Destination of the Week: The Best of Europe

Best of Europe: Paris's iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower. Photo: Shutterstock

Europe has some of the world's most exciting cities. Gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces overlook sleepy cobbled squares. Galleries offer breathtaking collections of art, while startling pieces of modern architecture, stylish shops and vibrant nightlife remind us that Europe is very much about the future as well as the past.

This week we highlight five of Europe's top cities (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona) and one region, the Italian Lakes; and give you our top tips for making the most of each destination: From how to beat the queues in Europe's top museums to the best views and shopping – even advice on buying diamonds!

Buy a book: Insight Guide Western Europe

What our customers say

Average customers rating

We had a great time! The arrangements were great and the tour guides were fantastic. The one for Venice (Sara if I'm remembering right) was fantastic. Thanks again!

Yolanda

5.0 average customer rating

Rough Guides arranged a 5 city Italy tour for 6 of us including Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, and Amalfi Coast. We stayed several days in each city so had time to learn the city before moving on. RG's hotels were nice in our 4* guidance. Locations were good although wish our Rome hotel had been inside the city wall so it was closer to exploring the hot spots at nite. Our guides for museums and historic sites were terrific. Our drivers were top notch. RG's communications were good. The only other comment I would make was to try and get more in the shoulder season if there is one as Uffizi Gallery, Sistine Chapel, and other sites like Positano were too crowded to appreciate like they deserve. Would recommend RG to others.

Todd and Gillian Larrabe Sep 2023