Three of the Best European Cities

Today, I’m going to be talking about three of my favourite European cities. I spend a great deal of my time dreaming about places I want to visit but also those that have welcomed me on trips gone by. In the UK, we’re lucky enough to be just a short flight away from so many incredible European cities and I admit that I haven’t taken nearly enough advantage of this – although that will be changing next month on my European Whirl adventure!

Barcelona
Such a whirlwind was this trip that I’ve only actually spent about a day and a half exploring Barcelona, leaving me with an undying urge to return. With gorgeous food, incredible architecture and more (beautiful men), I fell in love with it instantly. You can relax on the beach, venture to a small cafe down a side street for churros and see world famous buildings in a day if you so desired.

Highlights:
– Park Guell – it’s like a fairytale world.
– Filled up on tapas, we ventured into a downstairs bar and listened to the most incredible live jazz music.
– La Sagrada Familia. Go inside. The outside is incredible but there’s so much more to it! Two Days in Barcelona

Whenever somebody says they want a cheap city break, I always recommend Krakow. It’s the most unexpectedly beautiful city and as it’s not in the Euro, it’s great value. Even in the main tourist square, food and drinks are wonderfully cheap (and so delicious) and it’s brilliant to walk around, just taking everything in. Plus, if you’re into history, a trip to Aushwitz is tough but a must.

Highlights:
– Visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau
– When you hear ‘salt mine’, the word fun doesn’t spring to mind. But seriously, go to Wieliczka Salt Mine. It’s pretty bloody cool.
– Cake! Enough said…

Paris
Arguably one of the most Instagrammable cities in the world, Paris is incredibly beautiful and I visited on the most glorious sunny few days so think lazing under the Eiffel Tower and walks along the Seine. I was giddy with excitement when I caught my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and a few hours spent by the fountains at the Louvre was also pretty special.

Highlights:
– If you’re aged 18-25 and an EU citizen, your passport allows you free entry to attractions like Notre Dame (including going up the towers!), the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte Chapelle and The Louvre!
– The iPhone app ‘Paris Metro’ makes seeing the city even easier, working without wifi to find the quickest route to your destination. It was a lifesaver when our feet were aching!
– Seeing the Eiffel Tower. Every time.

Seeing Paris in 4 Days