This article is a concise guide to a trip to Europe that outlines the best European cities to visit, based on our research and own travels. Our hope, as it always has been, is that our travelers even when visiting some of the best Holiday destinations in Europe are able to find the off-the-beaten path and locally enjoyed treasures of each country. Therefore, we’ve compiled our collective research when creating this guide to the best places to travel in Europe for you.
TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN EUROPE
This year in 2018, many new cities rose to the top of trusted travel company’s top European destinations including Siena, Italy, Edinburgh, Scotland, and San Sebastián, Spain.
Read on for INSIDR’s own research, and insider tips for some of these very populated European cities!
CITIES TO VISIT IN EUROPE
Listed below are INSIDR recommend places to visit in Europe where you can find many off-the-beaten path activities and local restaurants to enjoy, organized by countries to visit in Europe.
ITALY
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ROME
The capital city, or better known as the cittá eterna, can be an absolute zoo of tourists overwhelming the ancient monuments and touristy restaurants. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world with some of the best food in the world, if you know where to go!
Instead of biking around the Villa Borghese gardens on top of the Spanish Steps, rent a bike and ride down Via Appia Antica, the first street built in Rome
Instead of eating in the tourist-filled restaurants in the main piazzas, venture to Trastevere to eat at a local trattoria: Da Enzo
SIENA
Siena is a small city located in Tuscany, one of the most charming, scenic and desired vacation spots of travelers from all countries around the world. The main piazza, Piazza del Campo, is where the famous horse race, Palio di Siena, takes place every year.
Instead of buying mass-produced leather goods in Siena, travel 1 hour south to the stunning hill-town of Pienza where the finest Italian leather is produced
Instead of getting a gelato from one of the many chains in the very center, walk down little side streets until you reach the amazing gelateria: La Vecchia Latteria
SPAIN
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BARCELONA
The proud major city in Catalonia can also be overwhelming with tourists at times. Spanish cuisine, as we know it, consists of tapas and paella, but you can’t go just anywhere for these.
Instead of waiting in long lines for the Picasso museum, visit the impressive Fondació Joan Miró, a contemporary Spanish Surrealist artist, with a panoramic view of the city
Instead of having paella quickly at a tourist trap, spend the time to walk down the beach to have the best paella in the city (according to locals): Xiringuito Escribà
SAN SEBASTIÁN
Located in the Basque region on the water, San Sebastián is a remarkable place to visit not only because of its the breathtaking views but also because its gastronomy.
Instead of shopping in La Brexta mall for gifts to bring home, shop in the basement of the mall for fresh seafood you can prepare yourself for dinner
Instead of having sangria everywhere you go, enjoy a glass of gin and tonic like the locals do after a meal
AND OF COURSE, OUR BELOVED FRANCE
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BORDEAUX
Bordeaux is commonly considered a “mini Paris” due to its architectural charm, but with vineyards and prestigious wine! Consider taking a road trip to Bordeaux with us for all the insider tips on visiting Bordeaux including how to get there, what to eat and see there as well as where to go afterwards.
For more information on a road trip to Bordeaux, click: Ideas for a Perfect Road Trip Driving Through Bordeaux Coastline in France