Discover 12 European Cities With a Rich Cultural Heritage
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For culture vultures from all over the world, there’s nowhere like Europe. The cities here are packed with historic sites, reflecting the continent’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Whether you’d prefer a seaside spot, an abundance of art galleries, classical music concerts, or ancient relics, here are 12 of Europe’s most culturally rich destinations.
Athens, Greece
Whether you’re planning a city break or a spot of Greek island hopping, don’t miss the chance to visit Athens. The mighty Acropolis complex dominates the city, reflecting the importance of ancient Greek culture and civilization. You can also see more remnants from those times at the National Archaeological Museum.
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Rome, Italy
Rome offers an entire checklist of iconic sights, including the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the awe-inspiring Colosseum. Pay Rome a visit, and you can also explore the city’s vibrant foodie and street art scenes and stroll along the banks of the Tiber. Rome is also home to the Vatican City, the international headquarters of the Catholic Church – and technically a separate country.
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Paris, France
From springtime in Paris to a romantic winter break, no one can surely claim to be well-traveled until they’ve spent time in the French capital. Must-sees include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre art gallery, and the Eiffel Tower, arguably the city’s symbol. Simply strolling the streets, dipping into shops and cafes en route, is also a lovely pastime in the City of Lights.
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London, UK
London is another must when it comes to cultural heritage and history. Many of the city’s sights center on the British monarchy, and majestic palaces are everywhere. London also offers glorious parks, Theatreland, unparalleled shopping, the River Thames, and different districts to discover.
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Madrid, Spain
The Spanish capital can be overlooked in favor of Barcelona, but the city offers an incredible array of architecture and artistic heritage. Madrid is also characterized by graceful boulevards and stately parks. You can step into military history here, at the city’s Royal Palace and Armory, and don’t miss the Prado Museum’s collection of European art.
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Characterized by slender, gabled homes lining the many canals, Amsterdam is a cinch to explore by boat, bike, or foot. Many sights hark back to the Golden Age of the 17th century, and the city is also famous for its seedier side. Don’t miss the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk, or the Van Gogh Museum for a cultural overdose.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Prague offers an incomparable theater scene, as well as its enchanting medieval center. While you cannot miss sites like Charles Bridge and Old Town Square while visiting the City of a Hundred Spires, there’s Baroque architecture, pretty gardens, and the Vltava River. Mozart once lived here, and classical music concerts are a key feature of city life.
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Florence, Italy
In the heart of Tuscany, Florence is one of the world’s most artistic cities. People flock here in their millions to see the city’s vast collection of Renaissance art and architecture. The Duomo, the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the Uffizi Gallery are not to be missed. If you can, take a trip into the Tuscan countryside to see another aspect of Italian life.
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Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is often bypassed in favor of neighboring Spain, France, or other cultural hotspots, but it is the second-oldest European capital after Athens. The coastal location is a real plus, making including a beach day on your itinerary easy. Colorful buildings and ceramic tiles are also among the city’s most photogenic features.
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Edinburgh, Scotland
The gorgeous honey-toned architecture of Edinburgh defines the city, from the sweeping New Town Georgian terraces to the soot-blackened streets of the Royal Mile. Keeping watch over it all is Edinburgh Castle, with Arthur’s Seat beyond. Cultural delights and historic monuments are around every corner in the beautiful Scottish capital, including some of the UK’s finest galleries and museums.
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Vienna, Austria
Oh, Vienna, as Midge Ure sang on the Ultravox single of the same name back in 1981. In fact, the Austrian capital has an impressive musical heritage, boasting both Beethoven and Mozart as former residents. The city also offers the MuseumsQuartier district, Schönbrunn Palace, and a magnificent setting by the River Danube. You can also sample a slice of Sachertorte at Café Sacher Wien.
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Bilbao, Spain
It might be a relative newcomer to the cultural scene, but Bilbao packs a powerful punch when it comes to art and architecture. In addition to visiting sites like the iconic riverside Guggenheim Museum, the Old Town, and the Bilbao Art District, you can also venture beyond the city limits to discover the traditional fishing villages and rolling green hills of the Basque Country.
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Read also: European Fairytale Towns
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
