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Europe

Europe

Best Countries to Visit

  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Austria
  • Croatia
  • France

Best Cities to Visit

  • Paris
  • Amsterdam
  • Vienna
  • London
  • Prague

Size

10,180,000 KM2

Population

746,419,440

Spending Budget

$210 - $1,500

History

Homo erectus georgicus, which lived roughly 1.8 million years ago in Georgia, is the earliest hominin to have been discovered in Europe.[48] Other hominin remains, dating back roughly 1 million years, have been discovered in Atapuerca, Spain. Neanderthal man (named after the Neandertal valley in Germany) appeared in Europe 150,000 years ago (115,000 years ago it is found already in the territory of present-day Poland) and disappeared from the fossil record about 28,000 years ago, with their final refuge being present-day Portugal. The Neanderthals were supplanted by modern humans (Cro-Magnons), who appeared in Europe around 43,000 to 40,000 years ago. The earliest sites in Europe dated 48,000 years ago are Riparo Mochi (Italy), Geissenklösterle (Germany), and Isturitz (France). The European Neolithic period—marked by the cultivation of crops and the raising of livestock, increased numbers of settlements and the widespread use of pottery—began around 7000 BCE in Greece and the Balkans, probably influenced by earlier farming practices in Anatolia and the Near East. It spread from the Balkans along the valleys of the Danube and the Rhine (Linear Pottery culture) and along the Mediterranean coast (Cardial culture). Between 4500 and 3000 BC, these central European neolithic cultures developed further to the west and the north, transmitting newly acquired skills in producing copper artifacts. In Western Europe the Neolithic period was characterised not by large agricultural settlements but by field monuments, such as causewayed enclosures, burial mounds and megalithic tombs. The Corded Ware cultural horizon flourished at the transition from the Neolithic to the Chalcolithic. During this period giant megalithic monuments, such as the Megalithic Temples of Malta and Stonehenge, were constructed throughout Western and Southern Europe. The European Bronze Age began c. 3200 BCE in Greece with the Minoan civilisation on Crete, the first advanced civilisation in Europe. The Minoans were followed by the Myceneans, who collapsed suddenly around 1200 BCE, ushering the European Iron Age. Iron Age colonisation by the Greeks and Phoenicians gave rise to early Mediterranean cities. Early Iron Age Italy and Greece from around the 8th century BCE gradually gave rise to historical Classical antiquity, whose beginning is sometimes dated to 776 BCE, the year of the first Olympic Games.

Present Day

The two new superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, became locked in a fifty-year-long Cold War, centred on nuclear proliferation. At the same time decolonisation, which had already started after World War I, gradually resulted in the independence of most of the European colonies in Asia and Africa. Flag of Europe, adopted by the Council of Europe in 1955 as the flag for the whole of Europe. In the 1980s the reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev and the Solidarity movement in Poland weakened the previously rigid communist system. The opening of the Iron Curtain at the Pan-European Picnic then set in motion a peaceful chain reaction, at the end of which the Eastern bloc, the Warsaw Pact and communism collapsed and the Cold War ended. Germany was reunited, after the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the maps of Central and Eastern Europe were redrawn once more. This made old previously interrupted cultural and economic relationships possible and previously isolated cities such as Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Trieste were now again in the center of Europe. European integration also grew after World War II. In 1949 the Council of Europe was founded, following a speech by Sir Winston Churchill, with the idea of unifying Europe to achieve common goals. It includes all European states except for Belarus and Vatican City. The Treaty of Rome in 1957 established the European Economic Community between six Western European states with the goal of a unified economic policy and common market. In 1967 the EEC, European Coal and Steel Community and Euratom formed the European Community, which in 1993 became the European Union. The EU established a parliament, court and central bank and introduced the euro as a unified currency. Between 2004 and 2013, more Central and Eastern European countries began joining, expanding the EU to 28 European countries, and once more making Europe a major economical and political centre of power. However, the United Kingdom withdrew from the EU on 31 January 2020, as a result of a June 2016 referendum on EU membership.

Future

At elections in 2019, the majority of the seats in the European Parliament remained pro-EU despite a surge for populist lawmakers. But the chamber became a lot more divided, with the usual center-right and center-left blocs falling well short of a majority and needing other pro-EU parties to pass legislation. With the next EU election due in 2024, Garicano said the “the EU is really on trial” and that “it could be difficult” to keep the pro-EU majority in Parliament at the next election, if there are issues with the distribution of the coronavirus stimulus. The Conference on the Future of Europe is due to be concluded by spring 2022, with its proposals expected to then guide the work of the European institutions in the coming years. Some experts argue that ultimately the goal should be to update European laws in what’s referred to as treaty change. However, this is a very complex exercise and requires consensus among the 27 nations. “Contrary to conventional wisdom, the Conference’s success should not be measured against its ability to prompt Treaty change. Rather, its success will depend on its ability to mainstream new substantive policy ideas and institutionalize democratic innovations, such as citizen’s assemblies, and to do so at the transnational level,” Alberto Alemanno, a professor of EU law at H.E.C. Business School, told CNBC.
Must Visit Places ------------

Paris

Paris is filled with highly regarded museums, monuments and churches. You could easily spend your entire vacation admiring iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, wandering through exhibits at the Louvre and strolling through the beautiful green space admiring flowers at the Luxembourg Gardens. Still, you should save some time for people-watching and munching on fresh croissants at sidewalk cafes during the day. Once the sun sets, sit down for a decadent French meal with amazing wine.

