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Five cities to discover and explore in Europe

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Written byVeedushi Bon 14 March 2018

Travel and leisure are an unquestionable part of the expat life. In Europe, the close proximity of different cities offer an amazing opportunity to go and explore your new home and neighbouring cities and all that they have to offer. So if you're moving to Europe, Expat.com offers you some insight into the most beautiful Instagrammed cities, according to a survey conducted by Hertz.

London

Big Ben, London
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A diverse global city, London has a tremendous history as evidenced by its impressive monuments, architecture, and other tourist attractions. The iconic Big Ben, the gigantic London Eye, and the Tower Bridge are some of the city's major attractions. World famous for its royal heritage as well, London is also home to the Westminster Abbey and the Buckingham Palace, two incredible sights in themselves. For even more breathtaking views of the city, head to the Shard and the Millenium Bridge. Shopaholics will love Oxford Street which is the world's longest shopping street lined with over 300 boutiques. Art and history buffs will be taken aback by countless museums such as Tate Modern, the British Museum, and the National Gallery.

Paris

Eiffel Tower, Paris
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The capital of fashion, art, culture, and excellent cuisine, Paris is a city that needs no introduction. Overlooking the breathtaking urban landscape, the Eiffel Tower is without a doubt the most popular tourist attraction in France. Identified as the world's most beautiful avenues, crossing the 8th district, the Champs-Élysées is a very lively place both by day and by night. Next to the Champs-Élysées are some of the most excellent restaurants in Paris, as well as many luxury shops, famous clubs, and museums such as the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. Some thirty-two kilometres east to Paris is Disneyland Paris which is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a range of leisure activities. The complex includes two theme parks, hotels, and a golf course. For those who are passionate about art, history, religion, and architecture, there is the Palais du Louvre, a former royal residence converted into a museum, the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre in the 18th district, and the impressive Arc de Triomphe surrounded by the Place Charles de Gaulle. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Barcelona

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
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Barcelona owes its splendour to Antoni Gaudi, a famous architect whose footprints can be contemplated across the city. A magnificent blend of ancient and modern cultures and architecture, Barcelona is a vivacious and colourful city. The Sagrada Familia is one the most visited religious spots in Spain. Built in the 1880s, the basilica is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some 60 kilometres away from Barcelona, the Montserrat range offers spectacular views over the whole city and beyond. Park Güell also bears Gaudi's footprints. Visitors are always amazed by its lush green gardens, mindblowing sculptures covered with mosaics, and the Gaudi Museum. For football fans, Camp Nou which hosts Barcelona FC is the ideal place to be. Don't miss the opportunity to take a couple of selfies at this stadium, home to some of the greatest moments in football history.

Rome

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
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Rome's medieval and Romanesque architecture speak for themselves. The Italian capital city is not only one of Europe's most charming cities but also the religious heart of Catholicism. Home to the Vatican city-State and the Pope's residence, Rome also hosts some of the country's most significant monuments, museums, and sculptures. At the Sistine Chapel, you can contemplate world-famous artworks such as Michelangelo's fresco. You will also find in the city centre the iconic Colosseum with more than 2,000 years old history. The Colosseum is an architectural gem that has been the theatre of famous gladiator fights and other great shows. It's without a doubt, a must-see where you're going to experience magical moments ready to be immortalised through beautiful pictures. In the historical centre of Rome, the Parthenon is one of the former Roman Empire's most well-preserved sites. Can we even speak about Rome without mentioning the Trevi Fountain? There's a popular belief that throwing a stone or coin in the fountain will someday bring you back to Rome. So why don't you try your luck?

Berlin

Berlin Wall
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A legendary historical city, Berlin was deeply marked by the fall of the 155 km long wall. The Berlin Wall Memorial which is found in the heart of the German capital city, recalls the history of the country's partition. The world-famous historical site, known especially for its magnificent street art, stretches over 1,4 km on the Bernauer Strasse. You can walk or cycle around the site. Named after Tsar Alexander I to commemorate his visit in 1805, Alexanderplatz is one of the country's biggest squares. Partially destroyed in the 1970s, Alexanderplatz was refurbished and transformed into a pedestrian zone surrounded by many major streets. Overlooking Alexanderplatz, Fernsehturm is a TV tower visible from all over the city. It is a 368-meter high television tower, inaugurated in October 1969, and has become a must-see in Berlin over the years. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and beyond from the top. The tower also hosts the Sphere, a revolving restaurant, and the Panorama Bar, which are true to their names.

Leisure
museums
history
About

I hold a French diploma and worked as a journalist in Mauritius for six years. I have over a decade of experience as a bilingual web editor at Expat.com, including five years as an editorial assistant.

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