Looking to get away for the weekend within Europe on a relaxing break? Here are some of the best places to consider.
Barcelona is always buzzing with life and it has some of the most iconic architecture in all of Europe! An added bonus is that the streets of the city are themselves a work of art. From the giant ceramic lizard on display to the Gaudi Houses, pedestrians can revel in the culture. Other noteworthy cultural and historical hotspots in the city include Catedral de Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, and the infamous Picasso Museum.
If you get tired out, Barcelona Beach is a great place to enjoy scenic views and to soak up the sun!
What To Eat
Barcelona is a seemingly limitless place when it comes to dining options. Considered the oldest market in Barcelona, the La Boqueria offers almost any type of food you can want or crave.
The city boasts plenty of freshly opened restaurants as well. With a Japanese menu and plenty of flair, Salvaje is a popular new local haunt. For waterfront views and a great paella, Camping Mar is the go-to place. If you prefer a quick bite and nothing fancy, there are many street bars serving tapas.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the nightlife and dining experience that Las Ramblas offers. For something cool and quirky, the Gothic Quarter is a good place to visit for the Milk Bar.
Where To Stay
Located in a prime city locale, the H10 Cubik Hotel is a boutique luxury experience. The Majestic Hotel & Spa are great places for a relaxing and cozy vibe while the Almanac Barcelona is a guaranteed five-star visit!
Filled with fine food, stunning architecture, and unique culture, Rome is one of the top European cities to visit!
The Pantheon and the Colosseum are touristy areas, but are definitely worth visiting for their unique historical value. Home to some of the most gorgeous works of art in the world, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums are both stunning to look at and double as an educational experience.
Italian food is worth the indulgence, and fortunately, there are many traditional Roman restaurants where the food is scrumptious and the prices affordable. The Testaccio is seen as a neighborhood favorite while the Painostrada is even more unique as it's run solely by women and boasts a vast garden with sprawling river views.
In Rome, nightlife is definitely alive and well. Usually, most Romans dine after sundown and are known to enjoy their cocktails after a meal. There are many rooftop bars to appreciate well after dark and even more unique is the Jeremy Thomas Speakeasy with a 1920s theme. For those wanting to enjoy the river, a floating barge near the Baja offers live music and tasty cocktails.
The Casa Fabbrini is a quaint Roman boutique hotel not only off the beaten path, but it offers a tranquil place to stay thanks to its four-bedroom accommodation. The DOM is steeped in luxury and its world-famous architecture is alone worth the price!
Dublin is a lively city filled with historical charm and character. There are so many wonderful historic places to visit, but high on anyone's list should remain the Book of Kells, the architectural splendor of Trinity College, and St. Stephen's Green space!
Archaeology is also alive and well in Dublin, so for those wanting something both fascinating and a bit macabre, a visit to see the bog bodies at the Archaeology Museum is a must! Plus, everyone can take an edge off by visiting the Guinness Storehouse where the iconic Guinness beer is made.
Ireland is also home to plenty of dining hot spots. For those looking to relax such as in the olden days, hearty pub meals are a comforting addition to any itinerary. Of course, Dublin also has its share of fine dining restaurants ranked with Michelin stars. Dublin Castle's Chez Max is an affordable place with French Cuisine, while Fallon & Byrne is a haven for wine enthusiasts with well over 600 options!
Gravediggers Pub or a wander through the streets of Dame Lane will bring weary travelers some of the best places to try Guinness. Not only is the atmosphere iconic of Ireland, but the prices are much better in those locations than tourist-driven hot spots such as the Temple Bar.
Regardless of your preferences and budget, you'll likely find accommodations of every type! First on the list of recommendations is the boutique hotel known as The Dylan. It has a relaxing design and bibliophiles can rejoice in their library. The InterContinental and The Shelbourne are luxury five-star hotels that make guests feel especially pampered.
Wherever you plan to visit ensure that you have international travel insurance for peace of mind when you travel.
