TZGuest post by Zubin Panday of Going Locations. He’s a Virginia native who has traveled to many parts of the world and near his hometown.
Europe accounts for over 50% of the tourism in the world, so naturally, it’s a popular place. But Europe is a large place, leaving many people wondering where in Europe they should visit. Fear not, as we’ll detail five must-visit European countries; a trip to Europe wouldn’t be complete until you’ve seen these five places.
Each location brings unique charm; some countries will make you feel like you’re on a different planet! Some of these countries are better in summer, and others are ideal for winter; this list considers all seasons. Without further waiting, let’s jump right in!
1. Norway
When considering this list, Norway was the first place that came to mind. I was blown away by Norway when I got to experience it for myself. The country is beautiful no matter where and when you go. The greenery is unmatched, and the fjords are a must-see. The winters make the country look like a wonderland, with snow covering much of the country. Many people visit Norway in the winter hoping to see the Northern Lights, as much of the country is located within the arctic circle. I sadly missed the Northern Lights as I came here in summer, but on the flip side, there was beautiful weather and daylight, something Norway doesn’t get in winter. Most people know of Oslo as it’s the country’s capital, but that shouldn’t be the only place you visit.
You need to check out Bergen, the country’s second-largest city. Bergen is located between the fjords and the mountains giving you unbelievable views. When visiting, you must check out Fløibanen, a cable car that goes up Bergen’s tallest mountain. The view from the top is still, to date, the most spectacular view I have ever seen.
2. France
As France is the number 1 most visited country globally, adding it to this list is a no-brainer. Most people think of Paris when on the subject of France, and for a good reason. The city has several remarkable landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, and more. I found the city’s architecture fascinating when I was here; most buildings were hundreds of years old but beautifully restored from the inside. I also loved the bakeries and crêpe shops scattered throughout the city. The French Riviera is another popular spot; it’s the part of the country that borders the Mediterranean Sea. The place is most known for its incredible beaches and excellent climate. The Riviera’s proximity to places like Italy and Monaco means it has become a hotspot for the rich. You’ll notice this with the yachts, fancy stores, and high prices for almost everything.
3. United Kingdom
A city is full of historic attractions mixed with some modernness. If you want a place to explore, London has got you covered. The city has several historic sites, such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the British Museum. The British Museum has pieces created thousands of years ago, including parts of the Parthenon from Athens, the Rosetta Stone from Egypt, and The Standard of Ur from Mesopotamia. Tower Bridge is a spectacular masterpiece built over 100 years ago; it features a suspension bridge at the bottom and an observation deck at the top. The modern icons of London feature the London Eye and the Shard. Both are stunning observation decks and places to be.
The London Eye was, for a time, the largest Ferris wheel in the world, while the Shard stands as the 7th tallest building in Europe. Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful little town situated just over 2 hours from London. It was the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is now a popular tourist site. Oxford is home to the famous University of Oxford, named the best college in the world by the Times Higher Education 7 years in a row. To end this, we have to talk about Stonehenge. It’s been named a world heritage site and was created over 5,000 years ago. Nobody knows why Stonehenge was built, but there are many theories; it also shows how advanced humans were 5,000 years ago to be able to create such a giant masterpiece.
4. Switzerland
Switzerland has been gifted with some of the most beautiful natural sites known to man, and the country has done a phenomenal job of preserving and showcasing that nature. If you’re flying to Switzerland, chances are you’re landing in Zürich, the largest city in Switzerland. Zürich is a charming city of just under 500,000 people. The city features the beautiful Limmat River that runs right through the city. Bridges, promenades, and structures that date back hundreds of years surround the river making the area stunning to see. The country is connected by train, so get out there and explore. The Swiss Alps are what puts Switzerland on this list, and for obvious reasons.
Zermatt is a stunning winter destination with some of the best ski slopes in the world.
You also get incredible views of the Matterhorn, a 15,000-foot or 4,500-meter mountain right on the border of Italy. Gelmerbahn is a mountain coaster that has been blowing up on my Instagram recently. If you want an exhilarating experience combined with scenic views, this place may be for you. You can’t go to Switzerland without taking the train; these trains go through the most beautiful parts of the country and are often the only mode of transportation. Several train lines run through the country, but the most famous one of the Glacier Express, one I’d strongly recommend.
5. Italy
There’s so much in Italy that one blog post can’t cover. From the mountains of the Dolomites to the beaches in Sicily to the cities like Rome, Italy has it all. Let’s start our journey in Rome, the birthplace of the Roman Empire. Structures such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain never fail to impress as they all date back hundreds if not thousands of years ago. Just a short drive away is Tuscany, a region in central Italy. This region hosts some of the best beach towns, including Viareggio, Livorno, and Forte dei Marmi. Just a short drive inland will take you to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to see stunning architecture and a fantastic view from the top. Also located within the region of Tuscany is the town of Pisa, known for the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Italian food is popular throughout the world, especially in the West. For obvious reasons, Italian food is best in the country of Italy, so make sure to give pizza, pasta, and lasagna a try.
It’s no secret as to why Europe is so popular with tourists. Now that you know where to go in Europe, all that’s left to do is to explore. I can’t promise much, but I’m confident you’ll have tons of fun and lasting memories in whichever place you choose.
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Guest post by Zubin Panday of Going Locations. He’s a Virginia native who has traveled to many parts of the world and near his hometown.
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