Blog Certainly! Europe is home to numerous outstanding places, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. Here are a few: Helsinki, Finland: Helsinki was founded by Swedish King Gustav I in 1550 as the town of Helsingfors. Gustav intended for the town to serve the purpose of consolidating trade in the southern part of Finland and providing a competitor to Reval (today: Tallinn), a nearby Hanseatic League city which dominated local trade at the time. Rome, Italy: Rome was founded around 625 BC in the areas of ancient Italy known as Etruria and Latium. It is thought that the city-state of Rome was initially formed by Latium villagers joining together with settlers from the surrounding hills in response to an Etruscan invasion. Paris, France: The Eiffel Tower was built to be one of the main attractions at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889. That year, the World’s Fair covered the entire Champ de Mars in Paris and its focus was the vast constructions in iron and steel that were the great industrial advancement of that time. Mar 4, 2020 Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, on the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Berlin, Germany: This fairy-tale castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps inspired the design of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and continues to captivate visitors with its picturesque beauty. Madrid, Spain: Fortress and town. The primitive urban nucleus of Madrid (Majriṭ) was founded in the late 9th century (from 852 to 886) as a citadel erected on behalf of Muhammad I, the Cordobese emir, on the relatively steep left bank of the Manzanares. Originally, it was largely a military outpost for the quartering of troops. Brussels, Belgium: The City of Brussels is the largest municipality and historical centre of the Brussels-Capital Region, as well as the capital of the Flemish Region and Belgium. The City of Brussels is also the administrative centre of the European Union, as it hosts a number of principal EU institutions in its European Quarter. Athens, Greece:Athens has been continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years (3000 BC). By 1400 BC, the settlement had become an important centre of the Mycenaean civilization, and the Acropolis was the site of a major Mycenaean fortress, whose remains can be recognised from sections of the characteristic Cyclopean walls. Bern, Switzerland: It was founded by the Dukes of Zähringen in 1191. It joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353 and was chosen as the capital city of the Confederation in 1848. During the 20th century, Bern developed into a modern service centre, accommodating the headquarters of international organisations and companies. London, United Kingdom: London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with a history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, and Westminster Abbey, the site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex and the entire city. Dublin, Ireland: County Dublin was the first county in Ireland to be shired in the 1190s, and the city became the capital of the English Lordship of Ireland. Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm was officially founded in 1252 by the Swedish statesman Birger Jarl. By the end of the 13th century, it had grown to become Sweden’s biggest city, serving as the country’s political centre and royal residence and facing several sieges over the centuries. Bucharest, Romania: Bucharest was first mentioned on September 20, 1459, as one of the residences of Prince Vlad III Dracula. It soon became the preferred summer residence of the princely court—together with Târgoviște, one of the two capitals of Wallachia—and was viewed by contemporaries as the strongest citadel in its country. Budapest, Hungary: Straddling the Danube River, Budapest, Hungary’s illustrious capital, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Renowned for its remarkable architecture, relaxing thermal baths, and flavorful cuisine, Budapest never ceases to astonish visitors from all over the globe. Mar 7, 2024 Warsaw, Poland: Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, in east-central Poland, roughly 260 kilometres from the Baltic Sea and 300 kilometres from the Carpathian Mountains. 1. Helsinki, Finland: Helsinki was founded by Swedish King Gustav I in 1550 as the town of Helsingfors. Gustav intended for the town to serve the purpose of consolidating trade in the southern part of Finland and providing a competitor to Reval (today: Tallinn), a nearby Hanseatic League city which dominated local trade at the time. Helsinki, Finland: Learn about Finnish culture and the lifestyle of locals on this tip-based walking tour in Helsinki. Find out about Finnish saunas and see if Finland is really the happiest country in the world. Hear about the country’s facinating past and see what life is like for locals today. Meet your guide in the Senate Square next to the statue of Alexander II. Listen as your guide shares with you how the history of the city began in this square. Begin your walking adventure by seeing the Helsinki Cathedral. Admire its neoclassical-style, and distinctive green dome. Head to the University of Helsinki to uncover what makes the Finnish education system so unique. Venture to the City Museum (in the