Once upon a time, the Grand Tour of Europe was a years-long journey. Folks knew that understanding Europe’s true beauty took time. Today, we often have just a few weeks of vacation each year, making it necessary to select our destinations carefully. At Neonpolice, we’ve simplified things for your next European adventure by identifying the top spots to visit. Even better, you can always discover more on your next trip, as reaching Europe now takes mere hours compared to the weeks required by our ancestors.
List of the 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe
Planning a trip to Europe? Lots of great spots to see. Neonpolice has gathered some top choices for you to consider. Here they are:
1. Rome
Rome | Neonpolice
A long time ago, Romans had camps in the United Kingdom. Still, they never forgot their home when it came to building huge buildings. The Colosseum, a big place that could fit up to 80,000 people for fights between gladiators, is a must-visit place. A special attraction is a tiny country inside the city: the Vatican City. Its amazing St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s art is a must-see, and it’s one of the top spots to visit in Europe, even if you’re not Catholic. Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the Pope at his Wednesday meeting. Best Places to Visit in Europe: From noteworthy landmarks to quaint hidden corners, Europe teems with exploration opportunities.
2. Paris
Paris | Neonpolice
People love singing about spring in Paris, yet every season offers a chance to experience this captivating Seine-side city. It’s rich in history, culture, fine cuisine, and fashion. You can’t miss the iconic Eiffel Tower. The Louvre is a treasure trove of art. Sacred Heart and Notre Dame are key churches. Versailles, with its stunning Hall of Mirrors, symbolizes wealth — Discover the charm of Paris, often topping the list of the Best Places to Visit in Europe.
3. Santorini
Santorini | Neonpolice
Ready to relax? Santorini, an island in the Aegean, is a perfect spot. Many believe it’s a place you should visit, and it’s easy to see why. The island boasts picturesque towns, a live volcano, and stunning sunsets. It’s a top European destination. Don’t miss Fira, a village on a cliff. Also, sample local produce like Vincent dessert wine and fruit enriched from volcanic ash soil, both taste amazingly sweet. Vast mountains, quaint hamlets, and ancient cities await your best places to visit in europe Highlights.
4. London
London | Neonpolice
History buffs will love London. It’s full of palaces, from Buckingham Palace to Hampton Court Palace, making it a treasure trove on the Thames. The Tower of London houses royal gems, but remember, it’s more of a fortress than a palace. Shopping? Top-tier. Knightsbridge, Carnaby Street, even Harrods’ amazing food courts – a shopper’s paradise. For zipping around London, try the famous tube. Watch for the gap. When considering places in Europe, London tops the list as the most visited and favored. Discovering the best places to visit in europe is an exciting dip into various cultures, food, and scenery.
5. Amsterdam
Amsterdam | Neonpolice
Amsterdam, oh how grand! A city adorned with flowing canals, towering slender houses. It implies a poignant history, where Anne Frank penned her renowned diary. A visit to her abode is essential. Referred to as “Northern Venice,” remarkable art fills the city. First, there’s the Rijksmuseum, home to esteemed European masterpieces. Next, we have Rembrandt’s domicile. Also, explore Van Gogh’s more contemporary museum. When your feet ache from exploring, give them a break. Kick back at the Heineken Brewery. Sip on sumptuous Dutch beer!
6. Barcelona
Barcelona | Neonpolice
Barcelona started by the Romans, is a lively bustling city by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s Catalonia’s heart, a strong regional force. What sets it apart is its unique buildings built by Antoni Gaudi. One special piece is La Sagrada Familia, a church that’s been growing since 1892! Sure, you could circle your whole visit around his designs, but other gems like La Rambla await! It’s a famous walkway right in the middle of the city.
7. Istanbul
Istanbul best place in Europe | Neonpolice
Though not in Europe, Istanbul deserves a spot on your international travel list. As Turkey’s biggest city, it’s a vibrant mix of historic wonders, bustling markets, and stunning mosques. Don’t miss the Bosporus—it’s a distinctive link between Europe and Asia. The multifaceted Hagia Sophia is another crowd puller, acting as a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, an imperial mosque, and now a museum. The Topkapi Palace, standing since the 15th century, doubles as a museum too. Also, swing by the Grand Bazaar—it’s been welcoming shoppers since 1461.
8. Venice
Venice | Neonpolice
Venice is a lovers’ city. Imagine a gondola ride on the grand canal, with the sweet sound of Italian melodies in your ear. Picture Marco Polo. He also started his journey to China from this very place. Start your adventure in Venice from the famous San Marco Plaza. Check out the Doge’s Palace. It’s where the city’s decision-makers used to sit. And don’t miss the St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s the main church, and the view from the tower is just epic. It’s these features that make Venice a must-visit in Europe. Plus, the city has really cool canal bridges, like Rialto and Sighs.
9. Athens
Athens best place in Europe | Neonpolice
Athens, inhabited since 500 BC, gifted the world with democracy. Acting as Greece’s capital and the historical hub of Europe, several vital sites surround its ancient Acropolis. You can spot the Temple of Zeus, Dionysus Theatre showcasing Sophocles’ creations, iconic Hadrian’s Arch serving as the city’s doorway, and the Acropolis-crowned Parthenon. Deciding on your next holiday destination? Think about the best places to visit in europe for a memorable journey.
10. Budapest
Budapest | Neonpolice
Budapest, the current capital and the biggest city in Hungary has an interesting past. By the ninth century, when the Hungarians stepped in, it was a bustling city. Different rulers, like Mongols and Ottomans, had their turn governing Budapest. Nowadays, this city is counted among the must-visit European destinations. Its Museum of Fine Arts, a treasure trove of more than 100,000 artifacts, is a major attraction. Don’t forget the centrally located Old Town. It’s packed with numerous museums, cathedrals, palaces, and the impressive Parliament building.
Conclusion
Europe is packed with must-visit spots, each one unique. Fancy visiting ancient sites in Rome or the stunning Swiss scenery? There’s a place just for you. Jumpstart your journey across Europe by checking out our selected hidden wonders. But don’t forget, a well-planned trip is a good trip! Use trusty online resources like Agoda to book your flights without a hitch, letting you concentrate on making the perfect plan. If you need more ideas, Neonpolice website is full of helpful articles and tips. A well-planned trip coupled with a dash of on-the-spot decisions will certainly make your European travels memorable.