1. Athens Greece
From the iconic Acropolis, rising above the city, to charming up and coming neighborhoods and contemporary art galleries, the city of Classic Marathon and Olympic Games is a majestically quirky clash of past and present.
One of the world’s oldest cities with a recorded history of 3,500 years, the Greek capital is constantly undergoing urban renewals to keep up with the evolution of time. Athens lives up to all the hype!
2.Plovdiv Bulgaria
Nestling in the south part of Bulgaria, Plovdiv is a leading cultural, religious, wine and shopping destination which never fails to reveal exciting, new facets of its character.
With its 8-millennia history, Plovdiv has been proclaimed the oldest continuously-inhabited city in Europe and the 6-th oldest in the world. In 2019 the city will be the European capital of culture.
Various sites and activities turn Plovdiv into a real treasure on Earth, which must be discovered!
3.Nantes France
Once a busy seaport in the estuary of the Loire, the fascinating city of Nantes was chosen in the old times by the dukes of Brittany as their historical capital. If the city still boasts a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Château des ducs de Bretagne, a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France – it has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France.
It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life – Nantes was also Green Capital of Europe in 2013 – but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down!
4.Azores Portugal
In the blue Atlantic Ocean, between Europe and America: the Azores islands, an autonomous Region of Portugal, are divided in three geographical groups: the Eastern Group, comprising Santa Maria and São Miguel, the Central Group, including Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial, and the Western Group, composed by Corvo and Flores. Brought together in an archipelago, each Azorean island has its own identity. Even if they all share an extraordinary natural legacy, they also have their own unique strokes in their landscape, traditions, cuisine and architecture.
There are no words capable of describing and classifying the charm of these nine charismatic islands!
5.Paris France
Paris is one of the world’s few really legendary capitals. Far from resting on its laurels, the French capital has taken a pro-active approach to enhancing its appeal by undertaking a quality-focused and sustainable development strategy based on constant innovation. This great city is a blend of past and future. Its pleasingly symmetrical layout, the result of the work of visionary rulers and architects, dates to the 19th century, while 21st-century Paris is a laboratory of the future.
Paris is a dream destination for French and international visitors alike.
6.Novi Sad Serbia
7.Novi Sad is the city that provides the visitors the agenda of unbelievably rich content with its urban core and rural surroundings. Each visitor, according to his or her internal feeling for nice and pleasant, attractive and joyful, useful and accessible can create his or her own experience while learning about all the layers of the past and present of Novi Sad.
Novi Sad, the city on the Danube, the city with the European history and tradition and Balkan hospitality is the experience you must not miss.
8.Brussels Belgium
Brussels, the capital of 500 million Europeans, is waiting to share its treasures and talents with you and to tell you its story. It has an ability to adapt to its visitors: no matter when you come, there’s always something happening here; no matter how long you stay, there are several different ways to experience Brussels, each with some brilliant surprises in store.
A multicoloured heritage of the most diverse styles, a contagious creativity tinged with surrealism and humour, a sociable and epicurean art de vivre.
9.Kotor Montenegro
Beautiful Kotor, a cultural and natural world heritage site is located in a secluded part of the Boka bay.
If you are passionate for nature, art, history and want to know more about the rich cultural heritage and customs of this region, visit the town of Kotor, the baroque city of Perast, visit the islet Our lady of the rocks, and finally discover the archaeological site Roman mosaics in Risan with mostly superb representation of the god Hypnos and observe the traces of the first civilization.
10.Milan Italy
Milan has been interesting and vibrant at least since it was the capital of the western half of the Roman Empire. Have a look at the imposing marble Duomo, at our churches, palaces and museums. You will also be delighted by contemporary art and architecture.
While you visit, let the atmosphere of Italy’s most modern and advanced city seep in. You will be captured by the elegance and style; by the energy and the international flair. An incredible shopping experience for all tastes and pockets, in a place where design and fashion have made their home.
11.Prague Czech Republic
Prague has been considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world since Middle Ages. Adjectives such as “golden“, “city of a hundred spires“, “the crown of the world“ were attributed to Prague, which is located right in the heart of Europe. And how to get the city into your heart? Try with us to wander not only in the Historic Centre of Prague that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992 and with its 866 hectares is the largest historic city centre on this list in the world, but also in the vibrant cultural metropolis.
John McGarvey
241w ago
Very surprised nobody has mentioned Iceland yet. Because:
Reykjavik is a beautiful capital city with a small town feel but loads of interesting things to do and see. You’ll meet friendly people everywhere.
