European Literature

Best Places in Europe

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City, Rome, Italy

One of the world’s largest sacred buildings and one of the holiest of Catholic sites, the basilica teemas with ornate gold, marble columns, paintings of angels, iconic statues, and works created by a who’s who of Renaissance artists—including Raphael, Brunelleschi, Bernini, and Michelangelo, who sculpted the marblePietà and designed the basilica’s massive dome.

Eiffel Tower

Paris, France

Annual Visitors: 6,700,000

This iron-lattice structure looms large in the collective imagination—and literally towers over Paris’s historic heart, never out of sight for long. Last year, 6.7 million paid to ascend the Eiffel Tower, and the savviest beat the crowds by purchasing tickets online in advance. Admire the Champs de Mars and surrounding streets spreading out below as you ride a glass elevator to the highest viewing level at 540 feet.

Toruń, Poland

Who doesn't want to hang out in a walled Gothic city? Toruń is a great change of pace from overcrowded Warsaw and Krakow and has plenty of history, culture and activity to enjoy. Toruń's claims to fame include being the birthplace of Copernicus and being founded by the Teutonic Knights.

Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Freiburg is a university town surrounded by nature. It has a medieval story-book feel, yet is also one of the greenest cities in the world. The city is known for its eco-friendly housing, use of solar power and lack of cars. Freiburg is also perfectly located at the entrance to the stunning, mythical-sounding Black Forest.

Porto, Portugal

The history of Porto dates back to Roman times, and today it's a colorful, romantic port city with rich history and culture. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Casa da Música. Porto is also the birthplace of port wine, so get ready to drink.

Ghent, Belgium

Visitors to Ghent will quickly fall in love with this cosy little city. Ghent is modern with a historic backdrop...