Do you plan to go on a weekend vacation and yet don’t know where to go or still undecided where to go on your dream getaway? Here is a ranking that will give you some ideas before taking your train tickets for beautiful cities.
The 25 European cities you absolutely must visit:-
- Paris
- Berlin
- Lisbon
- Budapest
- London
- Prague
- Rome
- Barcelona
- amsterdam
- Dublin
- Vienna
- Madrid
- Krakow
- Reykjavík
- Istanbul
- Florence
- Copenhagen
- Zagreb
- stockholm
- Thessaloniki
- Marseilles
- Port
- Lugano
- Brussels
- Lyons
1. Paris, France
If you never visited Paris, you can visit this place which can be tried especially for couples, lovers and romance, gastronomy and architecture and SNCF takes you there from all French cities in a few hours. Walking can be started from the popular Madeleine up to Marais district that shows Haussmann infrastructures.In the Montmartre, you can have a glass of wine at Rosa Bonheur in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, an overloaded cheese board located in La Recyclerie, a burlesque show in Pigalle and a walk on the Champ-de-Mars to see the Eiffel Tower at night.
2. Berlin, Germany
If you lovethe culture or you want to go out in a famous electro clubs in Europe, Berlin is the right destination for you. Famous for being lively and full of energy, the German capital offers a crowd of places in history to discover among them are the Berlin Wall, the Jewish Memorial, its East Side Gallery,the Brandenburg Gate or the famous Checkpoint Charlie. If you want to experience food sit between the two walls in front of a curry wurst and indulge to their famous sausage/fries with curry sauce renowned throughout Europe.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Enjoy the sun, a glass of port or pasteis de nata and itslittle creamy pastries. Here are the correct places for you. Move towards Lisbon to discover its many squares, belvederes and other monuments adorned with magnificent blue azulejos. Our advice: take a tour of Bairro Alto or Alfama in search of these famous little bars in which singers of Fado, the traditional Portuguese music, make the public vibrate with their melancholy saudades. Also discover Sintra and the Pena Palace, it is just few kilometers by train from Rossio station. Before leaving the place, don’t forget to take a ride in the Electrico n°28, this vintage yellow tram that appears on all the postcards…
4. Budapest, Hungary
Be relaxed and have an enjoyable stay – these will surely be the one to look forward to when you’re in Budapest. We have list of places to visit as follows first of is visiting the temples around the city and the famous park – Varosliget.
If you’re done touring around, head to the thermal baths for an afternoon of relaxation. The most popular are the ones in Szechenyi which offers many pools of different temperatures, outdoor or indoor. When you decided to rest, you will have to experience a well-known ruins bar inside city including SzimplaKert. Interested to take a bite and eat? Try the central covered market, installed at a small high table, you will taste the goulash, a very thick soup which mixes vegetables, meat and paprika.
5. London, UK
Fastest way to tour to England is by English trains to explore this magnificent “world-city”, as some like to name it. You will be influenced easily by the numerous cultures which can be found here and around London. Aboard in a famous red bus that can tour around the city and will bring you to some of the famous statues like Big Ben or Westminster Abbey, but also its splendid Thames and its many museums. Among these, we will necessarily mention the National Gallery, the Tate Modern or the British Museum. At the end of a busy day, it’s time to sit down at a pub counter to enjoy a pint of beer accompanied by fish and chips , to stay in the tradition.
6. Prague – Czech Republic
Thebiggest Central Station in the Europeis the so called magical capital of Europe wherein you will come to know that the city of Prague offers treasures of architecture and culture with its many Baroque churches, Art Nouveau structures and temples with exceptional gilding. Make sure to visit and not to miss attractions like Charles Bridge which is interconnected between old town to the district ofBaroque and MaláStrana – the Jewish cemetery along with its tangled tombs or the royal castle. When it comes to shopping, Prague is the queen of jewellery, porcelain and wooden toys convenient to shop if you have promised to bring back a souvenir for everyone.
7. Rome, Italy
From Rome-Termini Trenitalia station, take Via Cavour and you will plunge into the Roman atmosphere in few minutes. At the end of this street, you will come to see the Colosseum. During your stay, know that the main things to do are: throw a coin in the Trevi fountain to bring you good luck, visit Villa Borghese, the Pantheon, the Vatican and its Sistine Chapel, take a walk to the Campo de Fiori flower market and then Piazza Navona, roam around in a colorful and busyarea of Trastevere, is not a bad idea at all and sip a coffee in a square of Sant’Eustacchio and a slice of pizza at Da Baffeto trattoria will be a good idea. Book a train ticket now and experience these places.