The whole country is a surreal place to visit. The landscapes are astonishing and the volcanic activity is like nothing else on earth. Where else can you see two continental plates tearing themselves apart?
You’ll never feel guilty for having a long shower. Energy just pours out of the ground there, so the country has more than it knows what to do with.
The Blue Lagoon might be well-known, but it’s every bit as invigorating and peaceful as you’d imagine.
The place is empty. You can drive for miles without seeing hardly anyone, and there’s interesting wildlife everywhere.
The air is breathtakingly clear and crisp. I’ve never been anywhere else that felt so clear and unspoilt.
The Northern Lights. Enough said?
It’s expensive, but it’s worth every single Krona. I love Rome, Florence and Paris, but Iceland is the destination I’ll be going back to over all of them.
Honourable mentions: Ljubljana (Slovenia), London (my hometown, but there is so much to see here) and St Petersburg.
Shikhar Misra
I travel and I know things
84w ago
Vienna, Austria
I would like to start my answer saying that it is the most liveable city in the world. (Source:Vienna again named world’s most liveable city)
Being the music capital of the world, you can find some or the other fests and concerts almost every weekend. I also went to the Eric Clapton’s concert which took place here during my stay for 2 months. While many other big names like Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Miley Cyrus, Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Metallica came here just during my stay.
The city is very well-connected by a system of metro (U-bahn), trams and buses and it all works on the honor system with very infrequent checking. During my stay, I was checked not even once although I had a ticket but I heard that my friend’s friend payed a fine of 103 EUR if you are caught without a ticket.
Every Saturday, there is a Naschmarkt (a kind of a fleemarket) where all kind of old things are sold. For eg: I managed to get a World War 2 newspaper.
The Ring is the most integral part of the city. You can see all the famous buildings like the city hall, parliament, Hofburg, Museum Quartier and the “Viennese Opera” which is considered to be the best in the world. Just by taking a tram, you can see all these buildings.
Rathaus (City Hall)
Opera House
Schonbruun Palace
Vienna has many delicious pastries, cake and chocolates to offer. ( Viennese cuisine ). It is a must to try Apfelstrudel and the Sachetorte here. Also you can find a cafe almost every other corner.
Since it is located in central Europe, you can easily go to other places like Prague, Budapest, Munich etc.
Lastly to conclude:
“The streets of Vienna are paved with culture. Streets of other cities with asphalt.” Karl Kraus, Austrian writer and journalist (1874-1936)
Patrick Burke
Lifelong Wanderlusting Wayfarer. Lived in NYC & London. 30+ Countries Visited
215w ago
Galway, Ireland for a good Craic.
Galway is a small city on the west coast of Ireland. Unlike Dublin, which is a multicultural mini-London, Galway is authentic Ireland, earning the moniker as the most Irish city in Ireland. The less touristy pubs are filled with locals who live up to the Irish reputation as the most friendly and conversational people in the world. Unlike any other city I’ve traveled to in Europe, the people are truly the main attraction. Strike up a conversation with a Galway resident (which is inevitable) and you will find yourself talking about everything from the rules of Hurling to your position on the new Pope over 6 pints of Guinness.
The Irish drinking stereotype also holds up in Galway, with pubs outnumbering all other businesses. Live traditional Irish folk music and drinking songs are common at many of the pubs and everyone visits Galway to have a good time, from backpackers to bachelorette parties and everyone in between.
Galway county is the biggest Gaeltacht region in the country, meaning Irish is the first language (Irish people generally refer to their language as Irish, not Gaelic). The Irish language is in serious decline with about 2% of the country’s population still Gaeltacht. For a tourist destination, the language and culture has been very well preserved.
Located an hour from the 700 foot high Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, there is also plenty to do on a day trip. Having been to both, I would recommend going to the island of Inishmore, which was home to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2012. Take a ferry to the island, rent a bicycle and ride out past a nature reserve for seals, through the green, billy-goat infested hills, to the ancient site of Dún Aengus, situated on cliffs equally breath-taking as the Moher cliffs.
Jure Snoj
Travel blogger, ex online editor
74w ago
Slovenia would rank very high in my book. Then again, it’s my homeland, so I might be a bit biased :).
What makes it so special is that there is just so much to see and do in an incredibly small geographic area. In addition to that, the landscape is quite diverse, so you get to experience different place within a short driving distance.
Let me give you an overview of what you can expect:
1.) Magnificent caves
Slovenia is famous for its caves, especially the Postojna cave, which has been on the tourist trail for almost 200 years!