London

Exploring the world-class British Museum, seeing a musical in the West End theater district, touring the Tower of London and gorging on fish and chips or a Sunday roast at a local pub are all part of the London bucket list experience. However, London's high hotel prices can make travelers with tight budgets cringe. To save some money, book your accommodations far in advance or consider reserving a vacation rental.

Rome

Rome is a can't-miss spot on your trip to Europe. The aroma of fresh Italian cooking wafts through the alleys, and historical sights stand proudly at every turn. No visit to Italy's capital would be complete without checking out the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the awe-inspiring Trevi Fountain. If you have additional time, venture beyond the main attractions to Trastevere and the Spanish Steps.

Florence

Florence, Italy, boasts top-notch museums, stunning architecture and mouthwatering cuisine. Must-dos include admiring Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, taking in city and river views from the Ponte Vecchio and climbing to the top of the Duomo – Florence's most recognizable attraction. When hunger strikes, head to the Mercato Centrale Firenze to stock up on fresh meats and cheeses or sit down for pizza or gelato at a charming outdoor eatery.

Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain's diverse architecture sets the city apart from other European destinations. Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell and Basilica de la Sagrada Família are beyond impressive, as are Palau de la Música Catalana and the many medieval buildings in the Gothic Quarter. When you tire of taking in the city's stunning architecture, relax on La Barceloneta beach, sample a smattering of tasty local tapas at Boqueria Market or sip sangria along Las Ramblas.

Swiss Alps

Located south of Zurich, Bern and Basel, the Swiss Alps are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. While skiing, hiking and snowboarding tend to dominate this region, you'll also discover quaint towns, serene lakes and gorgeous scenery. Luxury mountain resorts are available throughout the region as well, making it a playground for all sorts of travelers. Additionally, no trip to the Swiss Alps would be complete without indulging in some warm, gooey cheese fondue.

Amsterdam

There's more to Amsterdam than its notorious "coffee shops" and Red Light District. Spend the day biking through the city's stylish streets before exploring noteworthy museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Dutch Resistance Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum and the Anne Frank House. Plan a picnic in Vondelpark for lunch, or opt for a boat tour along the city's many canals when it's time to rest your feet.

Santorini

Visit this Greek island for its unique volcanic landscape, relaxing beaches and picturesque local architecture. Enjoy stunning views of the striking blue sea and whitewashed buildings Santorini is famous for from the sky-high village of Oia. Then, sink your toes into Kamari Beach's jet-black sand or Red Beach's vivid red sand before visiting a local winery to taste the island's delectable vino, which is made with grapes grown in volcanic soil.

Amalfi Coast

Travel to this coastal region in Italy for once-in-a-lifetime views of the Mediterranean Sea from beautiful cliff-side towns. Spend your days hiking the nearly 4-mile-long Vallone delle Ferriere trail, wandering the dreamy streets of Positano or retreating to more secluded places like Fiordo di Furore beach. To soak up even more sun, consider an Amalfi Coast boat tour, which may stop at points of interest like the Emerald Grotto and the waterfalls of Marmorata.

Prague

A vacation in Prague will leave you feeling as if you've stepped into a fairy tale. Take in the Gothic architecture and vibrant atmosphere of Old Town Square, and be sure to tour Prague Castle and go for a stroll across the famously scenic Charles Bridge. Prague's affordable food and drinks, accommodations and public transportation make it a great place for travelers who wish to visit Europe on a budget.

Venice

Travelers of all kinds will be impressed with Venice, Italy's enchanting canals, historical architecture and delectable eateries. Visitors can view opulent architecture at St. Mark's Basilica, stroll across the famous Rialto Bridge or snap a photo in front of the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Keep in mind, though, that this extremely popular destination brings immense crowds, especially during the warmer months. Plus, gondola rides and hotels are pricey, so you'll want to make sure to budget accordingly.

Athens

Athens was made for history buffs and architecture aficionados thanks to it housing the world-renowned Acropolis and Ancient Agora. However, there's more to Athens than its historical sites. The Greek capital's laid-back lifestyle and incredible food attract the masses just as much as its famous attractions do. As you tour around, be sure to stroll through the historical neighborhood of Plaka, where you'll find restaurants, cafes, whitewashed homes and charming shops.

