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A beginner’s guide to navigating Europe

By Charlotte Copeland

Posted: 22nd July 2016 09:16

By Charlotte Copeland

From all day raving in the underground house scene, to the absolute serenity of sailing across a motionless lake, Europe has plenty to offer the curious traveller. If you’re visiting with limited time or money, it’s wise to plan a route that is tailored around what you enjoy. 

Bars & Clubbing

Yes, Amsterdam. With its famous Red Light District and attractive mix of lively clubs and informal bars, it’ll always be a mecca for merry makers. If you’re a real night owl though, Berlin’s nightclub scene is one of the best in the world, specialising in techno and house – if you want quirk, go to Kreuzberg, if you want class, go to Mitte. For the unique, Budapest’s Ruin Bars offer a wonderful combination of retro and offbeat interior. While cities such as Prague and Krakow also have colourful nightlives, often alive with spirited stag do’s.  

Peace & Beauty 

Europe has some truly remarkable places in which to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature; Slovenia’s Tolkien-esque Vintgar Gorge and colour-changing Lake Bled, the mystic Bavarian Alps that enclose the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein castle, and the turquoise waterfalls of Krka, Croatia, to name but a few. There’s also something to be said for an early evening stroll down the serene cobbled streets of Venice and Bruges.

History & Culture

Barcelona, known for its glorious weather, also boasts Europe’s best preserved Gothic Quarter, transporting inquisitive travellers back to a medieval world of wonder. The ancient cities of Athens and Rome are brimming with relics and ruins of a time long ago, while the city of Berlin is rich with the evidence of more recent history. If you’re a foodie, Prague, Latvia and Paris are great places to try traditional European dishes.

Adrenaline & Outdoor Activities  

Adrenaline rushes and outdoor adventures? It’s got Australia written all over it. But with sea caving and cliff jumping in Mallorca, skydiving in Zadar and Ferrari test driving in Modena, as well as scenic walking routes along the volcanic island of Porto Santo and the misty forests of El Julan in the Canary Island, Europe can definitely hold its own. 

Round Up

The list of exciting things to see and do in Europe goes on and on, and it may seem daunting choosing where to even start. But with so much going on, it couldn’t be easier to plan your perfect getaway.  

About Charlotte Copeland

Charlotte is an eager traveller whose adventures include working in America and interrailing around Europe. Her most beloved destinations to date include Dubrovnik, New Orleans and Pennsylvania, whilst her happiest travel memory is visiting Elvis Presley’s Graceland, on behalf of her grandmother. She has plans to continue on her journey to discover new and exciting parts of the world that she is yet to explore.

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