The Top 15 Places You MUST Visit in Europe

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

How I Made Partner

London - New York - London

Have you heard?  Think Global Recruitment will be visiting London tomorrow to deliver a presentation outlining the options open to you and amazing benefits if you take your CA qualification overseas!  We will take a tour around the globe, outlining what it is like living and working each location and the types of opportunities available for qualified accountants. 

While we have been working away, organising this fantastic evening, one of our colleagues got in touch with Nassim who Think Global Recruitment assisted in her move back in 2003.  Nassim, originally from London, moved over to New York and has now returned to the Big Smoke where she has made Partner (Head of Valuation Control Group) at PwC!  Here's what Nassim said when we caught up with her:

Can you confirm your original location and current location?

I'm originally from London, I moved to New York and now I am back in London.

Why did you originally move overseas?

I was a junior at the time, 25 years old and had just qualified with my ACCA at Deloitte in London.  I wanted to have international experience, learn as much as I could and join my sister over in New York.

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

Yes, I was young and naive.  I had established bonds at home, I was worried about leaving relationships - my family and friends.

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take to settle?

At first, I struggled with the clash of ideas, I had a volatile six months where there were ups and downs and I didn't really feel like I fitted in.  However, after that passed, I felt a sense of belonging.

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

I met my husband!  I loved PwC and I would not be in the position I currently hold in London without the experience.

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

My expectations were surpassed.  I loved New York and PwC.  There was a strong internal network and once I was part of that, people believed in me, it was exciting to be trusted.

Did you feel that your move improved your standard of living?

Yes, there and subsequently.  I do not think my career would have been nearly as successful without my time in New York.

What were the highlights of your location?

I loved the city, the people, and the "work hard -play hard" attitude.  My firm was an amazing place to work.

What cultural differences did you notice?

Similar to London but they worked harder, longer and then socialised hugely.  It was a very mixed cultural team, less old school hierarchy than London.

When and why did you leave New York?

I was there for seven years and it was a very difficult decision to come back to London but I wanted to be near my elderly parents.  I had built up a strong network in New York and was concerned at the prospect of building up another one in London.

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas?

Experiencing a different culture is invaluable, makes for well-rounded people, increased business acumen, I would not be as good at my job without my time in New York.  For someone who is driven and ambitious - working abroad is now part of who I am.  I am a better Partner because of my ability to understand cultural differences which have given me insight and different views.

What advice would you offer to other accountants who are thinking about working overseas?

Absolutely no hesitation in advising anyone driven enough and with enough support from family and friends to make an international move.  An international move gives an adrenalin rush and a real buzz of learning and being challenged. 

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

A friend of mine recommended Think Global Recruitment to me, I knew exactly where I wanted to be and which firm I wanted to work for - Think Global Recruitment got me everything I was looking for.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

They have a network of contacts with the best employers, excellent screening and interview preparation and support all the way through the process.

Do you believe the original move that you made with Think Global Recruitment has enhanced your career?

I categorically know, I would not have the role I have today and would not be as good at it without Think Global Recruitment and my time in New York.

Nassim has done an incredible job getting where she is today.  If Nassim's story has inspired you, please contact Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com to register for our event.

The life of Brain in London!

We recently caught up with Brian, a Canadian qualified Chartered Accountant, whom Think Global Recruitment had assisted to make his latest international move.  Brian had already moved from Canada to Bermuda and built up excellent experience of auditing and working with US, UK, International Standards and Canadian GAAP.  He had been working with Top Ten firms in both countries and he was now waiting to utilise this experience working for a larger, well known international firm and make a move to London.

After a number of interviews, Brian was offered an Assistant Manager position with Big Four Firm, EY, in London and could not be happier.  Now, having settled in an apartment in London with his wife, Vera, Brian tells us how he is getting on:

"I knew a move overseas would be excellent for my career, my CV and I was interested to see how different tasks were carried out internationally.  Originally from Canada, I first moved to Bermuda.  After a year and a half, I was ready to move again, I had grown tired of island life.  I wanted a base from which I could travel and spend weekends away.  I sought after more 'civilisation' and to experience a further, diverse team of colleagues. 

I wanted to work for a Big Four company in London as I felt this would give me the best big market exposure and so I started working with Think Global Recruitment again.  At first, I was worried that Big Four would expect me to work from 8am to 12am but having already made the move, I was prepared for a challenge.  I felt that Think Global Recruitment was my best partner to assist and support me throughout the move.

Think Global Recruitment has been specialising in international recruitment for such a long time, they know the potential pitfalls and advantages and have the professionalism along with industry knowledge to know what works best for the individual.  Their contacts are wide-spread which allows them to know about roles that the average recruitment company would not.  I feel that Think Global Recruitment guided me through every step, answered all of my questions, maintained regular phone contact and had a range of contacts and knowledge to share with me, the interview preparation was brilliant. 

I love that there are so many different cultures in my office: South African, Asian, European, it's a very socially mixed team.  I like the fact that my company are so open to suggestions and to hearing from employees, and how there are so many different ways of working.  I joined at a slow time which gave me plenty of time to settle in.

