Monday, February 24, 2020

10 Best Cities to Visit in Europe with an ETIAS Visa Waiver

Have you ever wondered what it’s like in other cities besides the one you live in now? In Europe, city life is definitely something else. The best cities in Europe are like nowhere else, boasting cool art, unique buildings, patches of landscaped greenery, preserved historical sites, and lovely people. But with so many countries across Europe that you could visit, it’s almost impossible to choose which one to go to first.

A lot of cities in Europe make great destinations to explore the rich culture of the countries they’re from. If you’ve got plans to see a lot of them scattered across Schengen areas in 2021, then you’d have to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. This allows you to visit many of them within 90 days. So make the most of it and visit 10 of the best cities in Europe listed below.

 

10 Best Cities to Visit in Europe with an ETIAS Visa Waiver Infographic

10 Best Cities to Explore in Europe

 

Modern Cities

From charming architecture to mind blowing art, these modern cities reflect the incredible modern pop culture that European countries have.  

1. Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Modern architecture is on a whole other level when you visit the city of Rotterdam. The buildings look almost like they’ve come straight out of a futuristic cartoon that you sometimes forget what reality looks like.

  • Points of Interest:
    • Cube House
    • Market Hall
    • Rotterdam Centraal Station
    • Erasmus Bridge

2. Gothenburg, Sweden

Modern art is not just displayed in museums here in Gothenburg. Street art is scattered across this city, giving life and color to the old-style architecture of most buildings here.

  • Points of Interest:
    • The Gothenburg Museum of Art (Goteborgs Konstmuseum)
    • Feskekörka: The Fish Market
    • Haga

3. Oslo, Norway

Oslo definitely has its own charm to it, surrounded by green scapes and a mix of old and modern architecture. As the capital of Norway, Oslo is definitely a large city filled with different parts that contribute to its appeal.

  • Points of Interest:
    • Aker Brygge
    • Viking Ship Museum
    • The Royal Palace
    • Oslo Opera House

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague at a glance would look like a well-preserved city of old and intricately crafted buildings. But going deeper in this city, you’d find a mix of stunning modern and creative architecture that stands out from the side of the street.

  • Points of Interest:
    • Dancing House
    • Municipal House
    • Prague Castle
    • Old Town Square 

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a laid-back city surrounded by water and colorful buildings. It’s also full of attractions, which means you’d never really run out of things to do here.

  • Points of Interest:
    • Tivoli Gardens
    • Nyhavn
    • The Round Tower

Historical Cities

Travel back in time by visiting these European countries that preserved their culture and heritage throughout the years. 

6. Athens, Greece

If you want a glimpse of the glory that Greece once possessed in earlier centuries, then visiting Athens would make you feel like you were actually there. This stone pathed city has kept the history alive, with several heritage sites protected under UNESCO.

  •  Points of Interest:
    • Parthenon
    • Mount Lycabettus
    • Theatre of Dionysus
    • Acropolis of Athens

7. Matera, Italy

With not a skyscraper in sight, the city of Matera in Southern Italy is full of stone buildings and stone residences. The landscapes here are absolutely stunning, being one of the oldest inhabited settlements in history. 

  •  Points of Interest:
    • Sassi di Matera
    • Crypt of Original Sin
    • Grotta dei Pipistrelli e Grotta Funeraria

8. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This ancient city happens to be the second-largest city in Bulgaria built around 7 hills. Mixed with some modern architecture, Plovdiv still maintains its heritage sites and was named a cultural capital in Europe.

  • Points of Interest:
    • Plovdiv Roman Stadium
    • Ancient Theater of Philippopolis
    • Great Basilica

9. Seville, Spain

Seville is part of the top-visited countries of 2019, and it’s not hard to tell why. Its intricate architecture is a mix of old and new, which will leave you in total awe.

  • Points of Interest:
    • Royal Alcázar of Seville
    • Plaza de Espana
    • Metropol Parasol 

10. Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is a town near Lisbon that has preserved its gothic castles. There are tons of hidden historical treasures in this city, all of which feel very much like a fairytale.

  • Points of Interest:
    • Quinta da Regaleira
    • Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
    • Sintra Mountains  

Travel Tips: How to Make the Most of Your European City Travels

  • Ride a Bike

Driving around in a car wouldn’t give you the chance to see the city in full view. But with many places to see and not enough time to see it, you’d be burning daylight if you decide to walk. The best way to get around for a full tour is to rent a bike or scooter around these cities. That way, you’d get to places faster but still get a proper feel of the city.

