Europe, a continent rich with culture and history. Each country developing their own culture, food and unique sites. Europe is the place to be. It's food and fashion have no comparison to that of America. Europe is becoming more and more of a "hot spot" for American tourists. There's so many different places to visit around Europe, each with it's own unique history, culture, food and traditions. The best way to experience all of these places is through the locals, take tours and appreciate the new place you're experiencing.
Of course, everyone knows of the popular tourist spots around Europe but there are still many places that don't get the recognition they deserve. Here are five of my favorite spots in Europe, some popular but some completely underrated.
1. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. A city inhabited by just 1 million people, but a city rich with culture, history and sites. Enjoy a walk around Stockholm's old town "Gamla Stan" just two subway stops away from Stockholm's Central Station. It's a borrow filled with beautiful buildings, cozy cafes and souvenir shops. Although considered a tourist trap by the locals, it's a great place to take a Swedish "fika" and to spend hours exploring the narrow streets.
2. London, England
Another European capital and a tourist trap. Although it's an incredibly popular city of tourists, it's a city everyone should visit at least once in their life. Once the capital of a vast empire, one of the most powerful in the world, it's filled with amazing stories of the past. If you love history, London is the place for you. Be sure to visit Buckingham Palace and the London Tower. If you're in for a "fright" make sure you get a ticket to the "London Dungeon".
3. Strasbourg, France
A city situated in Eastern France, only a few kilometers from the German border, home to the European Parliament; Strasbourg is an adorable French city everyone should visit. In a region filled with vineyards, take a quick trip and explore the hills around this region, taste wine and enjoy the scenery. Or, stay in the city center and spend the day delving into the rich food and sweets. Entice yourself in the narrow streets of "La Petite France" a historic quarter of the city filled with cafes and restaurants. It's a city everyone should visit, a city filled with exquisitely colored buildings and amazing food.
4. Warsaw, Poland
Another capital city but this one in the Eastern European country of Poland. A city that was at the center of World War II and almost left in complete rubbles. Warsaw is filled with incredible history. Check out one of its many museums surrounding Warsaw's part in the war. If museums are not your favorite, like the other cities, visit Warsaw's Old Town, a quarter that was left almost completely destroyed after the war. Spend the most likely gray day, viewing the pink and orange buildings while eating the local Eastern European dish: perogies.
5. Helsinki, Finland
Yet another capital city, a Scandinavian one, this one in Finland, Helsinki. A city that is under the influence of both Russian culture as well as Scandinavian, you will not be disappointed by the amazing architecture. Helsinki is filled with churches, so make sure you visit the "Temppelliaukio Church", not near the city center but a place you wouldn't want to miss. A church that was built into stone, it's a quite and beautiful sanctuary. Move back to the city center and you'll see a large white church in the distance, the "Helsinki Cathedral". Extravagant outside and even more extravagant inside, you will not be disappointed. You may even see locals sitting on the steps eating lunch. If you love shopping and street food, Helsinki's marketplace is a place for you. Helsinki is a beautiful capital but certainly underrated make sure you don't overlook it.
