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Thinking
about a move to Europe? There is so much
to see and do. You’ll find
everything here, from fabulous culture, history and architecture, to
outstanding nightlife and delicious food, and wine. The wonderful thing about living in Europe
is that, as the second smallest of the seven continents, accessible transport
options are plentiful throughout Europe’s
tight geography. Flights between European destinations are increasingly cheap,
while the European rail system extends from dense cities into the quiet
countryside. Once based in Europe, you become the envy of the world, with
literally countless countries and opportunities at your fingertips. Here we’ve
listed 15 European locations that you can’t afford to miss during your time off.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of
Europe's most visited cities -- and rightly so. Much of the city's
activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys
filled with restaurants, bars and a lively pedestrian market. From these
tree-lined streets to the city's the beachside nightclubs, from its dozens
of spectacular churches and cathedrals to its unique modernist architecture,
this city by the sea has something to offer everyone.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is
increasingly popular as a ‘must-see’ European destination. Wander around the
medieval city walls to enjoy stunning views overlooking the calm blue
waters of the Adriatic, while inside these walls lies the city’s beautiful,
pedestrian-only Old Town. Its marble streets are filled with elegant Baroque
buildings and aristocratic palazzi, while a grid of narrow alleys
harbour countless cafes and restaurants where you can sit and
watch the world go by. Add to this pristine beaches, chic hotels and adventure
sports facilities, and Dubrovnik becomes a destination you just can’t
pass by.
Vienna, Austria
As one of the most
elegant cities in Europe, it would be hard not to include Vienna in one of our go-to destinations. Few cities can boast the imperial grandeur of Vienna, once
the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy. Furthermore, the city’s world
famous coffee scene can be enjoyed amidst its palatial, yet welcoming cafés.
Austria’s capital is also
one the most musical cities in the world, which is partly due to the great
number of great composers and musicians who were born or lived and worked here.
Visiting Vienna therefore means experiencing the works of Mozart, Haydn,
Schubert, Beethoven and many others.
Prague, Czech Republic
A grand city with extraordinary
historic and cultural sights, Prague is definitely somewhere not to be missed.
The city’s views are breathtaking: although the Czech capital is nicknamed ‘the
City of a Hundred Spires’, in fact it is filled
with nearly a thousand towers and spires, with a huge diversity of
architectural styles. Nightlife in Prague is diverse and plentiful, from trendy clubs,
to sophisticated wine bars, to late-night cellar bars. On top of all this,
Prague wins hands down over most other European destinations in its
affordability.
Edinburgh, United
Kingdom
From the
history-drenched medieval tenements and narrow lanes of the Old Town,
to the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town, Edinburgh deserves its
reputation as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in the world.
You can spend hours wandering the city’s cobbled streets, marvelling at its
character and charm. Not least among Edinburgh’s magnificent buildings
is the 900-year-old Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city’s iconic skyline. The
whole city comes together in August each year for the largest arts festival in
the world — often described as one big party — which is not to be missed.
Monaco
The tiny yet glitzy
principality of Monaco sits along the French Riviera, and is perfect for a luxurious
getaway. One of the many great aspects of Monaco is Monte Carlo, which has
arguably one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Perhaps what makes it
so spectacular are the dramatic cliffs and sky-blue waters, not to mention the
multi-million dollar mega-yachts. While Monaco is full of glitz and glamour,
visitors are often surprised by the laid-back vibe found in the Old City (or
Monaco Ville), on a high promontory called the Rock. This is where you'll find
the Prince's Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral (where Princess Grace is
buried), as well as sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean.
Florence, Italy
For a small, riverside
city, Florence looms large on the world's 'must-sees' list as a historic and
beautiful destination. The city is considered the cradle of the Renaissance,
and its urban fabric has hardly changed since that time. Even for the least
arts-savvy visitor, it’s possible to feast on the city’s breathtaking
architecture and magnificent, world-class art galleries for hours. The Uffizi Gallery
is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world including
Botticelli’s masterpiece,The Birth of Venus. Tuscany is no doubt one of
Italy’s
most revered wine regions, so when in Florence, you are well placed to sample
such delights. In fact, the city’s food and wine are so wonderful that the tag
'Fiorentina' has become an international label of quality assurance.
