You need lots of time to fully experience all that Europe has to offer and it can be expensive. With so many top places to visit during summer and winter, you will have to get creative and plan an affordable holiday for and your family. Whether you're looking for a spontaneous trip away, a cheap holiday or the chance to explore a new culture, tempt yourself with one of these top European destinations for a long weekend or holiday.
SOME OF THE TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN EUROPE
1.GEIRANGERFJORD, NORWAY
Geirangerfjord is a 15 km long fjord with crystal blue waters fed by picturesque cascading waterfalls and beautiful scenery. You can take a sightseeing trip by car ferry through the fjord, passing villages on the shore. You will see the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls so named because legend says he’s trying to court the sisters. When the light is right, you will also see the Bridal-Veil, it looks like a thin veil covering the rocks. You can also ski in the Stranda Ski Resort, go canyoning in Norddal, take a ferry cruise or go visit the Skywalk-Dalsnibba and experience breath taking views from the top.
2.MONTE CARLO, MONACO
The major city in the tiny principality located on the French Rivera in Western Europe is famous for its glitz and glamour. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean, Monte Carlo is known for the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and its elite casino The Place du Casino. Take a stroll along the harbor to see yachts that belong to the rich and famous. You can also visit some of the many museum, monuments and gardens to learn more about this tiny country. You can also visit the Pink Palace, home to Prince Albert (ruler of Monaco) and Princess Charlene and their twins.
3.BAY OF KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
The bay off the Adriatic in southwestern Montenegro offers you breathtaking scenery, hemmed in by mountains, with quaint villages sandwiched between the cliffs and the gorgeous blue water. You can visit some of the well-preserved medieval towns ringing the bay. You can also to visit the 200 Orthodox and 100 Christian churches and chapels spread among the villages.
4.GDANSK, POLAND
Gdansk has a unique feel that sets it apart from the other cities in Poland. Other cities can just resemble Gdansk. Its location and over a thousand years’ history shape Gdansk’s expressive and distinctive character and give it strong and implicit recognition among European cities. The city holds an abundance of mysteries; with its own spirit what makes it impossible to mistake the city for any other place. You can also visit the National Museum, Artus Court, Uphagen House, Central Maritime Museum and the Wrzeszcz District with its late 19th to 20th century atmosphere. Gdansk's is currently number 3 in the top of your best European destinations in Europe.
5.AMALFI COAST, ITALY
The effect the stretch of Italian coastline has is spellbinding when you visit it for the first time. The UNESO World Heritage site over 34 miles of sky-high coastal cliffs, vibrant vegetation and multicolored towns with the disarming turquoise waters of the Mediterranean is located in the Campania region of Italy. Each of the towns comes equipped with signature Amalfi topography, as well as standout attributes of its own. You can visit one of the many boutiques selling crafted goods from lemon liquors to beautifully painted ceramics. Take boat tours or visiting some of the stunning cathedrals and Italianate gardens, or go on one of the most stunning hiking trails into the above hills. Visit the ancient Norman tower, which according to legend, was founded by Hercules himself. However you decide to explore the Amalfi Coast, its glory is guaranteed to leave you completely mesmerized for a long time after you are gone.
6.SIENA, TUSCANY
The city exemplifies the Gothic era and is one of the most charming cities in Tuscany. The main attraction the Piazza del Campo, a city square at the base of three majestic hills is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. You can visit the Museale di Santa Maria della Scala and the Museo Archeologico museums, the Siena Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Assunta and the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Siena has numerous thermal hot springs and baths dating back to the time of the Etruscans and Romans. The Termes di Siena are said to have therapeutic and natural healing properties and are surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. You can climb to the top of Torre del Mangia for an awe-inspiring view of Siena.
7.SEVILLE, SPAIN
Compact, rich in history and cultural traditions such as the flamenco dancers, tapas bars, a bullfighting matador and laid-back indulgence of an afternoon siesta disarm and seduces you. You can visit the historic centres, parks, galleries, museums, Cathedrals, Mudejar palaces and baroque churches that showcase the city’s complex history and architectural splendor. Plan to spend your time in Seville indulging in tapas at a street corner cafe or listening to an impromptu guitarist's tunes in an open-air plaza. You can explore the cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz quarter and the Alcaza Palace and admire the views from the ancient cathedral tower and Parasol Metropol.
8.NANTES, FRANCE
The seafront city is renowned for being a rich, lively and innovative city. Located at the mouth of the Loire river was once the historical capital of the old time dukes of Brittany. If the city boasts a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Château des dukes de Bretagne, a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. Many of the building are historic including warehouses converted into cafes and artist’s studio. Nantes is also known for its quirkiest art installations, like the Daniel Buren’s 18 silvering, marching for half a mile along the riverbank like giant magnifying glasses. The city is also home to France’s top symphony orchestras and a fine opera company that performs in the Theatre Graslin. The best way to appreciate Nantes is from the top of an elephant, a 40ft-tall mechanical mammoth.
9.NICOSIA, CYPRUS
Nicosia is the largest city on the island of Cyprus and is located near the centre of the mesaoria plain on the banks of the River Pedieos. The capital city of Cyprus has incorporated elements of many empires and kingdoms dating back to the Bronze Age. The narrow winding streets leads you from the thick city wall to the Cyprus Museum with its collection of Neolithic and Roman artifacts. The wall build in the 1600s divides the ancient part of the city from the modern. You can wander around the narrow streets with the overhanging balconies, or visiting some of the many museums, monuments, galleries, Shakolas Tower and the beautiful pedestrianized precincts. For the lovers of the Mediterranean the island of Cyprus is an absolute must.
10.NOVI SAD, SERBIA
The second largest city in Serbia lies on the banks of the Danube River. The city provides the visitors with an unbelievably rich content of urban core and rural surroundings. With its vibrant history the creative city continues to impress visitors with its alternative music scene and lively vibe. You can visit one of the 17 Christian Orthodox monasteries in the Fruska Gora mountains, the 18th century catholic church or the Petrovaradin Fort. After a long day of exploring you can relax in the Dunavski Park or freshen up on one of the most beautiful beaches of Danube.
