Discover the Best Highlights of Europe

This is a guest post from Kritika Panase about the highlights of Europe. For more info about Europe, check out my blog posts on Most Romantic Spots in Europe, My Favorite European Cities, Easter Europe Destinations as well as many more articles on my Europe Destination page.

With dreamy views, magnificent attractions, lovely ambiance, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted history, Europe has to be on your travel bucket list. No matter whether you are looking for a luxurious trip, a relaxed vacation, or a backpacker’s budget-friendly trip, Europe has it all.

Europe offers diversity from world-famous history starting from Rome and Greece to Paris, the shopping paradise of the world. While some people love the hustle and bustle of the city side, others may love to venture the off-beaten track and explore hidden gems. Read on to discover the best highlights of Europe!

London, the famous capital of England

Located strategically on the beautiful Thames River, London is one of the world-famous destinations to visit. The city holds a cultural and historical legacy that stuns every visitor. London consists of two cities which together form a Greater London, The City of London and the City of Westminister. Attracting millions of visitors every year, London offers numerous attractions of all categories.

Some of the must-visit London highlights include:

• London Eye offers the most incredible views of the city
• Buckingham Palace, the iconic palace of London features spectacular architecture and history
• Westminster Abbey, one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London
• London Dungeon, step into the dark side of London with the most thrilling experience ever
• Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site making it a popular tourist site in London
• River Thames, offering a serene sight which is an integral part of London tourism

Switzerland, the dreamy land of Europe

Switzerland is unarguably one of the most visited destinations in Europe. The serene yet diverse and beautiful landscapes with towering peaks, countless waterfalls, and glittering lakes make it all perfect for a dreamy vacation. You can jump into memorable train journeys passing through mind-blowing views, or hike to the mountains and be rewarded with the most panoramic views.

Some of the must-visit sites in Switzerland include:

• Interlaken, located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz hosts some of the best summer holiday resorts
• Lake Geneva, the largest Alpine lake in Europe is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, gardens, and promenades
• The Matterhorn, located in the iconic village of Zermatt hosts world-class restaurants, picturesque chalets, and horse carriage rides
• Zurich, the major transport hub and largest city of Switzerland boasts a rich collection of cultural and hidden attractions
• Swiss National Park, one of the oldest reserves in the Alps and the most famous place in Switzerland

Greece, the land of glorious history

Surrounded by stunning blue waters, Greece is a popular destination in the world. It is home to 6,000 islands and the land of world-famous personas including Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. The country is packed with rich culture, colorful cities, vibrant festivals, and magnificent history.

Some of the must-visit places in Greece include:

• Santorini, a serene town shimmering with whitewashed buildings, little colorful houses, and towering sapphire domes
• Ancient city of Athens, one of the best places to explore with all the modern amenities, spotless streets, well-maintained parks, and loads of historical places
• Apokoronas, which boasts spell-binding lush spaces and pure blue waters
• Meteora, meaning ‘suspended in the air’ describes the monasteries of Meteora that almost seem like they are suspended in the air

Paris, the fashion capital of the world 

The city of romance, Paris welcomes more than 44 million visitors every year. This stunning city houses the most iconic structures in the world including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Paris is popularly called the fashion capital of the world hosting various fashion events that capture the world’s attention. You will find world-famous Michelin Star restaurants that will take you on an impeccable culinary journey.

Some of the must-visit places in Paris are:

• Eiffel Tower
• The Louvre, the most popular art gallery in the world
• Palace of Versailles, boasting exotic décor and an amazing display of artwork
• Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of French Cancan and a vintage cabaret venue

Rome, the architectural marvel

Rome flaunts its beauty and history that will leave you spellbound. Being the capital city of Italy, Rome holds the remains of stunning architecture and heritage. However, the beauty of Rome lies significantly in the churches. There are approximately 900 churches from the Medieval period to the Gothic and Renaissance.

Some of the must-visit places in Rome include:

• Colosseum, a popular vintage amphitheater raised by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty
• Pantheon, the temple of all Roman gods and one of the most important tourist places
• Vatican Museums, with its exceptional work of art
• Castel Sant’ Angelo, boasts glorious history and commendable beauty
• St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world

Istanbul, the cultural melting pot in Turkey

Istanbul is a land that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. While there are several reasons to make it one of the best places to explore, the most remarkable structure is the famous Hagia Sophia. The city was historically named Byzantium and Constantinople and has served as a prominent place for several ancient empires.

Some of the must-visit places in Istanbul include:

• Hagia Sophia, the architectural wonder, features impeccable history and artwork
• Blue Mosque, an iconic landmark of Istanbul
• Grand Bazaar, the main marketplace of Istanbul and the venue of colorful commercial activities
• Camlica Hill, one of the highest hills in Istanbul

Turkey is a land offering a large variety of attractions perfect for every explorer. From diverse landscapes to vivid climates, and vibrant culture to marvelous history, every nook and cranny features a unique charm that is hard to resist. If you plan on exploring Turkey, here is some quick info on Turkey visit visa.

Summary

There are more than 40 countries in Europe and no matter which country or city you choose to explore, you will be rewarded with wonderful moments. We have shared some of the highlights of Europe that feature everything from adventurous activities to reliving history and experiencing varied cultures. You can be a history buff in architectural marvels, be an artist in world-famous art galleries, and wander off-beaten tracks. Europe is packed with countless experiences that you can cherish.