On a personal level, I felt it took a month or two for me to feel settled, my wife took a while.  I miss having a car but I know it is useless in London, it just feels strange because I come from a car culture.  People have welcomed us both and I don't feel there is a huge cultural difference between the UK and Canada.  We feel really good in London now, I feel very safe and secure here and it does not feel foreign because English is spoken and there are similarities.  Now, it feels like home.  I like the cultural mix in the office and in London in general and I enjoy the ease with which my wife and I can travel throughout Europe with a base in London.  This move has achieved everything that I had hoped for. 

My advice to anyone thinking about working overseas is very simple - do it!  And if you decide to take that big step, do so through Think Global Recruitment.  It's great for your CV, career development and it demonstrates adaptability and risk taking.  It is also excellent for self-development and allows you to learn different ways of working and living.  I absolutely believe this move has enhanced my career and it will also provide the ideal stepping stone for the next move."

Please get in touch if you would like to share your story!

Leah's Story: enjoying the island lifestyle of the Isle of Man

Philippines - St Kitts (2011) - Isle of Man (2014)

In 2011, Leah moved from the Philippines to the romantic, paradise island of St Kitts where she worked a 3 year contract with a Big 4 accountancy firm.  As her contract came to a close, Leah got in touch with Think Global Recruitment for a second time to further her overseas adventures.  Leah is now based in the Isle of Man, just off the coast of England, where she is thoroughly enjoying the new style of island life.  We caught up with Leah to ask her a few questions about her time overseas to hear what she had to say.

What motivated your original move overseas?

I was looking to gain international exposure and the chance for career progression, moving overseas was an experience that I had always wanted to gain.  I really enjoy training and different office cultures and moving overseas provided me with this. 

In the Philippines, the hours are crazy.  Because it is such a big work load, it was sometimes quite difficult to learn everything - it was so fast paced, you do things so quickly so that you can move onto the next task so it can be quite hard to take it all in.  Somehow, I learned to manage my time, but I still yearned for a better work-life balance.

A lot of my friends have left the Philippines and so I only really see them on Facebook!

What were your concerns with making an international move? 

I had no idea what to expect from the culture but I wanted to be adventurous.  When I first moved to St Kitts, I was the only Filipino in my firm.  While I was looking for somewhere to stay, I lived in the Marriott, I made friends with a Filipino chef - it was nice to have another Filipino there.

On the Isle of Man there is a huge Filipino community so it's really nice knowing that your fellow countrymen are there when you are so far away, it's very comforting.

How long has it taken you to settle into the Isle of Man?

I arrived about a week ago but I already feel settled, the estate agents were very quick at helping me find a flat and I'm moving on Friday!

Abigail (Managing Director - Think Global Recruitment) was kind enough to put me in contact with another girl who she has assisted in moving from the Philippines, she was supposed to meet me at the airport but sadly the weather was too bad.  We meet up regularly now and we are friends.

Did anything disappoint you about your locations?

The only disappointment that I've had so far is that my husband is not here yet! He is currently

applying for his visa so he should be here soon.

In the Philippines, there are so many shops but I hardly had enough money to buy all that I really wanted.  It was the opposite in St Kitts - I was able to save as there were very limited shops!  Most of the shopping had to be done online which is quite difficult if you are getting the wrong sizes and have to send things back.

The Isle of Man is so close to London and I will be going there for a training course in a few weeks' time so I am really looking forward to the shops!  I'm not going to eat for the next week so that I can save money!

What are the main benefits of making an international move?

The work life balance on the Isle of Man is amazing!  In the Philippines I used to feel guilty leaving my work on time, even during the not-so-busy season.  I think the longest I stayed there was three days straight, in the client.  On the Isle of Man, the latest I have to stay is 5.30pm so I have a lot of spare time now!  Though I expect that I may have to spend more time when we're really into our busy season.  My officemates here though, assure me that it will not be as crazy as what I had. 

My firm, they're really into people developing, they always set goals and follow up on them to check your progress.  They are very serious about it and it's nice to know that they are always looking out for you.

The work experience I have had has been amazing, things that I have learned have really helped me to understand my profession, the way they do things here are much different to back home.

There is also the added bonus that internet speed is much faster than the Philippines!

What are the benefits of working with Think Global Recruitment?

I worked with Abigail, the managing director, she has a way with words.  She used her knowledge and experience to coach me for my interviews.  She helped and gave loads of details about how many people were in my firm on the Isle of Man and made sure that I would be able to answer all of the questions that they asked me.

Abigail was really nice to me throughout the process, she really listened to what I wanted.  I had no idea she was the founder of Think Global Recruitment, she is very humble.

Do you have any advice for other CAs who are considering the move?

Do your research, see if there is a community there, look for people who have made the move too, they really can help you settle faster. 

Find someone to look after you and tell you all about the local area - the things you can do and the things that you cannot do (like the shops in St Kitts) you also need to know what to pack etc.,

Since speaking with Leah, her husband has arrived on the Isle of Man and they have been busy working and exploring!  It was lovely to chat to her and hear about her experiences.  Please do get in touch if you would like to contribute to our blog!