One of its star attraction is the olm, a salamander adapted for life in complete darkness, with a life span of up to 70 years. In Slovenian language it’s called the human fish, due to the color of its skin and in English speaking media you’ll often notice referred to it as a dragon :).
If you only make it to one of the caves on your travel, then the real gem you should be looking at is Skocjan caves. A UNESCO listed wonder, which is remarkably less renowned, however visitor numbers are picking up and it is in no way deserted.
2.) Counter culture of Ljubljana
Amidst Ljubljana’s city center stands a self proclaimed autonomous counter culture zone situated in the decaying grounds of the former bicycle manufacturing plant of Tovarna Rog.
The battle between people using the place (and their supporters) for all sorts of artistic, social and other projects and the Municipality of Ljubljana over the future of the grounds continues raging and the final outcome remains to be seen.
And that’s just the lesser known of Ljubljana’s alternative scene, for there is always the more established Metelkova.
3.) Hiking amidst pristine landscapes
Slovenia is a perfect place to go hiking with its numerous marked trails, pristine forests, clean rivers and towering alps (60% of the country is covered with trees, making it the 3rd greenest in Europe). With hiking and mountaineering being enormously popular, there is a marked trail leading to basically any hill or mountain you set your eyes upon. Be it the high altitude Alps or the rolling hills of Prekmurje region, you can walk it.
4.) Charming small towns
Slovenia is dotted with numerous small towns and villages, many of which are incredibly picturesque. Some of the best known ones are the tourism promotion material darling of Bled and the Mediterranean beauty of Piran. But honestly, if you get yourself a car while travelling in Slovenia and go on a road trip, you’ll be rewarded with many cute little places on your way. Just to mention some of them: Ptuj, Kostanjevica, Štanjel, Škofja Loka, Padna, Žužemberk and a bunch of others I forgot or don’t even know about (*hangs his head in shame for not exploring his own country well enough*).
5.) Fabulous river gorges
There are some incredibly scenic gorges to explore in Slovenia, taking you deep into the hill crevices where water narrates the atmosphere. They are mostly easily accessible if you have your own wheels and a reasonable cover charge applies. Probably the most impressive of all is the Vintgar Gorge in Bled, but there are numerous others which are well worth the trip as well. To list some of those you might find rewarding: Tolmin Gorge, Rakov Škocjan, Iški Vintgar, Slap Kozjak and I’m sure some others I can’t recall right now.
James Horner
studied at Studied Computers at University of Bedfordshire
5w ago
Prague – “The City of a Thousand Spires” is my favorite destination. It seems like surreal when I imagine its beautiful skyline featuring unending domed churches and towering structures. To be frank it takes me to my Disneyland days. Many consider it as an architectural gem in Europe. The whole city looks like dramatic construction narrow lanes opening up to beautiful squares is simply the beauty. Charles Bridge and Jewish quarter have created an everlasting impression on my mind. I would like to share some impressive images of the city that reveals what Prague is all about.
#Prague Castle
The official residence of the Czech Republic’s President was the home of Bohemian king. It depicts the leading architectural styles of the millennium.
#Charles Bridge
The medieval age bridge offers spectacular views of the River Vltava. The Gothic style of architecture reflects on gates of the bridge.
#The Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
Located in the historic center of Prague, the Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock dates back to 11th century and worth exploring on a holiday.
#St. Vitus Cathedral
Home to the tombs of Bohemian kings and of numerous saints, St Vitus Cathedral is the largest and prominent Church in the Czech Republic.
#The National Gallery in Prague
Exhibits Europe’s most important art collections. You can find artworks from the Classical era to the end of the Baroque period.
Note: Images are taken from various online sources
Dimitris Michaelides
works at Software Engineering
135w ago
Hi,
Although I agree that all over Europe you can find many places to visit, I have to “toot my own horn” and suggest Cyprus, if you like to be more specific try Limassol my home town, even though easily in a couple of hours you can trabel for one side of the island to the other.
Why Limassol? Well it’s great, it has everything you are looking for!
What about sunny beaches and beach bars ?
What about ancient ruins to wonder and think about history?
Maybe you are more adventurous and enjoy mountain-biking or snow boarding? We got you covered! :
Note that you can go from the beach front to the mountains in around 30 minutes drive 🙂
And many many more things to see, feel, taste, try, and do
Let me leave you with this page that has many videos about Limassol and Cyprus in general made by Heart Cyprus | Videos team.
Thank you and looking forward see you on the island
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