Traveling to Europe is a goal that many Americans have on their bucket lists. There are many cities in Europe that are worth visiting. Many are large capitals, but there are also charming little villages that people with more time to linger might want to check out. Those with a week or less will likely want to focus on one of these larger cities that have more famous cultural attractions.
Paris
One of the most popular cities in Europe is also one of the best to visit. Paris is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Notre Dame might not be open because of the tragic 2019 fire, but there are plenty of churches and cathedrals in the area that are worth a visit. Lovers of art and history will particularly enjoy visiting sites like the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and Versailles. Those with kids might find a trip to Disneyland Paris will provide a unique American experience in a foreign country.
London
Another great city to visit in London. The capital city of the UK, London is home to the famous Westminster Abbey. This medieval church is the burial site for many of England’s most famous people. A ride on the London Eye can provide a panoramic view of the city, and no visit is complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the British Museum.
Rome
Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a city that is full of ancient ruins. From the world-famous Colosseum to the Roman Forum, there are plenty of impressive ruins to see in Rome. The Vatican is located within the city’s borders and provides visitors the opportunity to visit St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Vatican Museum, the latter of which includes a chance to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel that Michelangelo painted during the Renaissance.
Prague
The Czech capital of Prague was closed to many Americans during the Cold War, but it fared much better than many other European cities during World War II. The city is known as the City of a Hundred Spires because of the many old churches within its environs. The stunning Prague Castle sits on a hill that overlooks the Vltava River. Within the castle’s walls, the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane are must-see sites for visitors. Additionally, no trip to Prague would be complete without a trip to the Old Town Square to see the world’s oldest astronomical clock that’s still in operation.