Whether it is catching a flamenco dance performance in Barcelona, playing chess in a thermal bath in Budapest, or enjoying the nightlife in Kyiv, here are top 11 things to do in 11 European cities.
1. Go For a Canal Tour – Amsterdam
While in Amsterdam, grab some snacks and a can of beer, and go on a canal tour. As you float along, you can take a view of the incredible townhouses around you. Apart from this, there is a lot more to discover in the city of Amsterdam and summer is usually the best time to explore it. Hire a bike and spend several days touring the lesser-known areas of Amsterdam including the Vondelpark, Jordaan, and the Albertkyjp.
2. See the Best Art in the World – Paris
If you visit Paris and don’t set foot at the Louvre, you will have missed a massive opportunity to view some of the most outstanding treasures man has ever created. After looking at Louvre’s most famous works such as the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Mona Lisa, you can view other things including arts by Renaissance Masters and Egyptian sarcophagi. You can also take some time to view the building itself, which is also a fascinating piece of art.
3. Visit the Vatican Museums – Vatican City
Constructed in the 16th century, the Vatican Museums some of the most fascinating art collections in the world. Exhibits showcased here range from Etruscan bronzes and Egyptian mummies to old masters, ancient busts, and contemporary paintings. Other stunning highlights include the Michelangelo-painted Sistine Chapel, the Museo Pio-Clementino, and suite rooms frescoed by Raphael. There is without doubt, a lot of things to discover in the Vatican Museums.
4. Taste Real German Beer – Munich
German monks started brewing beer as early as 800BC. By the 15th century, there were over 500 breweries in Germany, which were exporting to countries such as England, Holland, and Scandinavia. In the 16th century, the Purity Law was put in place to ensure that German beer was only brewed with water, hops, and barley. No other additive was supposed to be used. This enactment remains to be the oldest food regulation in the entire world.
5. Play Chess in a Thermal Bath – Budapest
Budapest is widely known for having some of the largest thermal baths in Europe. This is the main reason why it was nicknamed the ‘City of Spas’. Therefore, you cannot really say that you have been to Budapest if you have not yet experienced at least one bath in its numerous thermal baths. The next time you are in Budapest, we suggest that you combine this revitalizing experience with a game of chess. You can play this with the many locals that frequent the wonderful waters. Most baths open to the public come at a wide variety of temperatures. Therefore, you can always go for an ice pool if you feel a bit balmy in the warm one.
6. Visit the Acropolis – Athens
There might be a good reason why the Acropolis receives thousands of visitors every year. The Acropolis dates back to the 15th century BC, and its most famous temple, Parthenon, is regarded as the most influential building in classical architecture. Being up close and personal to the Parthenon is an experience you will never forget. The views at the top of the hill are the best you can ever get of the city of Athens.
For the best moments in this place, consider getting there early to avoid crowds and better book your Acropolis tour online.
7. Explore the Design District of Helsinki – Helsinki
For the Finns, art and design is a way of life. Helsinki was the Design Capital back in 2012, and has now grown to be a constellation innovation and creativity at the heart of the city itself. Helsinki comprises of over 25 city blocks and more than 200 buildings, which offer all kinds of points of interests and wonderful activities. Some stunning attractions here, include: the Design Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, exceptional eateries, and the Bukowskis Market.
8. Watch a Live Flamenco Dance Performance – Barcelona
Native to the Andalusia, this incredible Spanish dance rhythmic, colorful, and upbeat. It usually entails toque (guitar), cante (singing), palmas (clapping of hands), and baile (dance). The dance evokes the great passion of the Romani gypsies who came up with its very first versions. If you happen to visit Barcelona, do yourself a great favor and go see a real live flamenco show.
9. Enjoy the Nightlife in Club Closer – Kyiv
Closer is not your normal nightclub, it is a tour-de-force that showcases Kyiv’s growth as a hub of innovation, creativity, and counterculture. The club is heavily influenced by the Berlin community, who party 24 hours. Closer throws raves on weekends which last quite well into the following afternoon. The club has spaces that fit all kinds of moods, including a mini-outdoor amphitheater, a chill-out garden, and three dance halls.
10. Visit the Westminster Abbey – London
With a great blend of architectural styles, the Westminster Abbey is regarded as the best example of ancient English Gothic. It is not only a great place of worship but carries the country’s history on slabs of stone. At the center of the Abbey is a beautiful tiled sanctuary, which is a perfect stage for coronations, funerals, and weddings. The most sacred spot here is the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, the Abbey’s founder.
11. Go Back in History in the Dublin Castle – Dublin
Go back to ancient Dublin by taking a visit to the famous Dublin Castle. With hundreds of years of Irish history within its walls, the Dublin Castle has witnessed various key events that have happened in the country. Spreading over 11 acres, the Castle proudly stands on the highest ridge around the area. While there, you can enjoy self-guided or guided explorations of the grounds, including the Castle’s numerous rooms, gardens, and museums like the Garda Museum, the Chapel Royal, and the Revenue Museum. Also, in 2 hours drive from Dublin, there is a famous Birr Castle – definitely worth a trip!