12 European Cities for a Cultural Immersion
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If taking a city break for you is about immersing yourself in culture, then Europe has plenty of treats. From ancient Greek civilization or Catalan modernist architecture to fine or contemporary art galleries, here are some of the continent’s most artistic and enlightening cities.
Athens, Greece
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As the capital of ancient Greek civilization and modern Greece, Athens offers the impressive hilltop Acropolis, plus other sites dating back to the 5th century BC. Its indoor museums include the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. Athens is named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, and today, it seamlessly blends the classical and the contemporary.
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London, UK
London has some of the world’s best museums, many of which won’t cost you a penny in admission, and three are clustered close together in South Kensington. Its old buildings, city pubs, and royal palaces make it an open-air museum. With a thriving Theatreland plus vibrant art, music, and food scenes, you’ll never be stuck for inspiration in the UK capital.
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Barcelona, Spain
Born in the mid-19th century, the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí is responsible for much of how modern Barcelona looks. His structures can be seen all over the city, with the unfinished Sagrada Familia, the jewel in the crown. Barcelona also offers lively foodie and arts scenes, the historic Gothic Quarter, and a coastal location.
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Rome, Italy
If you go to Athens to delve deeper into Greek civilization, you must also visit Rome. It’s the Italian capital, home to the Vatican City, and central to the development of the old Roman Empire. Rome is packed with famous sights, including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. It also offers interesting districts to explore, lovely gardens, riverside walks, and fabulous Italian food.
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Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv in Bulgaria is a relative newcomer to lists covering Europe’s most cultural cities, but it offers abundant charm and history. For starters, it’s considered the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Recently named a European Capital of Culture, Plovdiv is worth visiting for its incredible Roman amphitheater alone but can offer much more modern and classical culture.
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Basel, Switzerland
Basel is Switzerland’s third-biggest city and is a cosmopolitan place with a multicultural population. Here, modern buildings contrast seamlessly with the historic structures of the Old Town. The renowned Art Basel festival and 40 museums are also reasons Basel is referred to as the Swiss cultural capital.
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Paris, France
Paris is known for romance, of course, but it can also offer visitors a cultural overdose. The city’s most famous gallery, The Louvre, is one of the most prized on the planet and home to far more than the Mona Lisa. Parisian icons like the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees, and the Notre Dame pin Paris on the cultural map.
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Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a breathtakingly beautiful city, ideal for cultural vultures. For classical music concerts and opulent palaces, it can barely be bettered. The fairground rides, namely Vienna’s photogenic Ferris wheel, are aesthetically pleasing. Past residents include musicians Beethoven and Mozart and psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, and you can see Gustav Klimt’s most famous painting, The Kiss, here.
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Frankfurt, Germany
Much of Frankfurt, including the Altstadt, or old town, was reconstructed after World War II. The city offers many absorbing museums and is a hub for many things, including commerce and culture. The arts are big news, and a year-round festival program means there’s always plenty to see and do.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Known for its historic and visually appealing architecture, Prague also makes a great city break for those searching for culture. Whether it’s Czech cuisine, music concerts, lively nightlife, or other arts you’re interested in, Prague offers it all in spades. The cultural legacy of the past is also evident around every corner, and there are many Baroque and Gothic buildings to admire.
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Bilbao, Spain
In Spain, Bilbao is at the cutting edge of contemporary culture. The Guggenheim is one of the most revered modern art museums on the planet, and its 1997 opening was said to be responsible for the city’s regeneration.
Bilbao remains a traditional Spanish flavor, though, especially in the old town square each evening when locals socialize. The setting is also spectacular, among green mountains and by the port.
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Florence, Italy
Florence is always a fail-safe option for those searching for culture and fine art. It was the capital of the Renaissance and, for a short while during the late 19th century, was also the Italian capital. Here, you can see iconic sights like Michelangelo’s David statue and the Birth of Venus by Botticelli.
If you have time, you could also venture into the glorious countryside to sample a slice of rural Tuscan culture.
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