by Rissa Gatdula-Lumontad
No matter where you are based in Europe, it’s easy to get away for a weekend due to low cost air carriers and a great train system. Here are 5 of our favorite cities.
Paris. Always on the top of a traveler’s list, Paris is the perfect weekend getaway, particularly for those looking for romance 🙂 Night views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Arc de Triomphe create a magical ambiance. Stroll along the banks of the Seine River for an enchanting evening. Walk around the Île Saint-Louis neighborhoods for your fill of Paris’ charm. And of course, you should have a cup of coffee at a sidewalk café and watch the trendy Parisians go about their daily life. For the best hotels in Paris, look for something located near the sites you’d most like to visit so as to cut down on travel time.
Berlin. The largest and capital city of Germany is as historical as it is hip. It has become a favorite European city for young tourists seeking exciting nightlife. Take in 360⁰ breathtaking views of the city from atop the Berlin TV Tower. Pay homage at the Berlin Wall, and then have your fill of history and art at the Museum Island, a complex of five noteworthy museums: Altes, Neues, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode and Pergamon. Step back in time and go through the pageantry of Prussian noble life with a tour of the castles at the Prussian Arcadia. Then end your day with a feel of the German vibe at the slick clubs.
Rome. Dubbed as the world’s largest open-air museum, Rome is another must-visit on most everyone’s list. The most popular sites, like the Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps, are all in the center of the city. Have a sip of cappuccino in the morning, a taste of authentic Italian pizza, your fill of Italian pasta, and a scoop of gelato. Sit at a café while watching the world pass by. Don’t forget to make a wish as you throw a coin at the Trevi Fountain!
Amsterdam. This big city offers a great mix of culture and history. The best and most exhilarating way to see the city is through a cruise down the canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are lucky, you might chance upon one of the festivals held alongside the banks in different times of the year. Take time to appreciate the beauty and colors in over 700 works of the world-famous Dutch post-Impressionist at the Van Gogh Museum. Travel like a local and rent a bike, or book a bike tour to explore the city’s neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for hotels in Amsterdam or just outside of the city, you will certainly be invigorated by the sight of tulips in bloom, green landscapes and blue skies that you’ll find in the countryside.
Madrid. In the center of the country, Madrid is Spain’s foremost city in terms of style. The people enjoy life and it is evident in the effervescent nightlife, probably the liveliest in all of Europe. Locals are very friendly and hospitable, and visitors will feel right at home here. Aside from the tapas, you should not miss the art galleries. Should you happen to be in Madrid between March and October, watch a bullfight at the Las Ventas.
*****
Photo credits:
Paris: Wilhelm Lappe
Rome: Russell Yarwood
-
From Our Partners