8. Barcelona, Spain
This Mediterranean city, renowned for its nights of endless parties, offers a variety of incredible statues, 8 of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But also full of a crowd of cafes, restaurants and parks to stroll. Don’t forget to visit the Sagrada Familia, the Basilica of the artist Gaudi that is not yet completed, the historic Parc Guell all in colorful mosaics or the long Rambla, the Spanish-style Champs-Élysées. Peckish? Barcelona is eminent for their tapas bars that are easy to find where you can have your fantastic tortilla, chorizo or patatas bravas which is best tasted with a glass of sangria wine. For those who enjoyed parties, go walk near the Vila Olimpica, along the port, where many bars and clubs are waiting for you. Renfe trainsallow you to travel throughout the entire Spain as well as AVLO trains , the Spanish low-cost TGV.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam is best known for its canals and numerous museums to see. Among of thesplendid attractions in the listof places for Armsterdamare the Anne Frank’s house ,Van Gogh Museum, or the Rijkmuseum. The specialplace in all of them is the museum of eroticism with cannabis and/or glasses. Good to know – the best way to discover the city is by bike, which is fast and practical for exploring the streets lined with narrow houses. Before goingback home you needconsider trying some raw Dutch herring, bitterballen (meatballs) or the Stroopwafe anda thin sweet waffle.
10. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin has its brick-paved streets, pubs or even its famous Guinnes and so many common placesare to beseen in the Irish capital. Known for always retaining a small village atmosphere, it offers a range of park, museum, restaurants, street art spots and lively bars. If we have to name few must-sees places in Dublin, it will be the Guinness museum, famous Irish dark beer, the library of Trinity College. Among the best in the world is the Temple Bar district and numerous pub in a traditional set-up and also the market of Georges Street Arcade. To visit without further delay…
11. Vienna, Austria
Another mainattraction in Europe good for art lovers is Vienna, capital of Austria. In addition to the many museums is the MuseumsQuartier in the district as it suggests, visit the Belvedere, which includes a large collection of paintings by Klimt. Also, worth to see and visit is the Hofburg Palace, the Stephansplatz and its many shops and Schönbrunn Palace, the Austrian Palace of Versailles. Before leaving, remember to taste the Wiener Schnitzel : a breaded cutlet typical of local gastronomy.
12. Madrid, Spain
If you’re looking for a place to spend a perfect weekend getaway, we need to see you in Madrid. After visiting the beautifulRoyal Palace, Prado Museum,Almudena Cathedral or the Las Ventas bullring or the Bernabeu stadium, take a perfect place on a terrace in the Plaza Mayor and enjoy the scenic views or if you want to extend the evening, it is in the districts of Latina and Arguelles you will have to gowhere there are many bars and clubs have taken up residence.
13. Krakow, Poland
In the Poland Voivodeship, Krakow has been the fashionable point for several years. Backstreets and old buildingsoffer a good number of interesting museums, churches and castles to visit. Its large central square is one of the most beautiful in Europe and is surrounded by local craftsmen’s shops where you will find some souvenirs to take home. Go to the Jewish district of Kazimierz if you like historywherein scenes from Spielberg ‘s Schindler’s List were filmed.
14. Reykjavik, Iceland
On the program of your stay in the Icelandic capital: a stroll in the old port, a visit to the ultra-modern Hallgrìmskirkja church and the contemporary Harpa concert hall, a walk around Lake Tjörnin… If you are affectionate of highly renowned Icelandic design, the city is a home to many galleries and other design concept stores. Essential when you go there is to buy a jacquard sweater, typical of the region, at the Association of Grandmothers Knitters of Iceland.
15. Istanbul, Turkey
The one that is also called Byzantium or Constantinople is full of extraordinary monuments to discover, starting with the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace or the Blue Mosque to name but a few. Once a tour is finished from Bosphorus, time to go to the Grand Bazaar to shop more! Do you want to taste Istanbul’s local food? In the Etiler district, you will find many restaurants serving the traditional Sis Kebab . If you feel like it, you can always go party on the side of Taksim Square, an essential place for Turkish nightlife.
