Top 3 best European cities to visit on vacation

Medieval cathedrals and futuristic skyscrapers, ancient castles and hipster suburbs, famous art galleries and free Bohemian districts, breathtaking pristine landscapes and high-tech cities, cozy narrow streets and magnificent squares… Europe is multi-faceted and rich in attractions. Every traveler can find something to his liking. We made this list of 3 best European cities to visit to help you make a right choice.

1. Barcelona, Spain

My grandfather always used to say that Barcelona is the most beautiful city in the world. And he has travelled pretty much all around the world. This sunny city can impress even the most fastidious travelers. Unfinished Sagrada Familia (Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família), Park Güell (Parc Güell) and other Antoni Gaudi’s works, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc (Font màgica de Montjuïc), Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso) are must-see attractions, which you can find in every guide book.

If you have visited all these popular places of interest and still have some time and energy, you can climb Montserrat Mountain to enjoy breathtaking view and visit Monastery (Santa Maria de Montserrat), where you will see an image of the Black Virgin of Montserrat (Mare de Déu de Montserrat).

After climbing, take a rest and have a snack in one of small and cozy restaurants, for example in “La Candela”, where you can taste traditional Spanish and Catalan cuisine.

2. Berlin, Germany

The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), the Reichstag (Deutscher Bundestag – Plenarbereich Reichstagsgebäude), the Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer), Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm Berlin), Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), and so on, and so forth. Forget everything you know about the capital of Germany. Refined, conservative, prim and proper? It is nothing of the kind! On the contrary, Berlin is the perfect place for party animals and hipsters.

Always thought that there was nothing more boring than guided tours? Then you should definitely try Berlin Horizontal city tour. Nothing special, just riding around the city in bed. So that, if a tour will finally turn out to be boring, you can take a nap. The only disadvantage of this entertainment is its price – €130 per hour.

After bed sightseeing, take care of souvenirs for your relative and friends. Buy your girlfriend/boyfriend, who always fails to listen to you an EXTRA EAR! Or, if you feel like taking another step forward and proposing to your soulmate, present her/him a FINGERring. These and many more unique realistic jewels can be found in Nadja Buttendorf’s studio.

As night falls, Berlin changes its face dramatically. Its naughty streets, pubs and nightclubs tempt you to indulge in vices. Start exploring Berlin’s nightlife with its smallest nightclub, Teledisco. It is coin-operated phone booth, which allows choosing your favorite track and enjoying yourself away from prying eyes.

After your mini-rave is over, get some treatment in Zyankali Bar. When you feel relaxed enough, it is time to move to Insomnia, the most shameless nightclub one could imagine. My moral education does not allow describing what is going on in this place, so you will have to check it yourself. Mind that you have to be at least 18 to enter Insomnia.

3. Lviv, Ukraine

When you have just thought that this top involves only trivial destinations, here comes the Eastern Europe! Lviv is one of those old European cities with narrow streets, block pavements, grandiose cathedrals and tasty fair food. It is the best choice for those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of Old Europe without spending much money. However, Lviv has something more to attract and surprise tourists – its unique concept bars and restaurants.

#1 must-visit place in Lviv is Kryivka, a basement tavern designed to look like bunker used by members of Ukrainian Insurgent Army during World War II. You need to call out a slogan, “Slava Ukrayini!” (Glory to Ukraine!), and drink a shot of medovukha (mead) to enter the tavern. Here you can taste traditional Ukrainian cuisine served in tinware, shoot different guns of World War II and even get into disciplinary cell.

If you are a coffee and chocolate addict, this city will become your personal paradise. Frankly speaking, I do not have a sweet tooth, and prefer tea to coffee, but candies and coffee in Lviv are something I cannot resist. Taste the best coffee in Lviv Coffee Manufacture; go down to the mine located in the basement, and “extract” coffee beans specially for your cup of coffee.

One cannot eat his/her fill with sweets only. What would you prefer: meat and medieval tortures (“Meat and Justice”) or kosher menu without prices and bargaining (“At the Golden Rose”), or maybe singing for discount (“The Most Expensive Galician Restaurant”)?

For thrill-seekers, there is also an interesting option – restaurant Masoch-Café, dedicated to famous Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch, who was born and lived in Lviv. If you want a discount, be ready to endure lashes and hot wax.

Besides Lviv, Ukraine can boast amazing natural wonders, magnificent architecture and rich culture. I highly recommend you to visit its other cities, especially Kyiv and Odesa. Or even better, travel all around Ukraine. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

So, do not hesitate, travel!