Europe was the most favorite international vacation destination for Americans, receiving over 12 million US citizens in the last year. Most American tourists take a tour to the Old World for its many historical and cultural attractions, and its cuisine.
Additionally, the different experiences featured allows for a wider selection to find attractions fitting in the interest of every traveler. No matter what country you are visiting in Europe its architecture, gastronomy, fashion, arts, and overall antiquity make your European vacation an memorable experience. Even though the list of must see attractions is almost endless, there are some highlights on favorite vacation destinations in Europe.
The Tower of London became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, because of its significant efforts in keeping the heritage and culture of Britain. The same building that is now home of England's Crown Jewels in the past was also the location where former members of the Royal Family, were arrested or put to death. So it's not a surprise, that there are a lot of stories out there about the headless ghosts of Sir Walter Raleigh and Anne Boleyn, one of the wive of Henry VIII.
If you could see only one museum in Europe, the Louvre Museum in Paris should be it. Alone the Mona Lisa and The Venus de Milo are reasons enough. Besides this highlights the Louvre features valuable Egyptian, Oriental, Roman, Etruscan, and Greek artifacts.
The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 for the International Exposition of Paris and named after Gustav Eiffel. It is the same engineer who designed the Statue of Liberty. At the time of its opening with its 317 meters the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world. From three observation platforms opened to the public you can get breathtaking views of Paris.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Acropolis. That is the place where Grecian culture once thrived. Nowadays, the ruins of four constructions the Erectheion, the Parthenon, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Nike feature equally stunning glances into the past of Greece. Situated at the center of Athens, the Acropolis is reachable within a walking distance or through any form of transportation.
Tivoli Gardens is located at the center of Copenhagen, the capital of the Kingdom of Denmark. Tivoli Gardens is world renowned to be one of the prime amusement parks. You should visit the park at nighttime. When all the parks lights are lit giving the Tivoli Gardens an even more magical experience is the best time to visit .
Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. After the discovery of their secret quarters, Nazis took Anne Frank and her family from their hiding place in the attic of an office building. They were directly sent off to concentration camps where Anne would later die of typhus. A friend of the family discovered the now renowned diary Anne had written while they hid. It kept the thinkings and inspirations of the young girl, full of courage and optimism in spite of their living conditions. Now restored and well-preserved, the house exhibits the family's secret annex with photos and multimedia presentations running all throughout. The place never fails to grip the hearts of its visitors from all around the world.
The Sistine Chapel designed by Michelangelo. You would see golden stars on a blue sky on this sightseeing if he hadn't agreed to take on the task Pope Julius II appointed to him in 1508. He reluctated at first, not being as convinced in his painting skills since he normally sculpted. But he proved himself wrong, eventually making an detailed illustration of the entire Bible while on his back. Most recently, it was the focus of the attention of the world as the College of Cardinals voted Pope Benedict XVI to be the new Pope of the Catholic Church.
No vacation to Europe will be complete without a visit to Leeds Castle. Viewed as "the most adorable castle in the world," Leeds Castle was built up in the year 1119 on a lake in the center of lush green parkland. It has been home to several of British Royalty's most notable names, especially Henry VIII whose portrait hangs on the wall of the Banqueting Room which is named after him. Nowadays Leeds Castle is a venue for weddings, conferences, and other social gathers. One unusual place of interest is the Dog Collar Museum with just about a hundred antique collars dating as far back as the 15th century.
When going around the many attractions in Europe's favorite vacation destinations you'll realize that modern advances can and do full complement the classic and traditional. Because technology is changing, it's mind-blowing to think over the future it will feature to the treasures of the past.
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