When you think of a vacation, think Europe, we will discuss some of the most popular destinations in Europe and some tips and tricks for a safe and comfortable trip. Do not let the fact that Europe is the second smallest continent fool you, it is rich in history, architecture and scenery. You will find everything from small worldly bistros to five star dining. From mountainous regions to rolling plains, and some of the richest architecture the world has to offer. Let’s begin on our journey of the three most popular destinations in Europe, shall we?
The first stop is Rome, Italy. A little obvious, yes, but lets take a little less known look at this beautiful city. Rome, called the Eternal City, sits between the River Tiber and the Apennine Mountains and Tyrrhenian Sea. The vast area of Rome is a rich combination of grand ancient palaces and basilicas, and surrounded by small churches and homes. Some of the places to visit would include the more modern St. Peter’s Basilica and of course the Sistine Chapel. The Piazza Navona houses they artsy part of the city including the Neptune Fountain. Be sure to visit the contemporary metropolis, as it reflects many periods of the city’s vast history, ancient times, middle ages, the Renaissance and modern era are all clearly present. Some things to be wary of in Rome are the taxis, be sure that the taxis you use in Rome display a certified meter and license, there are many people using their personal vehicles as taxis and are not permitted to drive into certain parts of the city. This fake taxis can also cost you a mint in fares.
The next stop on our European visit is Dublin, Ireland. This is a cultural rich area, that consists of a generally mild climate for the most part of the year. There are many locations to visit in Dublin, here is a small sample. Abbey Theatre, is Ireland’s national theatre, and is used for traditional Irish plays as well as contemporary works from around the world. Be sure to go on the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, this is a drinking tour that goes through the religious, cultural and political history of the city. This history course is prompted by professional street performers and has a fun quiz with prizes for the winners. You can also visit the Trinity College and Brown Thomas, the most famous and expensive store in Dublin. Some tips to keep in mind, just like any area be cautious and aware of your surroundings, do not travel alone at night and avoid dim lit areas. Avoid the Boardwalk and Lower Abbey Street as these are areas known for a vast number of drug addicts that hang around the area.
The final stop on our European tour is Istanbul, Turkey. If you are vastly interested in the historic and religious places with grand architecture, then this is the place for you. You must visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). Be sure to see the Theodosian walls, in which a large section is still intact. Visit the Hamams, Turkish bath, some are cleaner than others, while some cater specifically to tourists, select wisely but do not miss out. Again just like any city in the world, be careful in crowded areas, keep your money, id’s and passports close to your person at all times. Be aware of excessively high drink price scams.
Just like anywhere be safe and use common sense.
Take a look into Germany if you’re heading to Europe. Munich and berlin are wonderful and have some of the most amazing architecture.