Captivating cities in Europe you must visit in your lifetime
Whether you're counting down to your next momentous holiday or have just returned from an epic trip, a short break is the perfect way to satisfy your wanderlust. Here are some of the most captivating European cities to add to your travel list.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe's best-preserved mediaeval cities. Known for its Gothic spires, Baroque architecture, and vibrant culture, it offers visitors a rich historical experience alongside a thriving arts scene and a renowned beer tradition.
Must-see sights: Explore Prague Castle with its magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, stroll across Charles Bridge early in the morning for breathtaking views, immerse yourself in Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock, and admire the colourful John Lennon Wall.
Top excursions: Take a short train journey to Kutná Hora to explore its UNESCO-listed mediaeval town centre and the Sedlec Ossuary, famously decorated with thousands of human bones in honour of the deceased.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is widely regarded as Poland's cultural capital. It boasts a beautifully preserved mediaeval old town, Renaissance architecture, and a lively atmosphere filled with cafés and galleries.
Must-see sights: Admire the regal Wawel Castle and Cathedral, wander through the vast Main Market Square with its historic Cloth Hall, and soak up the atmosphere in the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, known for its vibrant bars and synagogues.
Top excursions: Visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, explore the extraordinary underground chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, or travel to Zakopane, a popular mountain resort in the Tatra Mountains famed for its wooden architecture and scenic views.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is known for its compact size, leafy riverside walks, artistic public water fountains, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. The city is highly pedestrian-friendly, with cars restricted from entering the centre, making it a pleasant place to explore on foot.
Must-see sights: Visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views, cross the iconic Triple Bridge near Preseren Square, see the famous dragon statues on Dragon Bridge, take a relaxing boat trip along the Ljubljanica River, and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Tivoli Park.
Top excursions: Travel to nearby Lake Bled to see its island church and mediaeval castle overlooking the lake, surrounded by alpine scenery. You can also visit the Postojna Caves, one of Europe's largest cave systems, renowned for its impressive stalactites and rock formations.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, offering a unique blend of cultures and history. The city combines Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage with impressive architecture, bustling markets, and a diverse food scene shaped by its position between continents.
Must-see sights: Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and majestic Blue Mosque, explore the opulent chambers of Topkapi Palace, and wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar and fragrant Spice Market.
Top excursions: Take a cruise along the Bosphorus to admire stunning views and experience the unique blend of sights on both the European and Asian sides.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is renowned for its hills, pastel-coloured buildings, iconic trams, and scenic views over the Tagus River. The city combines a rich maritime history with a laid-back atmosphere and is known for its excellent food and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Must-see sights: Discover the iconic Belém Tower and the grand Jerónimos Monastery, wander through Alfama's maze of narrow streets, and hop aboard Tram 28 for a scenic ride through the city's historic districts.
Top excursions: Visit the enchanting town of Sintra with its colourful palaces, including the National Palace of Sintra where the Portuguese royal family once spent their summers, along with its lush gardens and forested hills.
Rome, Italy
Rome was the heart of the Roman Empire and remains a city where history truly comes alive. From awe-inspiring ruins to world-class masterpieces of art, it remains a city rich in heritage and significance.
Must-see sights: Marvel at the grandeur of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, toss a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain, and admire the Pantheon's dome that has stood for nearly two thousand years.
Top excursions: Cross into Vatican City, the world's smallest independent country, to gaze up at Michelangelo's masterpiece in St. Peter's Basilica and explore the vast treasures of the Vatican Museums.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík, the northernmost capital, is known for its colourful houses, vibrant arts scene, and rich heritage, blending modern creativity with traditional Icelandic charm.
Must-see sights: Visit Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic views, explore the Harpa Concert Hall's modern architecture, and stroll through the Old Harbour area with its cafés and museums.
Top excursions: Relax in the Blue Lagoon, take the Golden Circle tour to see Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area, experiencing Iceland's natural beauty within a day.
A guided city break in Europe is an excellent way to experience the region's history, culture, and everyday life. Whether you choose a major capital or a smaller city, each destination offers something unique, from impressive architecture to vibrant local neighbourhoods. Adding these cities to your travel list will ensure memorable sights and enriching experiences that stay with you long after your trip.
Belfast Telegraph Travel in association with Travel Department has been creating expertly guided holidays around the globe for nearly 30 years. With hundreds of destinations to choose from, every holiday includes flights, accommodation, transfers and guided tours led by a local guide.
Book your next holiday with Travel Department, where fantastic deals and unforgettable experiences await.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
38 minutes ago
- Time Out
These are officially Europe's best cities for vintage and second-hand shopping
The scent of leather goods, the sound of vinyl records, the feel of hand-stitched home decor, and the sight of clunky, colourful jewellery – is there anything better? A city's vintage stores aren't only great places to find one-of-a-kind pieces; they're gateways to its past. They shed light on a destination's history of fashion, interests and technology, and it can be ridiculously rewarding when you hit the jackpot of an irreplaceable find. And, of course, they're sustainable – and more of us than ever are choosing to refresh our wardrobe with second-hand finds. To help vintage enthusiasts, global booking platform Omio has rounded up data from the 10 most populated European cities to find the greatest destinations for thrifting on the continent. With over 400 shops to choose from, London has landed at the top of the list. But don't mistake quantity for quality – the UK capital also received the second-lowest review average at 4.46, meaning you'll have to dig through a lot of dirt to find the buried treasure. And often, it is overpriced. But with enough patience, you'll find a priceless piece that will make you feel like you've won the lottery. Paris comes in second. While the French capital has nearly half the number of vintage shops as London with 226 options, that's still a load more than the city in third place, Berlin, which has 165 second-hand shops. Ironically, the cities with the least number of shops proved to have the best success stories. Athens 's 46 vintage shops had the best review average at 4.75, tying with Manchester, holding the title for the least number of vintage shops on the list with only 22. So, ready to rifle? Here's the full list of Europe's best cities for thrifting. These are Europe's 10 best cities for vintage and second-hand shopping 1. London, UK — 409 shops — 4.46 average 2. Paris, France — 226 shops — 4.52 average 3. Berlin, Germany —165 shops — 4.57 average 4. Rome, Italy — 102 shops — 4.45 average 5. Milan, Italy — 101 shops — 4.51 average 6. Barcelona, Spain — 90 shops — 4.64 average 7. Madrid, Spain — 81 shops — 4.60 average 8. Lisbon, Portugal — 54 shops — 4.55 average 9. Athens, Greece — 46 shops — 4.75 average 10. Manchester, UK — 22 shops — 4.75 average Did you see that Tokyo has been named the world's best city for a 'workation '?
