is one of the most beautiful cities not only in Spain, but also in the world.
Mombasa, Kenya
Andrea Seemann / Shutterstock.com Mombasa is located on a coral island in the Indian Ocean and is connected to the mainland by several dams. This city once again proves the importance of ports for the country. Mombasa is Kenya's main maritime harbor, its economic and cultural center. The city is home to over 1.2 million people. Mombasa is famous for its coastal landscapes and well-groomed beaches. Various water activities are developed here: water skiing and jet skiing, windsurfing, diving.
Maracaibo, Venezuela
Flickr.com This is the second city after Venezuela after Caracas: more than 1.4 million inhabitants. It stands on the shore of the strait connecting the Gulf of Venezuela and Lake Maracaibo (the most large lake South America). The city was founded in 1529 by German colonists. In the XVII century it was repeatedly attacked by pirates. In the twentieth century, oil was found in Maracaibo - the city began to actively develop. Of the historical sights - cathedrals, palaces and monuments of colonial times. Also in the city there are many shops with traditional Venezuelan souvenirs: rum, chocolate, clay dolls.
If you have already been to one of these cities No. 2, share your impressions in the comments.
Despite globalization and the rapid development of cities in all parts of the planet, Europe remains a cultural and historical center. It attracts millions of guests every year.
But inside the part of the world there are leaders in tourist demand. These include Rome, Paris, Barcelona and others, which you probably would not refuse to visit.
The article lists top cities Europe, which can ensure the interests of all categories of travelers.
15. Budapest (Hungary)
Demand for the Hungarian capital is made up of amazing historical and cultural baggage. The city on the banks of the Danube includes centuries-old temples, hundreds of architectural monuments from different eras, a host of modern cultural events and a rich nightlife.
Budapest is not so prestigious and obvious option for a trip to Europe, like Barcelona or Paris. But it is much cheaper, and also has developed air links with Europe and Asia through low-cost airlines.
14. Prague (Czech Republic)
The capital of the Czech Republic every year falls into the list of the most popular cities not only in Europe but also in the world. With romance, financial availability, an arsenal of attractions, and a rich hotel infrastructure, Prague attracts guests of all ages and at any time of the year. A visit to Prague is an obligatory part of the trip for those who relax in Karlovy Vary, Podebrady, Kutna Hora or Cesky Krumlov.
Prague is served by dozens of European and international airlines and is well connected by road with neighboring countries. Therefore, it is convenient to include it in the route of a large-scale European tour passing through the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Hungary.
Prague is not inferior to other cities from the article, but significantly wins in price.
13. Edinburgh (Scotland)
Edinburgh is a stately Scottish city with an ancient history, vibrant surroundings and a distinctive atmosphere. Guests from Eastern Europe or the CIS undeservedly ignore him, but among travelers from Central, Northern and Western Europe he is very popular.
During the day, you can have fun visiting galleries, museums, temples and embankments, and in the evening go to the club, pub, theater or restaurant by the harbor. And, of course, one can not help but pay attention to the main attractions. This is the Balmoral Hotel with the city clock, Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace, Princess Street, the Throne of King Arthur Rock, the Scottish Monument and dozens of other interesting places.
12. Paris (France)
The best cities of Europe and Paris are things that cannot be separated from each other. This is the first of the places listed in this rating, which is one of the ten most expensive European locations. But this high cost cannot compete with the romantic image of the city. Paris remains the No. 1 destination for most people who want to visit Europe.
The sights of Paris are widely known in popular culture and do not require representation: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Montmartre street. Paris Airport is one of the largest in Europe. It serves dozens of international operators, so get to french capital possible with any budget.
11. Madrid (Spain)
Spain is one of the most popular country among foreign visitors in Europe. This is facilitated by the availability of many recreational resources and financial affordability. It is cheaper for tourists than many neighboring countries.
Madrid attracts visitors with historical sights (Prado Museum, San Miguel Market, Sol district), medieval architecture (Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, Santa Cruz Palace), major sports events (Atlético matches and Real Madrid), night clubs.
10. San Sebastian (Spain)
The former center for the export of olive oil and the fishing industry today is the main Basque seaside resort, one of the most luxurious beach holiday centers in Spain. A visiting card of the area is a delightful setting for surfing. According to rough estimates, San Sebastian is the third most expensive city in Spain, but this does not prevent hundreds of thousands of visitors from Europe to relax on its sunny beaches.
Interestingly, the town burned down several times throughout its history, but was able to preserve architectural monuments in the old city of Alde Saharra. For example, the palaces of Ayette, Miramar, the area of \u200b\u200bthe Constitution, which previously held bullfighting.