16. Florence,Italy
Florence is a destination that will be best for thosepeople who more appreciates art and gastronomy. The Duomo, dome of the Santa Maria Del Fiore cathedral, the Uffizi gallery and the Accademia gallery, where we find Michelangelo’s famous painting- David, the Medici chapels and several other outstanding squares and monuments. Want to discover some truly local spots? Arrange a luncheon at IaPizzacchiere, an authentic Florentine pizzeria are one of a kind. Nevertheless,try the chocolate cannoli–it is a crispy pastry filled with sweet ricottafrom CaffèNeri. After roaming around the streets for hours, try the aperitivo in one of the city’s bars. Here, by paying for your drink, you offer yourself an access to an antipasti buffet which is perfect to end the day.
17. Copenhagen, Denmark
Are you scheduling a quick escape to Denmark to discover its cultureand its world-renowned design? Copenhagen is the perfect place for you to enjoy. In just few days, you will undoubtedly appreciate its unique architecture in history and modernity, its many galleries and museum and its multitude of restaurants, 17 of which are starred in the Michelin Guide. In one of them, do not hesitate to taste the real Smørrebrød (slice of rye bread), and especially the many fish and seafood, kings of Danish gastronomy.
18. Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia and more particularly Zagreb, the place to be for a few stay, should amaze the globetrotters and partygoers: It is indeed, the capital is especially attractive for its nightlife. One will also have the opportunity to discover pretty and colorful streets overlooking in the Ban Jelacic Square, the Museum of Broken Relationships andSaint Mark’s Church in Zagreb are making it one of the most beautiful citiesEurope. You will have to try the cheese puff pastries ,zagorskištrukli and the slatkipušlek for your taste buds or a bouquets of candied flowers.
19. Stockholm, Sweden
Imagining a weekend between design and ecology then Stockholm is the destination for you to try. This green city where art is prevalent and offers an impressive range of things to do, sightseeing and taste. There are placesnot to miss are the royal palace, the island of Södermalm, which has been very trendy for several years, the Fotografiska (photo museum) or even a visit to the archipelago by boat. The perfect stay if you want to disconnect with the world for awhile.
20. Thessaloniki, Greece
A festive and lively city, Thessaloniki in Greece offers many activities: visit the White Tower, party until the end of the night in districtLadadika, taste a real tzatziki, ouzo and the local pastis. One can also just enjoy the beach located only few minutes from the city and do relaxation on the holidays, in a word.
21. Marseilles, France
Head to the south of France for a sunny and authentic weekend in Marseille. During your escapade, you should not miss a walk at the foot of the good mother, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. To discover absolutely: the MUCEM, whose exhibitions are as impressive as the spot itself. In the heart of the Panier, the oldest district of the city, you will easily find a small troquet where you can eat – a weekend must spent well.
22. Porto, Portugal
A small fishing town, Porto will attracts you as soon as you arrive in Portugal . Its colorful houses, its picturesque fish markets, its beaches and its many museums: everything is done to ensure that you have a perfect stay. Unmissable visits: the Lello bookstore, which served as the setting for one of the Harry Potter films, but also the Palacio de Bolsa or the Port cellars.
23. Lugano, Switzerland
Lugano, less known but which fully deserves its place in the ranking of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is located in Italian Switzerland , in the canton of Ticino. She also promises you a more than charming stay. After appreciating the magnificent view of Lake Lugano, take a stroll to Piazza dellaRiforma for a coffee, then visit Di San Lorenza Cathedral. The rest of the time: enjoy the landscapes offered by the region. You won’t find a better way to forget the stress of everyday life.
24. Brussels, Belgium
Having just landed at Brussels-Midi station , here is what is on offer to you: a tour of the city, starting with the Grand-Place and its many typical cafés, serving real Belgian beers accompanied by cones of fries, but also the very small and famous statue -Manneken-Pis in the world, the Royal Palace and the parliament just opposite. The comic strip museum is also recommended, Brussels being the worthy representative of the 9th art. One last thing, in addition to the beer and fries, don’t forget to taste the Belgian chocolates… They are to die for.
25. Lyons, France
To close this top, Lyon: capital of gastronomy. Precisely, if you like to eat, do not miss to take a walk in the famous Halles Bocuse, where you will find more gourmet stands than the others. Also worth seeing: the Musée des Confluences, Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux. A short walk in Old Lyon where all the “bouchons” are grouped, these typical Lyonnais restaurants. Before leaving for Lyon-Part-Dieu station , don’t forget to make a stopover in Fourvière on the one hand to discover the basilica, but above all to enjoy the panoramic view of the capital of the Gauls…
Now, it’s up to you to choose from these 25 destinations the one that appeals to you the most, to book your train tickets online on Trainline , and to prepare your stay to make the most of it!