London, United Kingdom
London is an iconic,
diverse and exciting city. Rich in history, culture, fine cuisine and shopping,
the city has something to offer everyone. Having been the capital of the world’s greatest empire,
history really comes to life when you’re walking through the streets of
London. Westminster is a town unto itself within the heart of London, and it is
home to some of the city's most famous images and architectural structures,
including one of the most beautiful government buildings in the world, the
Palace of Westminster. London is also a
multicultural paradise, and this is especially so when it comes to food. Check
out some of London’s many markets to experience this — and many other delights
— first hand.
Sorrento, Italy
Overlooking the Bay of
Naples in Southern Italy, Sorrento is a peaceful and pretty town, with
colourful buildings, refined restaurants, and every excuse to relax. When the
sun shines, both the city and the azure waters are said to genuinely sparkle.
Come to Sorrento for some great sea fishing, diving and boat cruises, as well
as excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula. Sorrento is also an ideal base
for exploring Europe's most compelling archaeological site: the ruins of
Pompeii, as well as the famous volcano responsible for the town’s destruction
in 79AD, Mt. Vesuvius.
Athens, Greece
Athens is a must-do for
culture buffs. Having long been referred to as the cradle of Western
civilisation, Athens is home to many pillars of Western history, from the
Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Wandering about these ancient
landmarks may just cause you to pinch yourself. Amazingly, the city’s cultural and social
life takes place amid this historic centre, merging past and present. Since its
pre-Olympics revamp, contemporary Athens boasts one of the most happening
nightlife scenes in Europe, which now centres on the urban-chic bars and cafés
between Syntagma and grungy Monastiraki (at the foot of the Acropolis).
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city
steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Having been the location of
several significant historical events - including the Hungarian Revolution -
it’s the kind of place where you are really breathing in history as you wander
its streets. Notable sites here include Heroes Square, St Stephen’s Basilica and the
Hungarian Parliament Building. Budapest is often referred to as the city of
spas, as it offers the opportunity to bathe in an astounding array of thermal
Turkish baths. It’s the perfect way to unwind, whilst enjoying centuries old
architecture. Round off your time in Budapest in one of the city’s edgy,
alternative bars.
Lisbon, Portugal
Full of bleached white
limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon has a wonderful mix of
contemporary culture and traditional architecture. Eating out in Lisbon is a
delight - from the revered Portuguese custard tarts, to fresh, locally caught
sardines - the diverse dining scene is one of the many great things about
Lisbon. Another great thing is that you are not far from the sea: the coastal
town of Estoril is in close proximity to the city, so when you want to get away
from it all, you can hop on the train and enjoy a calming coastal walk with
breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
St Petersberg, Russia
Russia’s imperial
capital is today a dazzling metropolis whose sheer grandeur never fails to
amaze. St Petersburg is replete with long boulevards, narrow canals, and grand
public squares, and is an almost unrivalled treasure trove of art and culture.
You can spend days in the Hermitage, seeing everything from Egyptian mummies to
Picassos, while the Russian Museum, spread over four sumptuous palaces, is perhaps
the best collection of Russian art in the world. On top of that, the city
offers an exciting nightlife and restaurant scene — certainly enough for
several repeat visits.
Berlin, Germany
The capital of Germany
is an unmissable destination for those who appreciate history, culture and
vibrancy. It really has an exceptional variety of attractions, including top
historic sights like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate
and Potsdamer Platz, not to mention the famous Berlin Zoo. The city has a
relaxed vibe and lots of open spaces, from forests, to lakes, to sprawling
parks. In summer, Berlin moves outdoors to the beach bars along the banks of
the Spree, pavement cafés and open-air cinemas – perfect for capitalising on
the warm summer nights. 
Paris, France
The City of Lights; the
City of Love; the Capital of Fashion — this elegant city has a plethora of
alluring names. Paris draws millions of visitors ever year with
its unforgettable ambiance and unparalleled reputation as a
mecca of culture, art, fashion, gastronomy, history and architecture. The
city’s world-famous museums and monuments are worth a visit in themselves —
these include the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Coeur and Notre Dame, and, of
course, the Eiffel Tower, to name but a few.
Europe is a fantastic location to live and work - there is always a country nearby to explore! If you're a Chartered Accountant thinking about an international move, get in touch with Think Global Recruitment and hear more about the opportunities that we have on offer!
This article was contributed by Kirsten McKinlay
