Non-Europeans (and even citizens of the European Union) are spoilt for choice when looking for an exciting country or city to visit. Each of the 27 European Union member states has its own unique feel and offers visitors a new and worthwhile experience.
Although many visitors to Europe tend to roam from place to place in order to enjoy as much of the destination country as possible, it is almost inevitable that at least two or three days will be spent in one of the major cities. Research on the internet offers the traveller a broad description of what can be expected. Still, nothing compares to the actual experience of spending a few exciting days in a foreign city.
Whether visitors are keen to visit museums, art galleries, churches, architecture or simply to enjoy the local cuisine and relax totally, all European cities can cater to all tastes.
Ranked by the average number of visitors per year, here are six of the most visited European cities:
London, England
It goes without saying that no trip to England would be complete without spending at least a few days in London. A huge, sprawling city running along both banks of the River Thames, London is the famed capital city that has drawn tourists from all over the world for centuries and continues to attract around 20 million visitors annually.
The greater London area is home to almost ten million inhabitants and is spread over more than 600 square miles but despite its size, the city remains easy to navigate thanks to an excellent road, rail, underground and bus network.
With more than ten regional and international airports within a reasonable distance and access to the heart of the city from France via the Channel Tunnel train service, London is readily accessible to international travellers who can make any necessary connections quickly and easily.
There is much to see and do for the visitor in and around London. Many of the best-known tourist attractions are located in, or close to, the city centre around Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.
Major Attractions:
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- Madame Tussauds
- Westminster Abbey
- Churchill War Rooms
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Visitors looking for a birds-eye view across the city can take the thirty minute ride in the glass pods of the London Eye. On the banks of the Thames, the observation wheel allows an unobstructed 25 mile view over the centre of London and beyond.
Paris, France
Perhaps one of Europe’s most famous and iconic cities, the French capital of Paris has been a popular choice with tourists for centuries. Even today, the city draws around 20 million visitors a year to experience what they have read about in books or seen in movies.
Smaller and more compact than London, 11 million people call Paris home and are rightly proud of their history and culture. Although many of the city’s population speak English to some extent, it is still a good idea to have at least a few basic words of French as this will be warmly appreciated by the local populace.
Using the excellent Paris Metro system it is relatively easy to get around the capital and life is made easier for the visitor as many of the major attractions are located within the city’s central area or just a short walk away.
Major Attractions:
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Louvre Museum
- Paris Latin Quarter
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Montmartre and Sacre Coeur
Flowing through the heart of Paris is the Seine River, splitting the city’s Right Bank and Left Bank. A casual stroll along the banks of the Seine to admire the iconic bridges and explore riverside boutiques and curio shops is a perfect way to while away a few hours as is taking one of the many short or long river cruises on offer along the route.
Rome, Italy
One of Europe’s most historic cities, Rome has been a magnet for tourists since way back in time. Nestling on the hills on the banks of the River Tiber, Italy’s capital city is a busy metropolis with almost 3 million inhabitants and home to some of the world’s most famous tourist sights and attractions.
A cultural centre for centuries, Rome is well stocked with art galleries, museums, ancient buildings, quaint side streets, churches and (of course) fountains.
Major Attractions:
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Pantheon
- Capitoline Museums
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
Visitors to Rome can kill two birds with one stone by paying a visit to Vatican City which contains the impressive St. Peter’s Basilica and is home to the Pope.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Although not the capital city (that honour lies with The Hague), Amsterdam is undoubtedly the most famous of all Dutch cities. Although small in size, Amsterdam is a hugely popular destination, with visitors of all ages coming to this vibrant city from all corners of the globe.
Although often the subject of criticism for its Red Light area and the presence of cannabis cafes, the city has more to offer visitors than is the common perception. The city is home to major breweries, numerous art galleries and museums. A cyclist’s paradise, the city centre street’s are lined with designated cycle paths and getting around by bicycle is the best way to get a real feel for the town.
Major Attractions:
- Anne Frank House
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Heineken Brewery
- The Jordaan
Whatever one’s personal view of the Red Light District, it is an interesting place to visit, and there is no denying the beauty of the old buildings and canals that form the heart of the area.
Barcelona, Spain
Sun, sea, sand and great weather make Barcelona a favourite destination for many. It is not just the beach and weather that draws around seven million visitors to Barcelona every year as the city also offers a dazzling array of cultural and historic sites to see and enjoy.
Although the city has a population of just over one million, Barcelona is a large and sprawling city, and getting around using the city buses and trains can sometimes be challenging. That said, Barcelona is well worth a visit, and there is more than enough to see, do, and enjoy to keep visitors entertained for more than just a few days.
Major Attractions:
- Sagrada Familia
- Picasso Museum
- Boqueria Market
- Port Vell
- Barrio de Gracia
- Gothic Quarter
No visit to Barcelona is complete without a stroll down Las Ramblas, the busiest street in the city. Lined with plane trees, and populated with flower sellers, human statues and street buskers, Las Ramblas can be a bit too touristy for some but it remains a must-do for all visitors.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the Czech Republic’s new kid on the block, has been growing significantly in popularity every year for the past two decades or more. Often described as a “fairy tale” city, Prague remains relatively cheap in comparison to other major European destinations, which has led (at least in part) to the city’s growth in tourism, which now stands at almost seven million a year.
Prague’s “fairy tale” tag can be attributed to its stunning bridges, castles, churches, idyllic parks and squares, and the friendliness of its inhabitants.
Major Attractions:
- Charles Bridge
- Vltava River
- Prague Castle
- Wenceslas Square
- National Theatre
For a true fairy tale experience, a walking tour around the Old Town Square is a must for every visitor. Over 600 years old and lined with many historical buildings and monuments, the Old Town Square is the place in Prague to relax and enjoy the best of what the city has to offer.
Honourable Mention
Every European country has its own charming and exciting cities and towns, and many of these deserve an honourable mention as being worth visiting. The list of cities and towns would have to include:
- Vienna (Austria)
- Munich (Germany)
- Milan (Italy)
- Athens (Greece)
- Berlin (Germany)
- Madrid (Spain)
- Venice (Italy)
- Dublin (Ireland)
Going a little further afield and outside Europe, the cities of Istanbul in Turkey and Moscow in Russia, while perhaps not to everyone’s tastes, are definitely places of interest that merit consideration.
No ETIAS or Visa Required
The beauty of visiting any of the European cities for Europeans is the fact that no special documentation or approval is required to do so. As Europe begins the process of rolling out the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, citizens of any European Union country require nothing more than a valid passport to access any other EU state.
This is also the case for citizens of countries with a reciprocal visa-exemption policy with the EU, but this is about to change. By the end of 2024, it is anticipated that all non-EU nationals will require either an ETIAS, Schengen Visa or some form of national visa or permit to enter the European zone.
For British citizens, this will add an additional burden and expense when planning a European visit or vacation, as United Kingdom passport holders will require ETIAS approval before undertaking any European travel.