Cyprus

This island situated off the southern coast of Turkey isn't as popular with foreigners as other European beach and island destinations farther west, though it is favored by Europeans. The island nation offers a mix of historical sites and natural attractions that make it a bucket list-worthy location. Take a dip at one of Cyprus' many beaches or in the Adonis Baths, rumored to be a favorite spot among Greek gods. Or, tour ancient ruins at the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates all the way back to the fourth century B.C.

Vienna

This storied Austrian city is best known for its music and monarchs. Explore the Habsburg family's Schönbrunn Palace and its on-site Tiergarten, which is home to the oldest zoo in the world. Art lovers should head to the MuseumsQuartier Wien to peruse the exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art, while music fans will likely enjoy visiting the House of Music and touring or watching a performance at the Vienna State Opera.

Madrid

Spain's capital has all of the makings of a quintessential European vacation: stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, world-class museums, luxury hotels and, of course, plenty of delicious Spanish food and drinks. Save some time for a flamenco show and a Real Madrid soccer match, too, and don't miss strolling through lush El Retiro Park and taking a tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of Spain's royal family.

Dublin

Ireland's most populous city has long been a popular vacation spot for beer drinkers, culture hounds and history buffs. Home to the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery Bow St. Dublin, the city also boasts a plethora of pubs, many of which can be found in Dublin's famous Temple Bar district. Meanwhile, nondrinkers will want to head to popular points of interest like Kilmainham Gaol, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the National Gallery of Ireland

Stockholm

Sweden's often cold capital city is best visited during the summer months when warm daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s are present. This sublime weather makes outdoor activities like strolling through the parks at Djurgården and taking a boat tour to admire the cityscape considerably more enjoyable. What's more, Stockholm's charming cobblestone-lined Old Town features a number of top attractions, such as the Royal Palace and the Nobel Prize Museum.

Budapest

The capital of Hungary is filled with an assortment of monuments, museums and religious sites. Visit Fisherman's Bastion – a neo-Gothic, fairy tale-like structure – to admire its architectural beauty and take in panoramic views of the city from the building's terrace. Then, take a tour of the Hungarian Parliament building or sign up for a sightseeing cruise on the Danube River. No stay in Budapest would be complete without checking out the city's world-renowned thermal baths, which are heated by natural thermal springs.

The Azores

Situated far off of the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago is an underrated European gem. São Miguel Island, the largest and most populated island in the Azores, is home to stunning natural wonders, including Sete Cidades and the volcanic Furnas Valley. Island hop to discover Portugal's highest mountain (Pico Mountain) and remote beaches like Praia do Almoxarife and Praia de Porto Pim. Or, venture out into the Atlantic Ocean to see why this destination is considered a whale sanctuary

Berlin

More than three decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany's capital city boasts everything from museums and monuments to thriving dining and nightclub scenes. History buffs should check out the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Topography of Terror, Brandenburg Gate and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, while art enthusiasts will likely love visiting UNESCO World Heritage-listed Museum Island, which is a cluster of five different museums.

Munich

Though Munich may be one of the most expensive cities in Germany, you'll find a fair amount of things to do that don't require opening your wallet. Free attractions include the English Garden, a variety of churches and Marienplatz, the latter of which is usually rife with street performers, vendors and restaurants selling bratwursts and beer. For a true German beer experience, head to one of the many biergartens scattered throughout the city.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is full of everything from top-notch art and history museums to incredible castles and palaces for visitors to explore. Must-visit spots include Christiansborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens amusement park and the central Nyhavn neighborhood. The city itself is certainly eye-catching, with its bold, colorful buildings overlooking the river. There are a few excellent ways to see Copenhagen as well, such as renting a bike or taking a walking or Segway tour.

Istanbul

Skyscrapers stand next to historical monuments in Istanbul, an ancient city that boasts many modern advances. Shopaholics fill the Turkish city's Grand Bazaar during the day, while partygoers head to local nightclubs in droves at night. If you want to tour Istanbul's famous religious sites, including the Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque, don't forget to pack a few layers, as entry is only granted to travelers who cover up.

Seville

Seville is the jewel of Andalucia. This city, which sits in southern Spain, is home to a smattering of stunning architectural marvels, including the Plaza de España and Real Alcázar. While here, go for a stroll through the quaint and colorful Barrio Santa Cruz and take a river cruise down the Guadalquivir to soak up the splendor of the city. Do know, though, that summer trips here should be avoided: Temperatures can climb up to 100 degrees during the day.

Reykjavik

Iceland's largest city is a gateway to some of the country's most incredible natural attractions. Drive along the famed Golden Circle route to check out can't-miss sights like Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall and the very active Strokkur geyser. For an unforgettable experience, time your trip around the northern lights season, which runs from September to mid-April. If you don't have time to travel far outside of Reykjavik, know that this natural phenomenon can be seen from the city.