Top European Holiday Destinations

If it's your first time to take a vacation in Europe, here are five cities you must include in your itinerary.



Amsterdam, Holland

If you visit Amsterdam in the months of April to May, you've come at the best part of the year to see the country's famous tulips in full bloom. Amsterdam is also a biker's paradise; you can go anywhere anytime with two wheels. For art and history lovers, there's the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Royal Palace. Try dining at the Indonesian rijsttafel and check out Reguliersdwarsstraat for the hottest night scene.



Florence, Italy

After viewing Michelangelo's David, you can proceed to Duomo and enjoy scenic views if you climb up the dome of Brunelleschi or the bell tower of Giotto, go shopping and take pictures on the Ponte Vecchio, delight in great works of Renaissance arts in the various museums in Florence, and of course visit any number of restaurants lining the city to have a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. You never know what lasagna or pizza truly tastes like until you've eaten it in Italy.



London, England

No European vacation is complete without a trip to the most famous English city of all. London is a haven for art lovers, history buffs, and Broadway fans. It's a terribly expensive place to go to, but it's also very tourist-friendly because everyone speaks English.



Westminister and Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, Tate Modern are must-see places. If you're an avid historical romance reader, you shouldn't forget to drop by Hyde Park and walk the same paths along Serpentine Lake that your favorite fictional characters must have used.



Madrid, Spain

Enjoy works of Picasso and other great Spanish artists in Madrid's Reina Sofia and Prado. Indulge in rich Spanish cuisine in tapas and upscale restaurants. Madrid is Europe's answer to New York and you won't lack for entertainment at anytime of the night.



Paris, France

If you love living the good life, the French capital is definitely the place to be. Summers in Paris are exciting, but make sure you're prepared for how congested the city can be. Springtime is supposedly the ideal time to visit, but in truth, Paris is lovely all-year round.



Besides checking out the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, Paris also has the Montparnasse to offer for jazz lovers and countless cafes and restaurants to give you a solid introduction to French cuisine. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you should also check out the catacombs and see a whole new - dark - side to Paris.



Rome, Italy

After worshipping in the Vatican, you should also check out Testaccio and the various nightclubs the Eternal City has to offer. Everything in Rome is a must-see so make sure you prepare for a good day's amount of walking. Rome is also a shopper's haven so take your time looking around or you might end up overspending.



Venice, Italy

For couples wishing to immerse themselves in their feelings of infatuation or love, they should head down to Venice, an antique, car-free city with love in the air 24/7. If you visit on February, letting go of all your inhibitions is the only way to enjoy Carnevale, the city's most famous festival. Besides taking gondola rides and stealing kisses in pitch black canals, make sure you check out the Doge Palace as well.