  • Visit the Local Markets

They say you really get to know the community of a certain city by exploring its markets. Here, you’d get to see the delicacies that the city is rich in and what the locals enjoy.

  • Make an Itinerary

The good places are scattered around the city, so you need a guide that will tell you the places you want to see and the ways to get there. Create an itinerary of everything you want to see and experience so you don’t miss out on all the things you want to do.

  • Experience the Nightlife

Modern cities in Europe are famous for their nightlife, so it would be a waste not to try it out at least once. Expect lively parties and pubs full of Europeans that definitely know how to have fun.

  • Attend an Event

Whether it’s an art exhibit of an artist you don’t know, a concert of a musician you’ve never heard of, or a play in a language you don’t speak, it’s still worth your time going to an event just to mingle with the people there. Just make sure you don’t crash an invite-only gathering!

 

It’s mind boggling to think that there are actual people that live in these stunning cities. The sceneries and landmarks make these cities seem almost unreal. Luckily, with a bit of a budget and an adventurous spirit, you can take off and see these unbelievable places for yourself.

ALSO READ: Everything You Need to Know About Oporto, the Portuguese City of Wine

Creating a city-hop itinerary by the year 2021? Then you out to know that by then, the European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS will come into play for visa-exempt countries like the US. The process is done online and is quite simple. Etiasvisaschengen.com visa assistance service that provides up-to-date information about the ETIAS scheme, so if you want to know more about this, then you can head over to our main page to find out more. Or if you have any other concerns in regard to European travel, then you can contact us for any help you may need.

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Sunday, February 9, 2020

5 Most Romantic Places in Europe for a Valentine’s Day Getaway

Planning a trip for two on Valentine’s Day? There are certainly a lot of lovers’ destinations in the beautiful countries of Europe. Find hotspots with great views, oceans perfect for long walks on the beach, and so much more. Take your loved one on a getaway they will never forget. Check out the 5 most romantic places in Europe to visit for this special occasion.

 

Valentine Travels: 5 Most Romantic Places in Europe 

 

1. Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The city of Santorini sits atop a mountain overlooking a scenic view of the ocean. It is most known for its beautiful Greek architecture: dome-structured buildings painted all in white and blue. This is the romantic destination of choice for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, and more.

2. Barcelona, Spain 

Barcelona, Spain

Source: flickr.com

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities to take a stroll through and feel the romantic culture. This city is filled with tall and picturesque art structures, good food, and stunning architecture. Go on the romantic Las Golondrinas boat tour. Try biking around the city. And if you’re up for it, attend a cooking class with your loved one. That way, you get to bring home a piece of the journey with you. 

3. The Calanques, France

The Calanques, France

Source: Wikimedia Commons

You could go fly to Paris for Valentine’s Day, but that’s too common of a place. If you’re set on going to France, then why not explore the other parts? The Calanques in Provence, France, is a mesmerizing natural wonder. This hotspot is a series of cliffs and bays where couples can unwind in the sun. It is a designated National Park perfect for a dip out on open waters.

4. Verona, Italy

Verona, Italy

Source: flickr.com

Verona, Italy is the home of Romeo and Juliet, one of the most romantic love stories across all generations. You can wander all day in this city, admiring its old-town charm. There are plenty of Basilicas, tower structures, and shops you can go through together. Check out Arena di Verona, a  very well preserved colosseum. It is a definite sight to see. 

5. Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Looking for intimate shared activities to do? You will find plenty in the coastal city of Porto, Portugal. The must-try activity is wine tasting. There are several wine cellars where you can schedule one with many other couples. Do other romantic activities like joining arts and craft classes, cooking classes, and strolling across the shoreline. And don’t forget to try the Tapas in any restaurant who has it on the menu. 

Wherever you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day is a special place to be. As long as you continue to celebrate the love you’ve built, you to can go places far and wide. 

ALSO READ: Quick Facts About ETIAS Countries in Europe you can Visit in 2021

These destinations will soon be part of the ETIAS visa waiver scheme, which will be implemented by 2021. Etiasvisaschengen.com is a visa assistance travel agency that uses its platform to keep you updated on the latest news of the ETIAS scheme. Contact Us to help you with your visa assistance needs to European countries. 

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