winter). Learn what to eat and buy while in Finland at the Market Square. Take in stunning sea views at a sauna viewpoint. See the Espa Stage in Esplanadi Park. Snap photos outside Fazer, the first cafe bar in Helsinki. Soak up the atmosphere as you admire the unique buildings that line Aleksi Street. Stop outside the massive Central Train Station and end your tour at the Helsinki Central Library, the best library in the country. Finish your tour by getting some recommendations on the best saunas to visit during your time in the city. 2. Rome, Italy: Rome was founded around 625 BC in the areas of ancient Italy known as Etruria and Latium. It is thought that the city-state of Rome was initially formed by Latium villagers joining together with settlers from the surrounding hills in response to an Etruscan invasion. A symbol of ancient Rome’s architectural and engineering prowess, the Colosseum stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, despite its age. Rome Fun Facts and Trivia: Rome has more fountains than any other city on the planet. The Pantheon is the only ancient building in pristine condition. A heavenly light show takes place at the Pantheon on Rome’s birthday. Cats have special rights. It’s technically the capital of 2 countries. The Spanish Steps aren’t Spanish. 3. Paris, France: The Eiffel Tower was built to be one of the main attractions at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889. That year, the World’s Fair covered the entire Champ de Mars in Paris and its focus was the vast constructions in iron and steel that were the great industrial advancement of that time. Mar 4, 2020 One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower offers panoramic views of Paris and serves as a symbol of love and romance. 4. Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. With its well-preserved medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and stunning Adriatic Sea views, Dubrovnik is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Dubrovnik is a city in Croatia on the Dalmatian coast. More than 500 years ago it was called “Ragusa“. The Italian name of the city is still “Ragusa”; this sometimes leads to confusion because there is also a city named Ragusa on Sicily. It is on the Adriatic Sea. 5. Berlin, Germany: First documented in the 13th century and at the crossing of two important historic trade routes, Berlin was designated the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg (1417–1701), Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), German Empire (1871–1918), Weimar Republic (1919–1933), and Nazi Germany (1933–1945). Like anywhere in the world, all families in Germany are different. Most are industrious, thrifty, and organized. Many Germans like to discuss politics, sports, culture, philosophy, or the environment. Deep and wide-ranging intellectual conversations are generally preferred over small talk. 6. Madrid, Spain: Fortress and town. The primitive urban nucleus of Madrid (Majriṭ) was founded in the late 9th century (from 852 to 886) as a citadel erected on behalf of Muhammad I, the Cordobese emir, on the relatively steep left bank of the Manzanares. Originally, it was largely a military outpost for the quartering of troops. A stunning example of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex that showcases intricate geometric patterns, ornate ceilings, and serene gardens, reflecting centuries of Islamic influence in Spain. Cadiz is widely known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain. It’s located in southern Spain and has the remnants of a fortified city. It’s said to be the first city founded in Europe by the Phoenecians around 1100 BC. Madrid is most famous for the Prado Museum. The museum is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys art. But it’s also famous for its exquisite food, world-renowned football club, gorgeous parks, royal palace, and historical squares.Jul 12, 2023 7. Brussels, Belgium: Although the region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the oldest known reference to Brussels dates to the 10th century, when it had the Frankish name Bruocsella, which means “settlement in the marshes.” The settlement at that time was a part of Lower Lotharingia, or Lower Lorraine, which later became known as… The City of Brussels is the largest municipality and historical centre of the Brussels-Capital Region, as well as the capital of the Flemish Region and Belgium. The City of Brussels is also the administrative centre of the European Union, as it hosts a number of principal EU institutions in its European Quarter. It is the capital of Belgium as well as the richest and heavily populated city in the country. The city is known to be a gastronomic delight in the European Union. Alongside, Brussels also has several historic and cultural landmarks many of which have landed on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.Mar 10, 2023 8. Athens, Greece: Athens has been continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years (3000 BC). By 1400 BC, the settlement had become an important centre of the Mycenaean civilization, and the Acropolis was the site of a major Mycenaean fortress, whose remains can be recognised from sections of the characteristic Cyclopean walls. