Top 10 tourist destinations worth visiting in Europe
Tourists in Paris, the Louvre (pixabay.com)
Europe is one of the most attractive destinations for travelers from around the world. Recently, the accommodation booking platform Booking named the top ten destinations that have received travelers' approval for their cultural allure.
Below are cities and locations in Europe that are worth visiting, according to schengenvisainfo.com.
Paris, the capital of France, tops the list
Paris is renowned for its blend of historical landmarks, world-class museums, and cultural activities. The city hosts 793 cultural and historical events.
The center of Paris is filled with historical landmarks and artistic wonders. One such gem is the Louvre Museum, recognized by its grand glass pyramid that adorns its central courtyard known as Cour Napoléon.
This world-famous museum boasts eight departments covering historical epochs, with both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Among the most famous exhibits in the museum are the treasures of Ramses II and the enigmatic Mona Lisa, a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.
Photo: Eiffel Tower (pixabay.com)
Another captivating landmark is the 314-meter-high Eiffel Tower, and the 13th-century Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, where the oldest mural in Paris is located, though the relics have found a new residence in the treasury of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Prague - theater lovers' favorite city
The capital of the Czech Republic is an excellent place for theater enthusiasts. It offers 371 shows, surpassing the theatrical offerings of many other cities. The National Theatre embodies Czech history and art, hosting various performances, from classical ballets to captivating operas.
Prague can also boast 493 cultural events. Among them, Prague Castle, renowned not only for its historical significance but also for its architecture.
The Prague Astronomical Clock, which is the third oldest in the world, continues to tell the time.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona's appeal lies not only in its iconic landmarks but also in the diversity of its cultural sites. The city offers visitors 583 such activities. The city is home to famous landmarks: the Sagrada Familia, the whimsical Park Güell, and the architectural masterpiece Casa Batlló, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí.
Photo: Architecture of Barcelona (pixabay.com)
Visitors can wander through the corridors of history and art in 92 museums, from the fascinating Joan Miró Foundation to the inspiring Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Vienna - Europe's cultural capital
Vienna is often called the cultural capital of Europe, known for its museums, palaces, and gardens. Renowned composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Mahler lived and worked here.
Mozart's Vienna Residence, also known as Figaro House, has been transformed into a museum and is a must-visit for classical music enthusiasts, as it was once the residence of the legendary Mozart.
In addition, the architectural gem Belvedere consists of two palaces - Upper and Lower Belvedere. In the Upper Belvedere, which houses Austria's priceless art collection, visitors can see works from various artistic movements, including Gustav Klimt's masterpiece "The Kiss."
Madrid is rich in museums and flamenco
The capital of Spain has also made it into the top 10 cultural locations. For instance, the world-famous Prado Museum allows visitors to explore the masterpieces of great Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Photo: Prado Museum in Madrid (pixabay.com)
The Queen Sofia Museum features works by contemporary Spanish artists such as Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso. Additionally, the Royal Theatre is among Europe's finest lyric theaters. Madrid also boasts the world's largest number of flamenco clubs, and its famous Gran Vía street is often referred to as the "Spanish Broadway" because it serves as the main stage for musical productions.
Berlin is known for classical music
The capital of Germany offers plenty of options for art and music lovers: 200 museums, 400 galleries, three opera houses, eight major symphony orchestras, over 90 cinemas, and numerous cultural venues.
For those who appreciate classical music, Berlin can boast several renowned institutions: Deutsche Oper, Komische Oper, Staatsoper, and Staatsballett Berlin. The Concert House and the Berlin Philharmonic host some of the world's most prestigious orchestras.
Berlin is home to over 150 theaters and stages, including Deutsches Theater, Schaubühne, and Berliner Ensemble.
Lisbon and its museums
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is known for its numerous museums, including the 17th-century Belém Tower, the Military Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology.
Lisbon's museums encompass a wide range of subjects, from art and archaeology to the world of tiles, the soulful sounds of Fado music, and the art of filigree.
Exploring the city's architecture, tourists can admire the fortress-like Cathedral of St. Mary Major (Lisbon Cathedral) and experience the welcoming atmosphere of the Church of Loreto, an embodiment of Lisbon's Baroque architectural heritage.
Amsterdam for art enthusiasts
Amsterdam is home to many renowned contemporary artists, such as Saskia de Brauw, Rob Scholte, and Ines Van Lamsweerde. It attracts culture enthusiasts with its artistic allure.
The city is home to the State Museum, boasting the country's largest art collection, and the Van Gogh Museum, which showcases around 700 works by the famous artist, including iconic masterpieces like "Sunflowers" and "Almond Blossoms."
Photo: Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam (pixabay.com)
Additionally, the Anne Frank House, where the young writer hid during World War II, displays artifacts and an original copy of her diary. The history of Dutch resistance during World War II is brought to life through exhibits at the Verzetsmuseum.
Budapest - the city of creative people
Budapest is considered a haven for thinkers, artists, writers, and musicians, with 40 theaters and over 100 museums.
Among its cultural treasures is the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, founded by the famous composer Franz Liszt in 1875. It is a prestigious university known for its lively concerts.
The "Trafó House of Contemporary Arts" is a dynamic hub for experimental art, offering a diverse program that includes theater, dance, performances, and music.
The Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art in Budapest showcases rotating exhibitions of avant-garde and Eastern European art rarely seen elsewhere.
Poland's most popular city
The most visited city in Poland is Krakow - a vibrant cultural center, with theaters, exhibitions, museums, galleries, cinemas, and cultural festivals complemented by street art displays.
The Czartoryski Museum is a renowned spot for art lovers, housing Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine" and a diverse collection of paintings.
Photo: Church of the Virgin Mary in Krakow (pixabay.com)
Art enthusiasts can also explore one of its iconic landmarks, St. Mary's Church, known as a treasure trove of art, containing masterpieces, including works by Veit Stoss.
We previously wrote about where Ukrainians travel the most for sightseeing tours in the fall. Among the popular destinations are France, Italy, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Experts suggest that now is a comfortable time to explore tourist attractions and art galleries.
Also, please refer to another RBC-Ukraine article about the top 5 European countries to visit in October, including Scotland, Spain, and Austria.
