The best city to visit in Europe

How not to mention one of the most famous cities in the world? Paris attracts people from all over the world, with its streets filled with so many monuments. Of course, there are the famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or the Louvre Museum, but there is so much more to the city than that. In fact, it is so rich that you could spend years exploring it.

In this romantic city, you can also explore exciting places, such as the scenic Parc des Buttes Chaumont, the Flower and Bird Market, the Villa Léandre Street, the Church of St-Etienne-du-Mont or one of the many restaurants that can be found throughout the French capital. After all, France is world famous for its gastronomy! And don’t forget to have a coffee on a café terrace in the morning!

The capital of Catalonia is a great place to explore. While some people may know it more for its long beach and its festive atmosphere, it is also a major cultural centre with many monuments to discover.

The city is known for the legacy of Antoni Gaudí, who designed many of Barcelona’s most famous buildings. The best known is of course the still unfinished Sagrada Família basilica (whose construction began in 1882), along with Park Güell. Its unique vision and style are an integral part of the city’s identity.

Barcelona also has many parks, such as the Parc de la Ciutadella or Montjuïc, a large green hill where you can find the Palau Nacional, the Olympic Stadium or the Castle, an old military fortress built in the 17th century, with a great view over the city.

As the centre of the Roman Empire, Rome has an incredible heritage and has a long and complex history. Antique landmarks are still ever-present, with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pyramid of Cestius, the Pantheon, etc. Rome is also famous for its beauty, with districts such as Trastevere, with its typically Italian streets and medieval buildings.

Of course, while you are in Rome, you can also visit the Vatican (which is actually the smallest independent country in the world) and its religious architecture and art, most notably the Sistine Chapel, world-famous for its ceiling paintings by Michelangelo.

While you are there, take the time to enjoy Italian cuisine at its finest! Of course, pizza and pasta come immediately to mind, but don’t forget to try dishes like saltimbocca alla romana or carciofi alla romana! And while you’re wandering the Roman streets, don’t forget to stop for a nice gelato!

The British capital has a strong identity: everyone thinks of red buses, Big Ben and the guards at Buckingham Palace. Even after Brexit, the city is still attractive thanks to its many places to visit. In addition to the palace and clock tower, you can also discover Tower Bridge (there is a museum and you can visit the Victorian engine room), the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, etc.

Do you like contemporary architecture? You can go to the Shard, a tower completed in 2012, by architect Renzo Piano. There, you can enjoy a drink and food in one of the restaurants and bars.

When you get to London, you will be in the heart of one of Europe’s fashion hotspots. If you want a great shopping experience, Oxford Street, famous for its many shops, is waiting for you!

Florence is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. This is where Renaissance started during the quattrocento, and as such, it is one of the culturally most important places on the continent.

The city of Dante Alighieri and Petrarch is full of beautiful monuments such as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (along with the Baptistery of St. John, right next to it), the Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Strozzi. Art lovers can also visit the Uffizi Gallery, with a large collection of paintings, mostly from the Italian Renaissance, or the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s David.

Don’t forget to visit the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge with many little shops to buy a souvenir of your visit.

Lyon may not be the first city that comes to mind when you’re looking for the best city to visit in Europe, but it’s definitely worth considering when planning your trip.

It is one of the largest cities in France and dates back to ancient times when it was the capital of the Gauls within the Roman Empire. Many monuments from that era remain (such as the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière), but its history over the millennia has given it an incredible heritage. Its Renaissance streets and modern architecture make it a great place to visit during your trip to Europe.

French cuisine is famous all over the world, and if you want to discover it, Lyon is probably the best choice! After all, there’s a reason why it’s called the capital of gastronomy. While you are there, you can discover the finest dishes in 5-star restaurants and you can go to the traditional Lyon restaurant: a bouchon. There, you will discover a more homely atmosphere and taste popular and unforgettable dishes.

And don’t forget, it’s easy to get there! Thanks to its international airport, you can get there from just about anywhere. And its central position in the French railway system makes it easy to get to other cities. Paris is less than 3 hours away and 20 trains run from Lyon to the capital every day!

Did Lyon catch your attention? Would you like to discover all that it has to offer during a culture trip or on a tour of Europe?