9. Siena (Italy)
Siena's popularity is in no small part due to the tourist magnetism of Florence. The basis of demand is a charming cultural appearance and many architectural monuments, but the main feature is the tradition of fine art. Dozens of significant European artists belong to the Siena school, and their works can be seen in Siena churches, museums and the palazzo.
8. Lisbon (Portugal)
One of the main cities of Western Europe, which used to be the gateway to America, retained its grandeur and originality. Despite the destruction in the mid-18th century due to an earthquake, Lisbon was reborn from the ashes and preserved monuments of the imperial past.
Today, a visit to the city on seven hills is pleasant beach vacation, long walks, photographing authentic landscapes and paintings of local life, as well as noisy evening and night life.
7. Krakow (Poland)
The capital royal city of Krakow (which is exactly what it is called by the Poles) is not officially the capital, but foreign visitors are sometimes more interested than Warsaw. People come here to look at the monuments of the Middle Ages, the terrible heritage of World War II, visit major music festivals and enjoy the lush East European forests.
6. Barcelona (Spain)
Like Krakow, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bwhich is not the capital of Spain, is perhaps more popular with tourists than Madrid. Both the history and the local atmosphere are noticeable statism, narcissism, pride and majesty of the Catalan center.
Barcelona is a city of arts, sports, social activity, non-stop parties and cultural activities. If you want to visit the best cities in Europe, then Barca must be included in your itinerary.
5. Seville (Spain)
The capital of each Spanish province is an independent tourist center, for complete immersion in which you need to spend at least a week. Seville is the heart of Andalusia. Andalusia is flamenco, Spanish passion and crazy national celebrations.
The city became popular in the 19th century due to its cultural and architectural heritage. Being here is important to visit. Cathedral, the Giralda bell tower, the Alcazar fortress palace, the bullfight arena, the Art Museum (the second most important gallery in Spain), the Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz and many other cool locations.
4. Porto (Portugal)
Another Portuguese city in the ranking. Porto used to be the capital of Portugal, and now it is a place that manages to remain both industrial and tourist center. How not to visit a city whose historical district has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.
3. Istanbul (Turkey)
The city, which for decades has been the center of the largest world empires, is simply doomed to high popularity. People come to Istanbul not only for the sake of history, culture and immersion in the atmosphere of a contrasting modern metropolis, but also to soak up the sun on the beaches. Turkey is one of the best countries in Europe for a traveler in terms of the amount of available entertainment to the required budget.
2. Rome (Italy)
All roads lead to Rome. And it seems that for millennia this definition has remained relevant. Today he offers the guest a visit to the centers of world culture, art of past centuries and our days, streets, which in themselves are architectural galleries. Do not forget about such must-see places as the Colosseum, Vatican, Palatine and Capitol Hill, Piazza del Popolo and St. Peter's Square, as well as the Roma and Lazio stadiums.
The best cities in Europe can not do without Rome.
1. Florence (Italy)
This City, founded by Julius Caesar himself. Centuries later, it became the capital of the republic of the same name, the economic and cultural center of Europe. Florence today retains the charm of the Renaissance, remaining the very place that inspired Petrarch, Bocaccio, Dante Alighieri and other famous writers and poets. The preserved architectural diversity allows us to call Florence "an open-air museum." Its main attractions are the “Old Palace” of the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, Signoria Square, Boboli Gardens and the Vasari Corridor.
The most beautiful cities in Europe are of interest to all tourists who are going to see something new, enjoy a pleasant stay and just good experiences.
It’s not possible to travel to Europe every day, so you need to know the top 10 amazing cities that are worth visiting.
If you decide to live in beautiful place for some time or to go to permanent residence, we still recommend paying attention to the cities that are very beautiful and quite comfortable for life from our rating.
The top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe are opened immediately by two cities in Italy. Rome is in the first position, but Venice is not far behind, its place is second.
1st place
Rome is considered The eternal cityIt combines centuries-old history, culture and modernity. Probably the first thing that every tourist in Rome will rush to watch:
- Coliseum. Indeed, this place has become a real symbol of the city and the most famous archaeological site of Rome.
- The Roman Forum and the Palatine are considered the center of public life in Ancient Rome. Here were the most important buildings of the city, which now attract many tourists with its picturesqueness. The Roman Forum is simply bewitching if you look at it during a sunny sunset.
- Venice Square is considered the most important intersection of the Italian capital, there are always a lot of travelers here, and the main attraction is the impressive Vittoriano monument.
