Whether you’ve yet to step foot out of the United States or you’re simply ready to head off on an adventure, you cannot go too far wrong with Europe. With beautiful countries offering their own rich cultures, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery, you could spend years exploring every nook and cranny that the part of the world has to offer, but the chances are, you don’t have a bottomless pit of time or money. The good news is we’ve put together 10 of the best places you should visit in Europe before turning 40 – consider this your bucket list…
Edinburgh
Featuring a stunning mix of castles, history, scenery, and culture, Edinburgh is a must-visit for anyone exploring the United Kingdom. Not only does it boast the annual Fringe Festival, where artists from around the world come together to perform to crowds of millions, but it has the Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, hundreds of gift shops, and the Battered Mars Bar. And whilst you’re there, you can spend some time listening to the bagpipes and trying to spot a Scottie dog or two; hey, you’ve got to stick to the traditions and be a proper tourist!
York
Let’s hail a York Taxi and cross off another common European holiday destination: if you’ve never been to York, then using a local taxi is another must-do as soon as you can. Though one of the world’s busiest and most-visited cities, it’s surprising to note that you can find many areas off the beaten track for a bite to eat and a pint. Delve deeper behind York Minster and the Shambles, and you’ll immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant and diverse cultures. Whether you explore by foot or opt for a convenient York Taxi, this city’s charm and character will leave you wanting more.Barcelona
It’s hard not to love Spain. Not only does it offer great year-round weather and delicious food, but areas such as Barcelona promise lively nightlife, enough artwork to keep you busy for a year, and unique architecture that must be seen to be believed. From the La Sagrada Familia to Park Güell, there’s something for everyone to explore, and it’s great for the whole family. Want to get closer to the action? Consider one of the many bespoke tours of Barcelona and have a personal guide show you around some of the city’s hidden treasures.
Paris
Once you’ve spent an afternoon at the Champs-Elysées, marveled at the impressive art on display in the Louvre and taken a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower, you should take a cruise on the Seine to see the sights and landmarks in one sitting. After that, grab a bite to eat (and don’t forget to order Frog’s Legs) and consider a day trip to Disneyland Paris, where you’ll have hours of fun riding Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, Mysteries of the Nautilus, It’s a Small World, Dragon’s Lair, and the spooky Phantom Manor.
Florence
Though there are so many places to visit in Italy, you’d be hard-pressed to beat an evening or two in Florence. Though art and history are the two big draws here, you can also spend time on a food tour, cooking class, or a day exploring Tuscany. And that’s without mentioning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery.
Santorini
Perhaps one of the best places in Europe to holiday, Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. Featuring stunning whitewashed, cubiform houses and black, red, and white lava pebbled beaches, it’s an island of dreams – the perfect place to relax and unwind after a stressful year at work. Add in the local boat tours, mountain hikes, wines, and some of the most luxurious hotels you’ll find along the Mediterranean, and you’ve found paradise.
Amsterdam
One of the most pedestrian and bike-friendly cities in Europe, Amsterdam is packed full of local cafes, restaurants, museums, and leafy parks, offering the hustle and bustle of city life with the history and culture you came to Europe for in the first place. Whilst there, book onto the Anne Frank House tour, visit Dam Square, head to the Rijksmuseum and have a cocktail or two in the city’s ice bar. Oh, and the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit on your trip, too.
Rome
Home to incredible archeological treasures and world-renowned art collections, it’s hard to plan an itinerary for a visit to Rome without leaving something off your list. It would be impossible to visit the city without spending time at the Colosseum and the Domus Aurea, though we recommend booking tickets early to avoid disappointment. On top, you must check out the Rome Opera House, Pantheon, Ara Pacis, and the bustling Testaccio Market.
Reykjavik
One area that’s exploded in popularity in recent years is Reykjavik. Home to the jaw-dropping Blue Lagoon and offering whale tours, next-level nightlife, and enough cafes and restaurants to keep you eating for weeks, Iceland’s capital has something for everyone. Whilst there, stop by the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, and spend time unwinding at the city’s public gardens, Hallargarður and Hljómskálagarður.
Prague
A favorite of almost anyone who visits, Prague rounds out our top ten list. Home to stunning Gothic grace and Renaissance architecture, the city is home to the Infant Jesus of Prague, the picturesque Charles Bridge, and the old Jewish ghetto, alongside Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Lennon Wall – yep, a wall devoted to John Lennon!
Wherever you end up, we hope that this bucket list has given you some food for thought and will help you create a trip of a lifetime with your loved ones. The key to life is to have fun, explore, and try out new places and experiences. The more towns, cities, and countries you get to visit, the more culture you soak up, and the better a person you become. We wish you safe travels, and hope that you have fun working your way through this European bucket list.
Recommended image: https://unsplash.com/photos/IZ86s5eV4hA