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the Acropolis is home to several ancient architectural masterpieces, including the Parthenon, and provides panoramic views of Athens. Classical Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It was a centre for democracy, the arts, education, and philosophy, and was highly influential throughout the European continent, particularly in Ancient Rome. 9. Bern, Switzerland: It was founded by the Dukes of Zähringen in 1191. It joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353 and was chosen as the capital city of the Confederation in 1848. During the 20th century, Bern developed into a modern service centre, accommodating the headquarters of international organisations and companies. Bern is the capital city of Switzerland. It is referred to as a ‘federal city’ by the Swiss. With their snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and charming alpine villages, the Swiss Alps offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures such as skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. Perhaps the most famous Bern landmark is the bear pit, where bears have been kept on display at the city’s expense since 1480. Old Bern was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.Apr 10, 2024 10. London, United Kingdom / England: Historically, London grew from three distinct centers: the walled settlement founded by the Romans on the banks of the Thames in the 1st century ce, today known as the City of London, “the Square Mile,” or simply “the City”; facing it across the bridge on the lower gravels of the south bank, the suburb of Southwark;… London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with a history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, and Westminster Abbey, the site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city. The name of London is derived from a word first attested, in Latinised form, as Londinium. By the first century CE, this was a commercial centre in Roman Britain. Top some Famous Places in London Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The towering clock tower, known as Big Ben, symbolises British identity and excellence. … Buckingham Palace. … The British Museum. … The Tower of London. … Covent Garden. … Westminster Abbey. … Camden Market. … The Globe Theatre. Moreover, there are some urban areas that are quite eye-catching. 11. Dublin, Ireland: County Dublin was the first county in Ireland to be shired in the 1190s, and the city became the capital of the English Lordship of Ireland. Dublin was peopled extensively with settlers from England and Wales, and the rural area around the city, as far north as Drogheda, also saw extensive English settlement. Dublin is Ireland’s vibrant capital city and provides a gateway between the EU and the US. It’s compact and easy to navigate; mild no matter the season and filled with a millennium of history, energy and opportunity. Oh, and it’s home to 1.2 million of the friendliest people on Earth too. 12. Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm was officially founded in 1252 by the Swedish statesman Birger Jarl. By the end of the 13th century, it had grown to become Sweden’s biggest city, serving as the country’s political centre and royal residence and facing several sieges over the centuries. 5 fun facts about Stockholm: Stockholm is a city of islands. Stockholm was the home of many famous Swedes. The Vasa Museum is the most visited non-art museum in Scandinavia. The Stockholm metro is the longest art gallery in the world. Stockholm is one of the cleanest capitals in the world. 13. Bucharest, Romania: Bucharest was first mentioned on September 20, 1459, as one of the residences of Prince Vlad III Dracula. It soon became the preferred summer residence of the princely court—together with Târgoviște, one of the two capitals of Wallachia—and was viewed by contemporaries as the strongest citadel in its country. Bucharest is famous for having one of the fastest internet connections in Europe. The same with a huge development in the IT field. Lots of foreign companies like IBM have their offices in Bucharest, as Romanians are really good at programming. Romanian is second, after English, the most spoken language in Microsoft. 14. Budapest, Hungary: Straddling the Danube River, Budapest, Hungary’s illustrious capital, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Renowned for its remarkable architecture, relaxing thermal baths, and flavorful cuisine, Budapest never ceases to astonish visitors from all over the globe. Mar 7, 2024 This historic city is full of wonders. Visit the neo-Gothic parliament building, admire Pest’s skyline at Fisherman’s Bastion, or climb to the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Budapest is a beautiful European destination with so many things to do and see. With it being Hungary’s capital, it is not short of cultural activities and eateries. Home to rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant nightlife, and thermal baths. Oct 26, 2023 15. Warsaw, Poland: Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, in east-central Poland, roughly 260 kilometres from the Baltic Sea and 300 kilometres from the Carpathian Mountains. Born from revolution, Warsaw is famous for its flashing neon signs, and the Neon Museum is a chance to discover these, as well as some unique electro-graphic designs from the Cold War era, in one well-lit space.