What are the best cities to visit in Europe now?
As the European bloc is opening on July 1st for travel, we decided to comprise a list of the best cities to visit in Europe this summer. These are the cities that we enjoyed traveling to the most, so scroll down to find which they are.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the best cities to visit in Europe, especially in the summer. The main reason why we love it so much is that you can get a full experience: amazing sights, beaches, and food.
Top 3 things to see in Barcelona
Parc Güell
Parc Güell is one of the best parks we have been to. Not only it offers stunning views of the city, but it is home to the unusual Gaudí architectural elements. The park took 14 years to build, starting in 1900, and it is a UNESCO Heritage monument.
Parc Güell tickets start at 10 EUR for entrance to the park. However, if you prefer to choose a guided tour, that will cost you 22 EUR. Private tours cost 50 EUR. Find out more information about the park on the official website.
Sagrada Familia
Probably the most popular landmark in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia cathedral was also designed by Antonio Gaudi. The still-unfinished cathedral construction started in 1882 and it is still going.
However, you can still visit the immense basilica where tickets start at 20 EUR. You can find more information about opening hours and tickets here.
La Rambla
The 1.2 km long pedestal street is one of the most famous in Europe. It is truly relaxing to walk along La Rambla which is full of street artists and cafes. However, you can also go shopping as there are plenty of popular brands and boutique shops along the way.
What to eat in Barcelona
Gazpacho
One of the most traditional Andalusian foods you can try, Gazpacho is a vegetable soup that Spanish people serve cold.
Paella
You cannot visit Barcelona without trying one of the delicious paellas. You can find this rice-based dish almost at every restaurant and in any combinations you like, be it with vegetables, chicken, or seafood.
Spanish frittata
This omelet-style dish is another famous one in Barcelona. It consists of an omelet with potatoes, onions, and sausage.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a magical citadel full of tourists from all parts of the world. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. In addition, the town is also famous for hosting King's Landing in the Game of Thrones series.
Top 3 things to see in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik City walls
The best time to visit the city walls in Dubrovnik is at sunset. The views are simply spectacular from the walls.
Lokrum Island
From Dubrovnik, you can take a 10-minute ferry ride to visit Lokrum or Love Island. The island is not inhabited, however, it is full of great spots for swimming or walking around the beautiful gardens. Lokrum has also been part of the Game of Thrones series, hosting the city of Qarth in the second season. The return ferry ride and ticket costs around 26 EUR. Find more information about the island here.
Dubrovnik old town
Inside the city walls, everything looks beautiful. You can lose yourself on the streets of the old town and enjoy the cafes, restaurants, and lovely views of the old houses. Walk down Placa, the main street, or try the alleyways in order to fully immerse yourself in the culture.
What to eat in Dubrovnik
Zelena Menestra
Zelena Menestra is a traditional dish in Dubrovnik. It is a green stew that consists of meat, cabbage, and potatoes.
Black risotto
The traditional risotto gets its color from the squid ink and it may be served as an appetizer or main. In addition, it also includes different types of seafood.
Rozata
The most traditional dessert in Dubrovnik is Rozata. It is a pudding with custard which is similar to flan or creme brulee.
Istanbul
Istanbul is probably the most popular city in Turkey, situated along the Bosphorus strait, which unites the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. The transcontinental city is great to visit, whether it is about getting lost in the Grand Bazaar or checking out the historical landmarks.
Top 3 things to see in Istanbul
Blue Mosque
Istanbul landmark is a must-see during your visit. The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmad's Mosque was built over 7 years starting in 1609. Besides being a tourist hotspot, the mosque is still functioning. Moreover, you should also know that the tomb of the founder is inside the landmark. Entry is free, however, you will not be allowed to visit during prayer times. More information here.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest ones in the world and it is over 500 years old. Wander around the 5000 shops that are spread out on 60 streets but be careful not to get lost.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is the best place to go if you want to find out more about the ottoman empire and history. The palace consists of four consecutive courtyards, each having a different purpose. Basic tickets start at 13 EUR. You can check more information about visiting hours here.
What to eat in Istanbul
Lahmacun
Even though it looks similar to pizza, it tastes nothing like it. Lahmacun consists of spicy lamb minced meat added on a very thin dough. It is served with fresh parsley on top.
Sutlac
Sutlac is a traditional dessert made with rice. It is similar to a rice pudding, but softer and flavored with rose water.
Kunefe
Kunefe is another delicious dessert, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It consists of a soft cheese topped with filo pastry and cooked in butter
Rome
One of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Rome is a city you cannot miss. There are plenty of things to see, do, and eat that you could never get bored.
Top 3 things to see in Rome
The Colosseum
The landmark was built between 70-80 AD with the purpose to host different forms of entartainment. Make sure you visit it from all angles in order to experience the enormity of the place that could hold 80,000 spectators. The entry is 16 EUR, but if you go during the afternoon, the price is reduced to 9.5 EUR. More information here.
Fontana di Trevi
Probably the most popular fountain in the world, this impressive work of art was built in 1762. The fountain is easily accessible and you must visit it while wandering the streets of Rome.
The Pantheon
A former Roman temple, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from Ancient Rome. Even though the Pantheon was transformed into a Catholic Church, it still remains the world's largest unsupported dome. You can check out more information about the Pantheon here.
Things to eat in Rome
Suppli
We consider them to be the best appetizers in the world. Supplis are deep-fried balls filled with rice and ragu. They are delicious!
Cacio e Pepe
A very traditional yet simple dish is the Cacio e Pepe. The food consists of creamy pecorino cheese and black pepper pasta.
Pizza
One thing you cannot miss while in Rome is pizza. No matter the filling you choose, Italian pizza is the tastiest.
Did you enjoy this article? Read more about countries that are opening in Europe this summer.
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