“The journey changes you – it should change you. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
-Anthony Bourdain
(Renowned American Chef and author)
Every traveler dreams of visiting a European capital someday, for beauty, culture, and food. There are so many heritage sites to explore there that one trip is not enough.
Solo backpackers, honeymoon couples, and families love to visit Europe, a continent rich in history, because of its picturesque land, grand architecture, beautiful paintings, and stunning sculptures.
One day you will be taking a tour of a museum or a King’s castle and the other day you will find yourself surrounded by local flavors of wine, cheese, and chocolates.
Modern transportation makes traveling locally to the cities easier and the nightlife will prove to be an unforgettable experience.
Let’s drive through the cultural capitals of Europe that should be on your must-visit bucket list.
Europe’s Top Cultural Cities
Europe is the global leader in international tourism, accounting for roughly 60 percent of international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2022. The most popular destinations in European capitals are London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Athens, Venice, and Prague.
Here are a few well-known tourist attractions to visit when in Europe.
- London – Tower of London, British Museum, London Eye
- Paris – Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame
- Madrid – El Retiro Park, Museo del Prado, Royal Palace of Madrid
- Rome – The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Roman Forum
- Athens – Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, Holyrood Palace
- Venice – St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica
- Prague – Prague’s Castle, Charle’s Bridge, The Clementinum, and the National Library
City breaks in Europe are also preferred because traveling locally is easily accessible. You can rent a cab to a touristy place or ride a train that gives you unforgettable views of the landscape. Don’t forget to ride the ferries of Amsterdam and Venice for a unique experience.
DO YOU KNOW?
Italy has 58 world heritage sites to explore, which is more than anywhere else in the world.
The Palaces of Prague
Prague is also popularly called the Heart of Europe and a City of a Hundred Spires. It is the capital of the Czech Republic with a rich architectural heritage and in 1992, it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A must-visit when in this place is the winding course of the Vltava River near the Charles Bridge.
The great castle of Hradcany has massive walls that are set high on a hill alongside narrow streets and little taverns. These Prague city breaks will mesmerize you with the 18th-century Baroque palaces that are adorned elegantly.
TRAVEL TIP
Exploring the amazing cities of Prague with a four to five-day trip will give you enough time to visit the best places.
The Beauty of Paris
Call it the city of love or the city of lights, Paris has become the center of art, fashion, and elegant food. It is located along the Seine River and has a rich agricultural region. It attracts many businesses for nightlife, restaurants and cafes, and of course, haute couture.
It is a hub for some of the world’s famous painters, authors, and intellectuals. The symbol of all these is the Eiffel Tower which is a beauty and engineering marvel. It is one of the most Instagram-worthy locations with its stunning views.
Another unforgettable site is The Louvre Museum which boasts artistic treasures like the paintings of Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. The most visited cathedral, Notre Dame has gothic architecture which is iconic and legendary.
The graph below shows the most visited places in Paris besides the Eiffel Tower.
The Grand Architectures of Rome
You must have heard the quote – ‘Rome wasn’t built in one day’, which refers to its political and religious past. However, the metropolitan city hasn’t forgotten its legends and showcases its popular sites with pride.
Once a place of powerful rulers, the eternal city’s character has changed several times from the Pope to the Kings. That’s why visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica Tours are most recommended. You will be delighted to see the immortal works of Michelangelo and famous murals standing in its might even today.
The Roman Colosseum is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World for its eternal historical significance. A guided tour is the best way to visit it as it increases the knowledge and importance of this site. It is an icon of the Roman Empire with a robust construction telling tales of heroism and brutal fights.
DO YOU KNOW?
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and could hold up to 80,000 spectators. It was used for various events such as gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public executions.
Conclusion
These are the top capitals and sites to visit on your Europe tour. The continent is extravagant in every way with a past that is steeped in rich history and culture. Exploring it with your family and friends is the most unforgettable experience that will take you to many centuries at once.
There are many more terrains to visit which can be visited with the help of a tour package and an expert guide. Booking tickets and traveling locally is easier with the modern amenities easily available. The cafes will welcome you to taste their best food and wines and live music that will alleviate your mood.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a lifetime of adventure visiting the best European cities.
Also Read: Exploring the World Through Car Travel
