There are lots of fun things to do in Europe. The continent is not just a japa destination to hustle, it is also a tourist delight, with lots of places to visit, ranging from historical to the present day.
Europe has been the seat of successive world powers for centuries. Indeed, there is a lot of history, as the continent still hosts some of the world’s economic and political powers.
It is little wonder that many people want to visit Europe at least once before they die. So, if you are already there and wondering what you are supposed to do as fun, this article has got that covered. All you have to do is read through it to know the nine best things to do in Europe.
Ascend the levels of the Eiffel Tower, France
The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France. It was completed in 1889 and it was initially hated by Parisians. Today, the Eiffel Tower is regarded as a symbol of French civic pride.
The tallest structure in Paris has been visited by over six million tourists, who have climbed the three levels. You can purchase tickets to ascend by stairs or lift to the first and second levels. The Eiffel Tower is one of the top tourist attractions in the world. So, if you are in Europe, make sure you visit this tower before you leave.
Tour the Tower of London, UK
The Tower of London, officially known as His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was a symbol of oppression, inflicted on Londoners by the new Norman ruling class.
The tower also has a history of torture and death, with historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton, among others imprisoned within its walls. The tower served other purposes over the centuries, such as armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England.
Today, it is a World Heritage Site, visited by millions of people all over the world. Learn more gory details about its history by taking a strolling tour through the tower.
Visit the Anne Frank Building, The Netherlands
The Anne Frank House is a building dedicated to Second World War diarist, Anne Frank. It is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This was the building where Anne Frank hid with her family from the Nazis after Germany invaded the Netherlands.
Frank did not survive the war, but her diary did and it was published in 1947. Today, that building has become a tourist attraction as it preserves the hiding place (the Secret Annex at the Rear of 263) of Frank and her family, with six other persons. Touring the building, you will also get to learn more about the life and times of Frank, with an exhibition space about all forms of persecution and discrimination.
The Anne Frank building is the third most visited building in the Netherlands, with about 1.7 visitors as of 2017.
Take a train ride into the Swiss Alps
Take a train from Geneva through into the high mountains to view the beautiful and glamorous Gstaad. You will be passing through picturesque scenes like the luminescent lake before arriving at the station, located high on the mountain peaks covered in snow. There, you can dine and wine at the Olden, a chalet located at the centre of the small centuries-old town. This is a favourite getaway to many notable personalities and celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, David Niven and Roger Moore.
Learn more about Roman history at the Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. The amphitheatre is the biggest ever, built under the emperor Vespasian (r. 69–79 AD) in 72 and completed in AD 80 by his successor and heir, Titus (r. 79–81).
As you may expect, the Colosseum has a rich history, being the chosen arena for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, dramas based on Roman mythology and brief mock sea battles. It was later used for housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine.
Although ruined by earthquakes and looting by stone robbers, the Colosseum remains a renowned symbol of Imperial Rome and the most popular tourist attraction in Rome.
Take a relaxing boat ride through the French Riviera
The French Riviera is one of the best places to be during the summer. Originally established as a winter destination, this Riviera is located on the coastal strip from Cassis, France, to San Remo, Italy. This place, now known as Côte d’Azur in French, has a reputation for its glamour and beauty. From its clear beaches and boardwalks of Cannes and Monaco to the lavender fields of Grasse and the medieval villages, there are a lot of fun places to explore in this exotic location. You can start by taking a boat ride.
Go back to pre-war times in Frankfurt, Germany
For decades, people and governments have done their best to erase anything that will remind anyone of the Second World War. That period was one of the worst in human history, with millions either killed or displaced.
Germany, the birthplace of the war under the infamous Adolf Hitler, has carefully reconstructed historic buildings destroyed by the war, However, one city chose to go way back in time and that is Frankfurt. So, if you want to know how Germany was at the turn of the last century, visit this city as it continues to recreate buildings that were destroyed during World War I and World War II.
Shop at the flea market in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s Mercat dels Encants is one of Europe’s oldest flea markets. There is a seemingly endless number of vendors populating its meandering walkways. You can take your sweet time to explore the market to see anything interesting you want to buy. If you plan to spend an entire afternoon, there are lots of decent food options to try.
Enjoy outdoor cinemas at Acropolis, Athens
This list cannot be complete without mentioning Greece, considered the birthplace of Western civilisation. You know it is summer when outdoor cinemas begin to open. Cine Paris is well known for its Acropolis views. Visit the legendary outdoor cinema to enjoy both old and new Greek classics, as well as new Hollywood movies.
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