Top 10 European Cities to See in Your Lifetime

Think of your dream destination. Chances are that one or more of these cities will make it to your list. Here are the top 10 European cities to see in your lifetime so add them to your bucket list immediately and get ready to take a holiday!

1. Paris

“Paris is always a good idea,” said Audrey Hepburn in the movie Sabrina. Others seem to agree because the Eiffel Tower is in fact the most visited monument in the world! At any given time, the city is heaving with tourists. But don’t let the crowds put you off. The museums in Paris are home to some fabulous artworks – the Louvre, of course, but also Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Rodin and many more. Cruise the Seine, shop at Galeries Lafayette, stroll along the Left Bank, sit in one of the many street cafes and watch the world go by…and above all, feel on top of the world at the Eiffel Tower or Tour Montparnasse. Paris is also all about the bohemian life so head out to Le Marais or Saint-Germain and soak in the lively street markets, eclectic cafes and cosy bookshops. One of the most amazing places to visit in Europe, do not leave Paris without a quintessential brasserie meal.

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2. London

A perennial favourite with Indian travellers, London is also one of the top 10 European cities that you shouldn’t miss. From the historic Tower of London to the modern London Eye, the city has something for everyone. The city has excellent museums – National Gallery, British Museum and both the Tate and Tate Modern. Head to the Buckingham Palace or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Thames. Shop at Piccadilly Circus or Portobello Road Market, eat and drink in Covent Garden, and catch a play at one of the theatres in West End. Have a picnic at Hyde Park or try a hearty fare at one of London’s numerous pubs. Among the fun places to visit in Europe, London tops the charts. The city hosts several festivals (like the Chocolate Festival by Night) throughout the year – from parades, carnivals and food to films, music, theatre and more. Don't forget to attend a festival of your choice while you're there!

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3. Zurich

The largest city in Switzerland and its cultural capital, Zurich is all about understated elegance. The city ranks high in the most beautiful place to visit in Europe. The Old Town (Altstadt) with its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets is a charming place to begin with. There are several churches in the city, notable amongst them is the Grossmünster with its soaring steeple. The Rietberg Museum, housed in a 200-year old villa, is solely devoted to non-European art and is a one-of-a-kind experience. Zurich Zoo is considered to be the best in Europe and also has a separate petting zoo for the kids. The iconic Lake Zurich is another must-do as is the Zurich Opera House.

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Read more: 5 Reasons Why Switzerland is Everyone's All Time Favourite

4. Venice

Its unique location puts Venice firmly on the list of top 10 European cities. Literally floating on a lagoon, the city is criss-crossed by numerous canals and bridges and is best explored on foot. Piazza San Marco is the number one attraction here with the impressive, mosaic-covered Basilica San Marco, the Campanile (bell tower) and Doge’s Palace in the vicinity. Take a gondola ride down one of the canals, or better yet, hop on a vaporetto and cruise the Grand Canal – you will see several Italian palazzos and museums, housed in pretty pink buildings. Head to the Rialto Market for a taste of the freshest seafood and then to one of the many hole-in-the-wall bars where locals flock for a drink and the ubiquitous ciccheti (bar snacks). You can also head out to the neighbouring islands of Murrano (for gorgeous glassware) and colourful Burano (for lace).

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5. Madrid

Sun-kissed Spain is a hot destination and one of he most beautiful places to visit in Europe these days and its vibrant capital Madrid is at the centre of all the action. Start at Puerta del Sol (gate of the sun) and Madrid’s Central Square where you can stroll about while admiring the beautiful architecture all around. Gran Via with its bustling shops and restaurants and Mercado de San Miguel offering a plethora of local foods are two of the best places to shop. Plaza di Cibeles and Plaza Mayor are two of Madrid’s stately plazas, full of old-world charm and elegance. The massive Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is worth a visit, especially its lavish Salon del Trono (throne room), which features a ceiling fresco by Tiepolo. Madrid has many museums but the most famous one is Museo del Prado with more than 7,000 artworks and the best collection of Spanish paintings in the world.

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6. Munich

Think Munich and does your mind automatically go to Oktoberfest and beer gardens? But Munich is so much more. The Neuschwanstein Castle, straight out of your favourite fairy tale, is a must-visit as is the summer palace Schloss Nymphenburg. Head to Marienplatz, Munich’s central square where you will find all sorts of entertainment – markets, street performers, shops, cafes and restaurants. Spend an entire day at the Museum District where the old, new and modern Pinakothek museums rub shoulders with the Glypothek and Museum Brandhorst. Or visit the Munich Residenz – a complex of state buildings and palaces displaying the wealth and finery of the Bavarian rulers. Rest your feet on the banks of Starnberger and take a steamboat trip on one of the largest lakes in the region.

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7. Rome

Italy’s capital is another favourite with travellers and for a good reason. Where else will you step out of a metro station and be confronted by the ancient Colosseum? It’s surreal to say the least! Other relics from the past include the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the very under-rated Baths of Caracalla. Vatican City is another must-do – the spectacular St Peter’s Basilica has Michelangelo’s Pieta on display. The Vatican Museum is definitely worth a visit and it includes the famous Sistine Chapel. Grab a gelato and sit at the Spanish Steps or get an espresso at Antico Caffè Greco and watch the world go by. Visit Trastevere, the medieval part of Rome, which has many lovely piazzas, churches and excellent restaurants.

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Read more: Top Ten Free Things to Do in Rome

8. Amsterdam

Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam has a beautiful old city centre formed from canal rings. Walk along the canals, rent a cycle and explore the alleys or relax in one of the waterfront cafes. You can also take a canal tour and admire the architecture in the ‘Canal Belt’ of the city. Visit the Rijksmuseum, which is choc-a-bloc with the Dutch Masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer. Van Gogh has an entire museum dedicated to his works here! Head to Keukenhof, the famous tulip park, in Lisse and admire the colourful bulb flowers in all their glory. Also worth visiting is the Anne Frank House, now a museum that includes the secret annex where the Frank family hid from the Gestapo during WWII. Shop at one of the outdoor markets of Amsterdam – you will find everything from speciality foods to vintage clothes, from antiques to local breads and cheesees.

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9. Vienna

The Austrian capital of Vienna is also amongst the top 10 European cities on the strength of its extensive art and culture scene. From legendary operas staged at the Staatsoper (State Opera House) to music echoing in the stately Musikverein, from the splendid palaces of Hofburg to the Rathaus (City Hall), Vienna reflects its genteel charm. Go café hopping in the city or visit the traditional wine taverns. Take the tram along the Ring Road, stroll around the huge parks or admire the great masters at the Museum of Fine Arts. Don’t forget to visit the Prater – Vienna’s version of Disneyland – and get a taste of a wiener schnitzel.

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10. Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is strewn with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so a tour of the city is like stepping back in time! Stroll down the cobblestoned Charles Bridge, probably the most stunning in the world, with its decorative arches and Baroque statues flanking both sides. Visit the Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world – apart from churches, gardens and palaces, the castle contains the massive tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, which is held up by silver angels. Prague’s Old Town Square seems frozen in time circa the 10^th century and has several attractions such as the Kinsky Palace, Tyn Cathedral and St Nicholas Church, not to mention several cafes, restaurants, vendors and street performers. Take the funicular railway up to Petrin Hill for a sweeping view of this magnificent city.

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