Anyone interested in a cultural immersion will find plenty of treats in Europe. From contemporary and fine art galleries to Catalan modernist architecture and ancient Greek civilization, there are some enlightening and artistic European cities that will keep you enthralled. Check out some of the top European cities to visit for a cultural immersion.
Athens, Greece
Not only the capital of modern Greece, Athens also served as the capital of ancient Greek civilization. It has plenty of sites to offer that date back to the 5th century BC, including the spectacular hilltop Acropolis. There are indoor museums you can explore, such as the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum. Athens is named after the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, Athena and blends the contemporary and the classical seamlessly.
Barcelona, Spain
Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan architect born in the mid-19th century, is mostly responsible for the look of modern Barcelona. The entire city is marked by his structures, including the jewel in the crown i.e. the Sagrada Familia, which is still unfinished. The Spanish city also has the historic Gothic Quarter for you to explore, lively art and foodie scenes and a beautiful coastal location.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
This particular city is a relatively new addition to the list of cultural cities in Europe. However, Plovdiv is abundant in history and charm. To begin with, it is considered the oldest city to be continuously inhabited in the entire continent and was also called a European Capital of Culture. The Roman amphitheater is reason enough for you to visit this Bulgarian city, but it can offer a lot more classical and modern culture.
Basel, Switzerland
Boasting a multicultural population, the third-biggest city in Switzerland, Basel is a cosmopolitan place. The historic buildings of the Old Town contrast seamlessly with the modern structures. The city is often called the Swiss cultural capital because of its 40 museums and the well-known Art Basel festival.
Rome, Italy
If you are interested in Greek civilization, you have to visit Rome. The Italian capital played a key role in the development of the Roman Empire and is home to the Vatican City. There are renowned sites that can check out including the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. There are also interesting districts, riverside walks, lovely gardens and amazing Italian food for you to try.
Vienna, Austria
Cultural vultures should not forget to add Vienna to the list of European cities to visit. It is outstanding when you are interested in opulent palaces, or wish to attend classical concerts. You can see ‘The Kiss’, the most famous painting of Gustav Klimt and the fairground rides are also aesthetically pleasing, particularly the photogenic Ferris Wheel. Mozart and Beethoven are some famous residents of Vienna as well as psychiatrist Sigmund Freud.
Frankfurt, Germany
Most of this German city including the old town Altstadt was reconstructed after the Second World War. There are great museums in Frankfurt and it is a hub for culture and commerce. There is a year-round festival program and lots of arts to see.