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
British passport holders urged to check important new rule before travelling in Europe
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A travel expert has issued a crucial alert to all British passport holders planning a European getaway from 12th October onwards. Vix Aguilera, an ATOL and ABTA protected UK travel agent, took to TikTok to outline changes coming to eGates, the automated self-service border control systems. "A new EES [Entry/Exit system] is going to apply to all non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen area and essentially it will eliminate the need to queue and get a stamp," she started. The shift will require travellers to provide facial recognition and fingerprints at a new self-service kiosk instead. "You will be submitting your biometric data upon arrival in the country," Vix clarified. "This will then be stored on a central database and linked to your UK travel guru advised that this record will be valid for three years, meaning you only need to go through the process once when you first enter." Now this is the intriguing part - it's going to be rolled out from 12th October in a phased approach," Vix continued." So although every country is within their rights to implement it immediately to reduce the need for additional queues, reports Bristol Live. "She further explained: "The way they are going to be doing this is by staggering it, so from days one to 29 there's going to be no minimum requirement and after that there's going to be 10% of passengers required to scan etc. " But according to Vix, there's no cause for immediate alarm as airport security personnel will be on hand to help travellers navigate the new procedure when they arrive." You just turn up to the eGates then have yourself directed by staff," she Vix warned against mixing up these alterations with the forthcoming ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorization System - a fresh requirement for visa-exempt nationals visiting 30 European countries." That's not going to be rolled out until the latter end of 2026 - and that will require a pre-travel authorisation," she who will be impacted by the change on October 12? Vix added: "Obviously if you are travelling from this date, if you are going to a Schengen area, and if you are a non-EU citizen and you are looking to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. "One TikTok user expressed gratitude for the clear explanation: "Thank you for explaining this so well. I was confused thinking it's the ETS, and since I'm travelling in December, worried that it being new might give me issues, but this is good info to have. "The rationale behind these modifications? The UK government's website, which offers additional details, explains: "EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying. " The statement notes: "The checks may take a few minutes, so be prepared to wait during busy times. If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. ". The countries included are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Lesser-known destination 'warmer than the Canaries' has direct flights from UK
The Canary Islands have long been a favourite with Brits thanks to the year-round sun, stunning beaches and short flight times - but there's a destination that offers all of that and more The Canary Islands, with their year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and short flight duration, are a top choice for Brits seeking a holiday abroad. The Spanish islands have been a beloved destination for generations, ever since the tourism boom in the 1960s. Since that time, millions of tourists have descended upon popular islands like Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In 2023 alone, approximately 14 million international tourists visited the islands. However, this influx of visitors has sparked protests from locals who are calling for more sustainable tourism practices. But there's another destination that offers a similar experience to the Canary Islands - and it's even hotter - but without the throngs of tourists. Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of Senegal, is being hailed as the 'new Canaries', and it's not hard to see why. Cape Verde consists of ten islands (nine of which are inhabited): São Vicente, São Nicolau, Santo Antão, Santa Luzia, Maio, Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. Boa Vista and Sal are particularly popular with holidaymakers. The islands gained independence from Portugal in 1975 but retain a blend of African and European culture - somewhat akin to how the Canary Islands feel distinct from mainland Spain. Situated further south in the Atlantic than the Canaries, Cape Verde boasts warmer temperatures that seldom dip below 20C, reports the Manchester Evening News. The temperatures hit their zenith in July, August and September, soaring to around 30C, yet even in January, the mercury remains at a balmy 25C. Cape Verde is blessed with a cooling sea breeze wafting in from the Atlantic. The climate is divided into two distinct seasons; the dry season spans from November to June, while the rainy season occurs between August and September. One of the archipelago's most awe-inspiring phenomena happens between July and October - the turtle nesting season - necessitating extra caution from visitors on the beaches. Drawing parallels with the Canaries, Cape Verde boasts stunning beaches that could give the Caribbean a run for its money. Santa Maria in Sal showcases a golden expanse of sand punctuated by vibrant fishing boats scattered along the coast. Boa Vista houses the remarkable Santa Monica beach, stretching an impressive 9km. Praia de Chaves, also situated on Boa Vista, is flanked by sand dunes and extends for 5.6km. Owing to their coastal location and position in the Atlantic, the islands are a magnet for watersports enthusiasts. Avid hikers and nature aficionados will be captivated by the untouched natural beauty and diverse landscapes the island presents. Indeed, you won't stumble upon bustling resorts in Cape Verde, or lively 'strips' teeming with bars and restaurants. Rather, the country's hospitality sector primarily consists of quaint all-inclusive hotels offering a serene experience. Many are nestled right on the beachfront, allowing you to awaken to the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore. Direct flights to Cape Verde are available from several UK airports, with the journey taking approximately six hours.
