We all have a bucket or wish list of the things we hope to accomplish. Traveling is usually on this list. With so many destinations to visit and attractions to see we decided to narrow them down for you. This is a fun-filled adventurous guide to what you should do on your Europe getaway. It will cover the gorgeous and iconic sites while keeping in mind you are on a budget. Most people don’t travel the world because of the costs involved and as such this well put list is your ultimate guide to enjoying this magnificent continent.
10 Places to Visit on a Europe Getaway
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki should be your first stop. The Danish capital is one of the few cities that exhibits the art and culture of olden Europe. It also offers an aesthetically pleasing view as it plays host to numerous modernly-designed buildings. Most art exhibits can be viewed from the core of the city center. The city center is home to over 20+ blocks that play host to all sorts of interesting activities as well as points of interest. The city center also plays home to the century-old Helsinki City Museum. The museum had closed down for renovations but its open now. Visit the museum to learn all you can about Finland and its rich history. Helsinki also has stores selling hand-crafted ceramics, wooden furniture and art installations that can be used as travel souvenirs.
The city will also give you an opportunity to experience its diverse culture through eateries that offer fresh and contemporary cuisine. Helsinki also plays host to the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Bukowskis Market. This market is believed to be one of the oldest fine art auction houses in Scandinavia.
Brugge, Belgium
While Belgium has a host of good scenery and attractions to visit, we recommend Brugge. The capital of Belgium plays host to an underrated European cuisine. You can find eateries on nearly every street corner. Treat yourself to delicious waffles. Most eateries will serve the waffles with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Sometimes strawberries are used. This is the traditional method of having waffles in Europe.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Switzerland has the highest altitude train stations in Europe. A popular destination when visiting the country is Interlaken. It is one of the few places with all year round snow. The Jungfraujoch train is world renowned for its scenic beauty and epic location. The train ride takes almost a full day to get all the way to the top and back down of the Alps. It offers tourist such as yourself a chance to experience high altitude Alps air and an aesthetically pleasing view. Make sure you carry your cameras as you will need them for this particular visit.
Munich, Germany
Germany is best known for three things; beer, sausages, and football. Early historic recollections of this European country show that monks from Germany started brewing beer as far back as 800 BC. By early 1500s there were more than six hundred breweries in Germany. Countries such as Netherlands and Britain also adopted the art that is beer making. Germany also enforces the oldest food regulation in the world. This regulation states that all German beer can only be brewed with barley, hops, and water. The use of additives is against the law.
Rome, Italy
Italy is considered to be the religious capital of the world. It plays host to the Vatican City which is the smallest country in Europe. The country is in the middle of Rome and it hosts the Pope. The small country hosts attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. Rome also offers you the chance to explore the Apostolic Palace and Vatican Museums. A must see when visiting Rome is the majestic Sistine Chapel. The ceiling of the chapel is one of Michelangelo’s most famous works. The ceiling is still intact and in good condition. Michelangelo finished the ceiling piece back in 1512.
Riga, Latvia
The capital city of Latvia is also known as Northern Europe’s Art Nouveau capital. Making use of naturally occurring forms and structures in the building design lead to the growth of Art Nouveau. It was recently internationally recognized as a form of architecture that arose somewhere in between the 17th and 18th century. The city is at the forefront of this form of art and architecture which makes for an attractive destination. Riga also plays home to the Art Nouveau Museum where the artworks of revolutionary 19th-century artists are displayed. The architectural district in Riga was granted the World Heritage status by UNESCO.
Acropolis, Greece
Greece plays home to the remains of several historically and architecturally significant buildings. The Parthenon, for example, was built around 5th century BC. It was built as a monument to the cultural and political achievements of the inhabitants of Athens. The Parthenon and other main buildings in Acropolis are world renowned as perfect buildings created by the world’s most advanced civilization. A surprising fact is that even with all the technological advancements that we have made, no one really knows how they built these buildings. This one of a kind town in Greece is a must-see for anyone interested in human history and philosophy.
St. Petersburg, Russia
A surprising fact about Russia is that until 2012, any beverage with alcoholic content below 8% was considered a soft drink. It is also no surprise that the tradition of making vodka started in Russia more than five centuries ago. St. Petersburg is one of the few towns in Russia that have kept true to the vodka making business. Learn the old art of vodka distillation and how it is a major part of the country’s history. The Museum of Russian Vodka has all the information you will need on vodka. Visitors to the museum are offered vodka samples as part of the tour.
Prague, Czech Republic
While not much can be said about the Czech Republic, Prague makes we must visit travel list. The Czech Republic capital plays home to scenic views and a deep connection to its roots. Prague also offers its visitors a sweet and freshly baked Trdelnik. It is made from rolled dough which is then wrapped around a stick. It is the covered in cinnamon before being grilled and topped with sugar. This tasty treat is enough to make the weather bearable. Enjoy Trdelnik with a mouth-warming cup of coffee.
Lisbon, Portugal
There’s no specific reason to make 2018 the year you visit Lisbon. It is a city that is home to a host of delicious Portuguese treats as well as a vibrant and expressive music center. It is also home to epic historic sites and an eventful nightlife. The Portuguese capital experiences good weather all year round making it a relatively busy tourist attraction site.