Global circumstances beyond anyone’s control have stifled international travel for over two years. Starting this year, an international trip to Europe is rejuvenating, though it looks different from the previous one.
Many popular attractions are the most immediately glutted areas with returning tourists. However, many make the mistake of equating fame with quality. Most notable places in Europe are worth visiting. Some are more worthy than others, especially if you are unlikely to see a country often.
What Is ETIAS?
The EU Travel Information and Authorisation System will soon require travelers to get electronic travel waivers to visit EU countries. Though inexpensive, the waiver system is estimated to provide billions in revenue for EU countries and enhance existing security measures.
In terms of buying power, the Euro is the weakest it has been in years. This speaks favorably for anyone looking to explore EU countries for return visits or for the first time.
Best European Tourist Attractions
- Florence, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Berlin, Germany
- Dublin, Ireland
Before you uncover what you specifically need for travel, you’ll need to decide which country to visit. Below, we highlight a few popular tourist destinations throughout Europe that deserve the reputation they have received.
#1: Florence, Italy
One gem in Italy's crown is the city of Florence, which sees millions of tourists annually. The tourist numbers for Florence still fall below half of their pre-Covid levels, allowing travelers a less crowded retreat.
Florence’s most significant contribution to world history is artistic. The power of the Medici turned it into a hub for the fine arts and architecture during the Renaissance. Many of the masterpieces of Renaissance art are represented in the city’s numerous art galleries, including Michaelangelo’s David.
We put Florence first for a variety of reasons. The Florence Airport, Peretola, makes it an accessible city to fly into and navigate to lodgings for first-time European travelers. The Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery provide just two examples of the galleries in the area. Statue gardens and public parks offer other examples of the area's art.
The crown architectural jewel of the city is the Florence Cathedral, also called simply “The Duomo.” This massive structure took over a century to complete and was formerly the largest dome in the world. Christmas Mass at the Florence Cathedral is one of Europe's most highly-attending religious gatherings.
For those wanting to explore, Florence is a scant 20 miles away from the Chianti region of Tuscany. Countryside wine tours can provide day-trip excursions for those seeking a respite from city traffic.
In general, Italy is an excellent and elegant place to visit. Though all of Europe is filled with millennia of cultural heritage, Italy holds a special place in many regards. Rome, Vatican City, Milan, and more are within it, creating hubs for political influence, religious history, fashion empires, and more.
#2: Lisbon, Portugal
On the westernmost coast of Europe in the nation of Portugal lies the city of Lisbon. A complex history and history of influential artistic figures give the city continued greatness.
Museums for contemporary and classical history tell a story of a people and a world. The MAAT offers a look at technological history. The Museu do Oriente provides a detailed look at Asian art and other creations. One unique tour is performed blindfolded, created by an organization for the visually impaired to provide precise sensory experiences.
Public markets for both food and artisanal goods abound in the city. Food from one-off cafes, public markets, and Michelin-starred restaurants is within reach.
One of the most significant benefits of exploring a city like Lisbon is the view and feel of the ocean. This has informed local businesses, as seaside restaurants and parks create a pleasant backdrop.
#3: Copenhagen, Denmark
The coastal city of Denmark is home to the royal family, seaside scenery, local cuisine, and more. Cultural and environmental artifacts come to life in what is sure to make a memorable excursion.
From a position of pure convenience, Copenhagen has one of the most impressive offerings with the Copenhagen City Card. The card lasts up to five days and provides access to over 80 attractions and free public transportation. Many destinations included are essential stops in your Copenhagen tour, making this a helpful keystone for your travels.
One of the best sights in Copenhagen is Tivoli Gardens, a kaleidoscopic theme park over 150 years old. Games, gardens, food, music, and more satisfies any interest a tourist may have. For other experiences, the Nyhavn area features a canal lined with shops and restaurants on either side. Copenhagen is also home to the National Aquarium Denmark, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
Denmark is often cited as one of the happiest nations in the world. There are numerous reasons for this, but one relevant to tourists is the relative safety of its cities. While one should still take precautions in metropolitan areas, Copenhagen is significantly safer than many cities.
#4: Berlin, Germany
No tour of Europe would be complete without highlighting the beauty of some Germanic states. Berlin is a cultural epicenter not just of Germany but of Europe. Sights like Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag are internationally recognizable. Some of Berlin's more unique offerings are also unknown outside the immediate area.
One is the Pfaueninsel Palace, colloquially known as “Peacock Island.” The island, accessible by ferry, began as a recreational wildlife preserve for exotic animals. Today, the peacocks from that preserve remain, and visitors can witness them in seclusion.
Peacock Island isn’t the only island in Berlin worth visiting. The Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, is made of five museums dedicated to different disciplines and facets of German culture. The system is so extensive that three-day passes are available to those wanting to explore all five museums. However, this isn’t the only way to enjoy Berlin's rich culture.
Berlin is also home to a cutting-edge theatre scene. For centuries Berlin has been at the heart of significant theoretical developments in theatre, including the works of Bertolt Brecht. Some performance venues in the city have subtitles, allowing many travelers to enjoy the city’s art scene. Dedicated websites collate Berlin performances, so finding new plays and events is easy to do.
#5: Dublin, Ireland
There are many reasons why Dublin may immediately be an attractive destination for tourists. It is one of the few European nations where English is a native language. This makes it easier for monolinguistic English-speaking travelers to navigate. Dublin is home to a wide variety of important sites in the world of religion, literature, theatre, and botany.
Ireland has a rich religious tradition best exemplified by Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. This 12th-Century Gothic-style Cathedral, named for Ireland’s patron saint, is one sterling example of architecture and spirituality among many.
Another aspect in which Dublin affixes itself internationally is its presence in drinking culture. The Guinness Storehouse and the Old Jameson Distillery are available to tourists curious to explore their history. The Irish Whiskey Museum provides a combination of whiskey tasting and whiskey history.
Dublin has been home to some of Ireland’s most respected writers. These luminaries include James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, and dozens others. Tributes and dedications to these writers exist in many places, including the Museum of Literature Ireland. This museum holds many treasures, including the original copy of Joyce’s Ulysses.
If you come to Ireland between June 11th-16th, you may witness Bloomsday celebrations. Joyce’s novel Ulysses was set entirely in Dublin, though Joyce never returned to Dublin beyond the age of 30. Bloomsday celebrations include artwork and performances relating to the book and pilgrimages to locations featured in it.
Safe Tourism
Every nation has well-regarded national landmarks and underappreciated gems to look for. Once you’ve selected where to go and purchased tickets, safely traveling is your next task.
When exploring any country, you should be aware that you can only spend 90 days in 180 days. This applies to most countries in the Schengen Block. The Schengen Block is an agreement between many EU nations which allows easy travel for indefinite periods. Tourists who spend their days within the Schengen Block have only 90 days to conduct their journeys, even across countries.
There are some specific examples, and not every EU nation is a member of the Schengen Block. A complete list of Schengen Block nations reveals current and future members.
To travel at all, though, you must make sure to comply with ETIAS. In addition to providing an essential service to EU nations, we also offer travel resources to would-be European tourists. More information regarding ETIAS requirements, timeline, and application processes can be found at ETIAS.COM.
Sources:
Euro (EUR) to US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rate History I Exchange Rates