Travelling Europe? 5 must-see cities

This post on 5 must-see European cities was made possible through a partnership with Wayne Anthony Consulting. Find out how to have your post featured here! 

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Planning your next trip? Europe is one of the most exciting continents to visit and definitely one of the easiest to get around. With its diverse landscapes, cities and multitudes of different cultures, you’re spoiled for choice. With so much going on, it’s important to do your research and prepare properly. To help, we’ve listed some of our favourites for you below.

1. Bath, United Kingdom

Bath is a beautiful city in the West of England, combining modernism with historical Roman baths. It’s situated in a valley so, no matter where you are in the city, you can look up and see the nearby forests surrounding you. Not only does Bath have a large number of pedestrianised streets lined with excellent shops, it is also home to the Thermae Bath Spa, the only natural hot springs in Britain. The Spa offers treatments, saunas and a rooftop pool where you gaze out over the beautiful sandstone architecture. There’s plenty to see beyond the city, too, such as Stonehenge and Longleat Safari Park. 

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a tech hub in Europe with an envious location right on the coast. It’s one of the most energetic European cities, with a great nightlife and a passion for fresh food. It offers culture and history, beach holidays and nightlife for a weekend city break. Make sure you take the classic Tram 28 ride, which winds up and down the streets of Lisbon, passing by many tourist attractions along the way. You need about three days to discover the delights of the city, and maybe a bit longer if you plan to explore some of the Portuguese countryside or beautiful beaches. 

3. Vienna, Austria

Consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in, Vienna is a beautifully designed city on the banks of the Danube. With great museums, stunning architecture and a great street art scene, there’s a lot to pick from! After you’ve finished all that walking, treat yourself to some tasty Viennese coffee and apple strudel at the famous Cafe Pruckel. With tuxedo-clad waiters, this cafe was added to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list in 2011. One of the best times to visit Vienna is for the many famous Christmas markets, where the city truly transforms into a winter wonderland. 

4. Cork, Ireland

Ireland’s most southern city is one you can’t afford to miss. Known as the food capital of Ireland, you can browse local produce at the centuries-old English Market and sample great dishes at the many farm to table cafes and restaurants dotted around the city. One of the best times to visit Cork is in October for the Cork Jazz Festival, when the entire city comes alive with jazz music. Every venue imaginable plays host to singers and bands over the weekend – and in the past the festival has featured the likes of Ella Fitzgerald! Just outside Cork City you’ll also find the distillery for the world-famous Jameson Whiskey.

5. Belgrade, Serbia

An often underrated city, Belgrade in Serbia is a wonderful place to not only party like only an Eastern European can, but also to gain an understanding of the recent history in the Balkans. One of the top things to do is to take a tips-only walking tour organised by university students who will show you the city they grew up in through their eyes – a truly fascinating experience. Belgrade also has a great bohemian culture, with tiny hidden cafes to enjoy a coffee in. Later in the night, head down to the Danube where you can board a party boat, enjoy a beer and then hop from boat to boat to find your favourite! 

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About the author: Travelling since she was 5, Pauline Davis has had to succumb to a working student life with a long list of travel destinations. For her, everything is a balance act – working, studying, travelling and taking care of her 2 Labradors. Also a keen home cook, Pauline expresses her love for both pursuits by contributing to a slew of online publications in her spare time.