- You can see the grandeur of a Christian building dedicated to pagan gods if you visit the Pantheon temple. The dome of the building is considered the largest in the world, in addition, it gives an amazing light effect. In the Pantheon, tombs of famous people are stored, for example, there is a tomb of the world famous artist Raphael.
On a note! The Colosseum is the name of the ancient Roman amphitheater, which at one time saw the battles of gladiators.
By the way, those who want to return to Rome once again need to look at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin into it. The size of the fountain is surprising; it is considered one of the examples of Roman Baroque.
2nd place
Venice is not just a pleasant city, but a whole country of love, romance and kisses. You need to go here only with your soulmate in order to plunge into this atmosphere. The fact that the city stands on the water already makes it special, not like any other. In addition, there is also something to see and enjoy.
You should carefully examine San Marco - the main square of Venice. All buildings are unique on it, so if you have time, you should try to carefully examine this place and fix it not only in memory, but also in photographs.
The Cathedral of St. Mark conquers with its charm and grace - it is simply impossible to look away. This is a place of pilgrimage and a Christian shrine.
The Doge's Palace will surprise you with unrealism and grandeur, and the church of Santa Maria del Rosario will enchant you with the magnificence of the facades. The place where you can see all the lovers is considered the Bridge of Sighs, there is even a legend that says that the couple who kissed here will be together until the end of their days.
Beautiful Athens and the magical Amsterdam
Place 3 and 4 in the top 10 beautiful European cities belongs to Athens and Amsterdam.
3rd place
Most travelers come to Athens exclusively overseas, but there is something to see. The first thing that will attract the attention of guests of this wonderful city is the Acropolis. This architectural monument is known all over the world, moreover, all of Greece is proud of this historical complex.
An interesting place is the old market, which is located at the foot of the Acropolis, once it existed not only as a trading place, but also as the cultural heart of the city.
Fans of historical sights will be surprised by Ceramikos (the ancient city), as well as the archaeological museum and the port of Piraeus, which has met merchant ships for over 2000 years.
Those who love panoramic views will enjoy the beauty of Filopappu hill, and lovers of something original should visit the Monastiraki market. It is there that you can buy amazing souvenirs and gifts for relatives.
4th place
To enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam, you must first see the flower market. Only for this place you can fall in love with the city, because here you can find different flowers, the existence of which is difficult to even imagine in your head.
There are other attractions that make Amsterdam attract tourists. We are talking about Dam Square, which houses the Royal Palace, considered the most famous building in the city.
Amsterdam is hard to imagine without a walk through the Red Light District and a tour of the Van Gogh Museum.
Stylish Prague, incomparable Warsaw and Hallstatt
Prague occupies the middle of the top 10 beautiful cities in Europe, followed by Warsaw and Hallstatt.
5th place
Prague is really a very beautiful city, it has a lot of incomparable architecture, interesting places and attractions.
You can fall in love with Prague at first sight, despite the weather and time of year. Its Old Town Square will convey the atmosphere of medieval architecture and will allow you to go back several hours.
Particular attention will be attracted by the Old Town Hall. Enjoy the beauty of the old city will allow Charles Bridge, which is considered the most romantic place in Prague. If you make a wish, being on this bridge, then it will certainly come true. Scenic views open here in the evening.
6th place
The beauty of Warsaw opens from the Palace Square, next to which there is a beautiful St. John’s Cathedral, and if you look at the ancient streets, you can feel the color of the old city, feel the atmosphere and spirit of the history of Warsaw.
Each tourist can be charmed by the Market Square, where there are a lot of museums. You can just take a walk and see the surroundings of Warsaw through the Royal Lazienki Park, there are many castles, pavilions and interesting landscape compositions.
7th place
The 7th place in our TOP-10 belongs to Hallstatt, although this city is not too advertised by travel companies, but it will present real beauty.
This little town is considered paradisebecause his nature will not leave anyone indifferent. It offers beautiful views from the lake, in Hallstatt amazing architecture, mountain nature and the stunning beauty of the lake are combined.
Strict Madrid, charming Geneva and Helsinki
8th place
Eighth in the top 10 is Madrid. The beauty of this city lies in a large number of amazing places that are not found anywhere else. There are a huge number of museums that represent canvases of world artists.
The Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain, and a large number of theaters and parks. To truly "soak" the spirit of this city can be bullfighting.
9th place
The ninth line belongs to Geneva, whose business card is considered the Je-Do fountain.
You can explore the surroundings of Geneva if you take a walk along the promenade, visit the historic city center, admire the floral clock, and enjoy the beauty of St. Peter's Basilica.
10 place
Last place in the top 10 is Helsinki. It combines modernity and lightness, each street surprises with its elegance, memorial buildings and museums.
