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Saturday 12 March 2016

10 European Cities You Just Have To Visit Before You Old and Gone


LIFESTYLE TRAVELBY budapest
As a keen traveller who’s always planning her next adventure, I do a heck of a lot of research on cities I need to visit and destinations that will suit not only my taste for travel but my budget too! As a UK citizen, travelling around Europe is ideal as nowhere is too far, flights are cheap and also relatively inexpensive. So today I’m sharing with you my top 10 European Cities that you should definitely be adding to your travel bucket list!

1. London

I suppose I should begin with my own capital city! I’ve always loved London since a young age, the buzz just draws you in. You will never run out of sights to see, restaurants to try and pop-up events to head to. The city is just bursting with culture, don’t just stick to central London either, there are plenty of things to do in East London as well.
Make sure you stop by Sketch for afternoon tea, stay at the Hoxton and dine at Dishoom.

2. Rome

The perfect destination to head to with your partner. There’s no denying Rome is a romantic city, although that being said, I am yet to visit Venice! There are obvious sights such as the Coliseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi foundation to visit, all of which do not disappoint! I would advise to try and book a tour before you head off to Rome as it saves lots of time and queuing. Take a leisurely stroll around the cobbled streets with a gelato in hand. Try some of the back streets for true Italian food rather than some of the restaurants that are slap bang in the centre and offer a more tourist centred menu.
Stay at the Regina Hotel Baglioni, take a Segway tour and eat plenty of gelato.

3. Berlin

A stark contrast to Rome are the graffiti’d walls of Berlin. An exciting city, this has to be one of my favourite destinations for a long weekend. Bursting with restaurants, bars, boutiques and rich history. Berlin is not be missed off your travel list. Make sure you visit the Brandenburg gate, the Reichstag and the Berlin wall to take in the history of the city. After you’ve visited the city’s main spots, enjoy the many bars and stunning city art and architecture. Berlin is also home to many parks and gardens too, so if you’re visiting in the summer time try and plan a picnic too.
Stay at the Titanic Gendarmenmarkt, visit Voo store for the best threads and eat at Cookies Cream for great vegetarian food.

4. Dublin

If you’re based in the UK, Dublin is under an hour away by airplane but even if you’re further away it’s still well worth a visit! Enjoy a pint of Guinness as you overlook the city from the Guinness Storehouse panoramic bar. The Temple Bar area of the city is a must-visit with tonnes of pubs and bars to enjoy whilst watching the world go by. The temple bar region is great for a younger audience with lots of different eateries, vintage shops and other little gems.
Stay at The Westbury for a touch of luxury or The Temple Inn for a more affordable stay.

5. Stockholm

Slick and stylish, Stockholm is the the ultimate destination for fans of Scandinavian design and minimalism. Bursting with inspiring street style, picturesque cobbled pathways and endless cafés, there are so many aspects to this city to enjoy. Be sure to enjoy a boat trip of the islands whilst viewing the stunning architecture the city has to offer.
Stay at Hotel J, eat at Lilla Ego and make sure you visit Acne Studios for high end designer fashion.

6. Paris

The city of love! Paris is definitely one of those places you just have to visit at some point in your life. The city is truly stunning and of course the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must see. Wander down the gorgeous streets and be sure to stop for a macaroon and café latte! This is a seriously stylish city, oozing elegance and class. You have to experience some Parisian shopping, it’s not all about Chanel and design fashion though, there are some great vintage stores with many hidden gems.
Stay at the stylish Hotel Recamier, stop for a hot chocolate at Angelina and enjoy an éclair from l’éclair de genie.

7. Cambridge  

The historic university of Cambridge has so much to offer. Walk around the stunning university grounds and be sure to take a punt down on the river! There are plenty of boutiques, cafés and restaurants to visit, and make sure you head to the University Botanic Gardens and Fitzwilliam Museum for a fun, affordable day out. There’s always something to see at one of the city’s theatres, and there are lots of bars to keep you entertained in the evening also. There’s also the nearby Newmarket Races which are well worth a visit!
Stay at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, eat pizza at La Margherita and stop for a drink at student favourite, The Snug.

8. Barcelona

Flights to Barcelona can be very cheap from the UK so it’s no wonder it’s such a popular holiday destination. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with a city vibe as well as a beach. Make sure you see some of Gaudi’s work whist you’re there, the Casa Batllo is a must see for all Gaudi lovers. To ensure you see as much of the city as you can then I would recommend a cycle tour. There’s no better way to see the sights and learn all about Barcelona’s history.
Stay at the H10 Catalunya Palace and be sure to book your cycle tour before you go!

9. Prague

Take in the sights of this medieval city and its stunning gothic architecture. It’s the perfect Christmas break destination but can be enjoyed year-round! Highlights of the city include the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge and the infamous John Lennon Wall. There are also other fun activities you can try including a cycle trip from Prague to Vienna. The beer museum is also a popular tourist attract, offering a lively atmosphere and plenty of different beers to ‘test’.
Stay at the Boho Prague Hotel and eat a Kolkovna restaurant.

10. Budapest

Often described as a ‘fairytale city’ it’s not hard to see why, the city castles look like they’ve come straight out of a Disney movie. The city itself is breath-taking, full of charm and incredible architecture everywhere you turn. You must be sure to visit the Budapest Parliament, the building is quite simply beautiful. Find the best view of the city at the Fisherman’s Bastion, a tip though, be sure to get there early to take in the best view without swarms of other people.

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