With the Summer holidays just around the corner we thought we would take a look at some of the best places to take a break in Europe. The following five European cities are our favourites…
Visitors will find a city steeped in history, offering spectacular sites and great culture around every corner. Berlin is a vibrant, exciting, trendsetting metropolis that caters to every possible taste. History lovers will relish a visit to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of German reunification. Inspired by the Athens Acropolis, the monument was completed in 1791 and is surrounded by the Pariser Platz, a well proportioned square. Other sites for history buffs include the Reichstag building where the German government sits and Checkpoint Charlie, a famous symbol of the Cold War and now a popular tourist attraction. For those with an interest in culture, Berlin doesn’t disappoint. There are hundreds of museums dotted around the city, wonderful theatres and a cutting edge film festival. Bohemian culture is everywhere in the streets of Kreuzberg, while traditional culture fans can spend days exploring Museum Island.
An enchanting city by the sea, filled with cultural, historical and artistic delights. Visitors to Barcelona will find it hard to get bored in this beautiful metropolis. The architecture alone is enough to keep bringing people back. For many the Sagrada Familia is the standout attraction as it juts out into the skyline with its piercing spires. Still not finished, the Gaudi designed church is not to be missed. Other architectural highlights include the medieval Gothic quarter and Casa Battlo, another Gaudi gem. While art lovers will find Barcelona a dream destination. With Miro, Picasso and Antoni Tapies all having museums in their name, the city provides everything for the art connoisseur. When the time comes for a break from museums, head up over to Montjuic for amazing panoramic views of the city. Site of the famous 1992 Summer Olympics, the hill also houses beautiful botanical gardens and Montjuic Castle.
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The Portuguese capital is a fantastic, vibrant city with a real 24 hour feel. Visitors will find one of Europe’s most picturesque cities built on a series of hills with great views from all angles. Lisbon has one of the world’s best natural harbours and is surrounded by architecture that spans the generations. Photographers will love the beautiful vistas the city provides, while its proximity to the beach allows visitors to combine world class culture with an afternoon at the seaside. Foodies will love the wide choice of restaurants and cafes the cities offers. And those looking for a night out will find some of the most exciting nightlife in Europe. One of the most lively districts to visit is Bairro Alto, a medieval area in the centre of the city popular with the young.
Copenhagen offers Scandinavian style, great restaurants and a lively bar scene. With nine centuries of history and a royal pedigree, the city houses a range of top class museums. Its streets are specifically designed for cyclists as they wind their way past idyllic candlelit cafes and craft studios in one of Europe’s most compact cities. Foodies will love the choice on offer including Noma, the world’s best restaurant. Later in the evening the nightlife options cater to a wide variety of tastes from colourful discos to laid back bars and cool clubs. During the day those seeking their cultural fix will find a city all geared up for art fans. Some of the best art galleries include the Akren Museum of Modern Art, SMK -The National Gallery of Denmark and Ordrupgaard which contains Northern Europe’s finest collections of 19th and 20th century French art.
Rome is a great city break destination where visitors will find jaw dropping sights around every corner. Known for its historical landmarks which showcase the best of Roman architecture, the city is in effect a living, breathing museum. From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, Rome will have history buffs enthralled. But Rome isn’t just a city living in its past, today history is still being made at the Vatican, the world famous home of the Catholic church. Glimpsing a view of the Pope as he makes his way through the streets is not uncommon. Art fans will also find plenty to keep them occupied in the city that has made the careers of many great painters. Michelangelo is famous for painting the Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512 and visitors can view his masterpiece in person by paying a visit to the Vatican Museum. Other museums to look out for include Maxxi, the National Museum of Art from the 2st century and the Borghese Gallery, which contains one of the world’s great art collections. After trekking round the sights and museums, a meal at one of the great city restaurants makes a perfect end to the day. Rome has a lively restaurant scene, particularly away from the main tourist routes.
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For more information on the countries where our favourite five European cities are located, head over to our Germany, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Italy pages.