Incomparable views open on Senate Square in the capital of Finland, in the Esplanade Park, on the Old Market and the Market Square. The ensemble of copper pipes located near the monument to the composer Sibelius will also captivate tourists.
Each city from the TOP-10 will attract and surprise tourists with something of its own, will be able to give extraordinary emotions and a sea of \u200b\u200bimpressions.
Also, before visiting the cities, we recommend watching video blogs about the first two Italian cities in a rather interesting, funny, but no less informative format that bloggers Ruslan Usachev and Mikhail Kshishtovsky shot in their program “It's Time to Blame!”:
From the same guys you can watch another fun video with an overview of the standard and not very sights of Venice:
And here is a more serious video shot for television about number 3 from our rating - Athens:
It has been a long time since traditional educational trips for young people from affluent families in Europe for educational purposes are a thing of the past. It used to be that they certainly studied fencing in Paris, art in Florence, and picturesque were chosen as a place to relax from the sciences. swiss Alps. Today the situation has changed.
Originally big Adventure or “Grand Tour” (from the French Grand Tour) was the prerogative of aristocrats, whose sons, starting from the 17th century, went on a long trip to neighboring countries after graduation, choosing the most culturally significant places. Life experience, improving foreign languages, familiarity with the customs of other countries - this is a small list of what these young gentlemen received after the end of the tour (most of the travelers were from England). Although the concept of "Grand Tour" has disappeared from life, but the craving for new places has remained. Listed below are European cities, a kind of must-see list, or Grand Tour for fans of exciting travel. The trip lasts about three weeks.
London
Two days is not so much for a city where there are so many opportunities for entertainment. However, you should leave time to explore the local cult sites of London: Tower, Tate Gallery, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace. It is also worth a visit to the theater performance of one of the West End troupes and get acquainted with the ethnic cuisine of the East End.
Paris
A high-speed London train will take you through the Channel Tunnel directly to Paris. A few hours on the road and you can see the geometrically correct streets from the heights of the Arc de Triomphe, the world-famous Louvre Museum, the royal residence of Versailles and the beautiful Parisian churches. You should definitely dine in one of the towns in Montmartre.
A train ride at night, and before your eyes it’s colorful and vibrant, astonishing its guests with lively modernist architecture and the Sagrada Familia, the Sagrada Familia, designed by Antonio Gaudi. Catalan cuisine will satisfy every gourmet. The last look at Barcelona is ahead of the first flight by plane.
The eternal City. As they say locals, life is not enough to recognize him. When sightseeing, it is worth spending two days getting to know the monumental works of architecture: the Coliseum, Vatican, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Evenings are best spent somewhere in the Trastevere area.
Vein
Another night train ride, and Imperial Vienna at your feet. Like many city dwellers, it is worth sitting up for a cup of coffee in one of Vienna's establishments. Then pay attention to the famous Lippian horses with a special breed bred in Austria based on Spanish and Neapolitan individuals. After that, you just have to get lost in the pedestrian shopping streets and visit the opera performance.
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From Vienna to get about three hours. The vibrant culture of the cafe and the mix in one old and new are the characteristic features of this city. It is worth visiting the Fortress area with many attractions and soaking in one of the city's thermal baths.
Berlin
A whole day on the road is not such a difficult obstacle to one of Europe's fastest-changing cities, Berlin. Local attractions include numerous galleries, memorials and museums in the area of \u200b\u200bthe former Berlin Wall. Places of tourist pilgrimage in the new part of the city are the Sony Center and the Cinema Museum. For nightly entertainment it is best to go to the Kreuzberg area.
Dubrovnik
Only in order to see a bird's-eye view of the white marble streets and the red roofs of the Croatian Dubrovnik, you should buy a plane ticket. Be that as it may, the first walk should be in the direction of the city walls. The view of the sea and the city that opens to the traveler is truly magnificent. After exploring the rest of the sights of the old city, rest on the coast on one of the beaches is required.
Athens
The Greek capital is a real treasure for history buffs. Antique ruins, beautiful buildings with the Acropolis towering above all this will leave an unforgettable mark in your heart. Below are noisy markets filled with tavern visitors who will introduce you to modern Athenian life.
Istanbul
When your plane will land, be sure to remember that this is where the very edge of Europe is located. The place where the east meets the west is called Istanbul. When traveling through the old part of the city, be sure to visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. You can have lunch and buy souvenirs in Beyoglu, the European district of Istanbul, which is also the center night life. Sailing the ship along the Bosphorus, the strait separating Asia and Europe, will give you a unique opportunity to take a last look at the Western world before you set foot on the territory of the East.