Are you thinking about a city break in Europe but don’t know where to start? Nick Mosele gives his recommendations based on personal experience – and who should know better? He actually lives in Europe. This article gives his personal top ten picks.
Are you thinking about a city break in Europe but don’t know where to start?
• Are you ‘local’ and looking for a fabulous long weekend break?
• Or maybe you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere and are planning a European tour?
No matter! As long as you’re looking for cities that match the criteria below, then look no further:
1) Easy to get to
2) Loads to see and do
3) Great food for all budgets
4) A wide range of shopping
5) Sights and events for culture vultures
Here are my top 10 European city breaks.
1. Stockholm – My local town 🙂
Stockholm is amazing… vibrant… modern and old at the same time. The city is timeless and charming. It is built on 14 islands, where the huge and beautiful Lake Malaren joins the Baltic.
The water is so pure and clean, that you’ll see people salmon fishing in the middle of the city (except in winter when you’ll see ice skaters).
Be sure to walk the cobbled-stoned streets of Gamla Stan (old town), maybe buy an axe at the Viking shop, and for sure take one of many boat trips to the local islands of the 14,000+-island archipelago. Oh, and if you’re after a mad party, try a boat to Finland on a spring or summer weekend crossing.
2. London
London is my previous home, hardly needing introduction. Its 2000 years of history goes head to head with the modern world. It is bursting at the seams with restaurants and shopping (Oxford Street and Camden for starters). Tour museums. Visit Madame Tussauds wax works, the London Eye, see art at the Tate Gallery, and of course, enjoy any sort of nightlife you fancy.
3. Brussels
Great beer 😉
In addition to the beer, Brussels boasts fantastic architecture and numerous museums. It has more Michelin restaurants for its size than any other European city. Visit the Place du Sablon for bargains galore at the weekend antique markets.
4. Lille
Lille was named European Culture Capital in 2004. It is crammed with designer shops lining beautiful olde worlde cobbled streets. Visit the Musee des Beaux Arts for art or eat at brilliant restaurants. A must is the Les Heures Bleues, where global artists fill the streets and squares – performing in parades, concerts, and festivals on holiday weekends.
5. Prague
Prague is stunning! (I’ve been here maybe 30 times) Fairytale architecture abounds – The Charles Bridge must be seen to believed – pictures are not enough, but you’ll take a lot! Eat food in everything from romantic candle-lit restaurants to hardcore party bars. Prague is not as cheap as it once was, but still good. If you’re adventurous, try a local bar or club – at half the price you’ll pay in the main tourist venues. Be sure to take a day trip to the spa town of Karlovy Vary if you can – absolutely stunning.
6. Amsterdam
Yes, Amsterdam is a party town, and you can do all the things you’ve heard of :-o… However if you’re grown up, you’ll find a wonderful canal-crossed city lined with gabled houses and huge moored-up houseboats. It has something for everyone: intense nightlife of every type imaginable and relaxed daytimes… go for coffee… visit Rembrandt’s house and the Van Gogh museum.
7. Venice
See the stunning Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square. Venice is simply unforgettable. Quaint shops and enticing restaurants abound. You must take a ride on a waterbus and get an ice cream! Venice is ideal for a short break.
8. Barcelona
Barcelona just has to be done at least once. The city is bustling, lively and fun, with amazing Gaudi and gothic architecture. It boasts a legendary nightlife at the Olympic area and more sedate old and modern art museums. The climate is fantastic, too.
9. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a cosmopolitan, bustling French city with loads to see and do. Attractions include canals and mediaeval bridges, and La Petite France, a beautiful quarter of the city with half-timbered houses in contrasting pastel shades. Experience spectacular views from the top of the Notre Dame cathedral.
10. Milan
See Via Montenapoleone for world-leading Italian and international fashion designer studios. Great festivals are held throughout the year. There are stunning local lakes with superb facilities for visitors, and Milan Duomo, the third largest cathedral in the world. Milan also has loads of art galleries and museums.
What about Paris and Rome and…
OK I know I know, no Paris? Berlin? Budapest? Rome? Vienna? Well there’s the problem with a top 10 European city holiday review. All of the others – and many more besides – are fantastic and should go on your list. It’s simply that the top 10 listed are this humble traveler’s top ten.
About the Author:
Originally from London, Nick now lives in Stockholm, Sweden with his fiancé after commuting there weekly for 2 years. Prior to that, he traveled all over Europe to see his Turkish tour-guide ex-girlfriend! This developed his travel deal-finding skills to a fine edge from which he created the travel deals site MyTravelStore UK. It is crammed with cheap flight, hotel, and holiday offers. Why not take a look? Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)
