Saturday, November 28, 2015

10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe & Tips

Europe is place full of art from the whole human history. From the beautiful baroque buildings in central Europe to amazing ancient Roman ruins. Wherever you go you will see that each building has its own unique story. Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit.

1. Barcelona, Spain







Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. It is defined by quirky art and architecture, imaginative food and vibrant street life. It has medieval roots, seen in the mazelike Gothic Quarter, but a modernist personality represented by architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical Sagrada Família church. Its restaurant scene, anchored by the central Boqueria market, ranges from fine dining to tiny tapas bars.
Not only is it full of architectural artwork it is located near the very popular holiday resort, Lloret de Mar. 

Tips

When you go there beware of pickpockets. They are everywhere and might even try to convince you to give them money willingly, but don't fall for the fake stories. 

2.  Amsterdam, The Netherlands






Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are 400km of cycle paths. 

Tips

Rent a bike and do a city tour! It is a unique experience you will never forget. Also, don't forget to visit the museums, where some of the world's greatest pieces are located.


3. Santorini, Greece






Greece is a very popular vacation location for Europeans. Not only is it very cheap but it has the most beautiful beaches and sea in the whole world. Athens is the cradle of democracy and art. However Santorini is a bit different. Not as cheap as the other resorts, it isn't famous for its beaches. What's more people prefer to swim in their pools and enjoy the sun in their balconies.
Santorini was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C.E., forever shaping its rugged landscape and villages and leaving the beaches covered in black, red and white lava pebbles. It has two principal towns, Fira and Oia, which cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). 

Tips

Seriously, just enjoy. Enjoy in the sun. Enjoy in the view. Enjoy in the food. The food is amazing and you shouldn't miss trying their traditional dishes or the famous gyros right there where it all started.


4. Moscow, Russia






Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital. In its historic core is the Kremlin, a fortified complex that’s home to the president and tsarist treasures in the Armoury. Outside its walls is Red Square, the country’s symbolic center and site of Lenin’s Mausoleum, State Historical Museum and St. Basil’s Cathedral, known for its colorful, patterned, onion-shaped domes. You will hear amazing and interesting facts about Russian history that will blow your mind.

Tips

Don't ever go to a drink-off with Russians. Not only will they drink more than you, but they won't fall down and vomit their hearts out, you will. Also, Russia, Moscow especially are really expensive, so unless you have a lot of money to spend, go with an agency and look for good deals. If you are planning to go in winter, you should bring your best and warmest jackets and coats, you will certainly see why Russian women wear their fur coats that cover their whole bodies.
 

5. Paris, France








Paris, France's capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its picturesque 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Beyond such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower and the 12th-century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is known for its cafe culture, and designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Under no circumstances should you not visit Versailles, a castle near Paris. Nobody should miss seeing beautiful fountains and gardens of Versailles as well as the most beautiful Disneyland.

Tips

There are so many thieves and so many  creative ways they mastered taking your money. They can really ruin your experience. Other than that, always read the prices before you sit to have a drink as they can be very high.

6. Rome, Italy








Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, boasts St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.  

Tips: 

Don't go to Rome if you are planning to stay less than 5 days. There is a saying: If you stay in Rome for a day you think you've seen it all, if you stay for a week you've seen something and if you stay more you realize you haven't seen anything. And it is completely true as the Italy holds 70% of all artworks of the world and each building has its own history.

7. London, England








London, England’s capital, set on the River Thames, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city.

Tips:

London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so be prepared.


8. Munich, Germany










Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and cavernous beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. In the walkable Old Town, Marienplatz is a central square containing landmarks such as Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show. Interesting about it that some tourists, mostly from China, bet on who is going to win in the play which is always the same and the winner is always Bavaria.

Tips

The city center is very crowded all the time so you need to be patient. The best time to go to Munich is the spring, as it is very hot during the summer. Don't miss to visit the castles around Munich as they are famous for their beauty. One of them, Neuschwanstein, even inspired Disney to create the Cinderella's castle. The most important tip: DON'T UNDERESTIMATE MUNICH. Many people just ignore Germany and don't know all of the wonders it offers.


9. Budapest, Hungary










Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube, and the 19th-century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces life from Roman times onwards. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

Tips

The locals who speak English are rare and Hungarian language is pretty unique so brace yourself. Also be careful with your money and calculate everything carefully as it is often that some cashiers will want to give you less change because it is really easy to get confused with their currency.
Make sure that you go on a mini-cruise in the evening down the Danube, it is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.



10. Istanbul, Turkey





 Istanbul is a city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. The Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring dome and Christian mosaics. 

Tips

Once you asked for the price of something, the seller will do everything so you buy it, from lowering the price to making you coffee. 
Try to avoid too revealing clothing as Turkey is still pretty traditional and religious country.

No comments:

Post a Comment