“The popular sites in the area are tourist spots. Landmarks in all their splendour, including the Colosseum, Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, inspire awe in visitors while they narrate stories of a time gone by. Each city gives a totally unique vibe and experiences, from the medieval alleys of Prague to the stunning canals of Venice. Our guides take you to the must-visit places and suggest where to eat, what to do, how to experience life as locals do.”

Some of its most captivating aspects are the vast range of landscapes on offer across this continent. This area offers phenomenal natural sights, from sunny Mediterranean beaches to snow-capped peaks of the mountains. Outdoor lovers can hike on wild mountains, ski at world-renowned resorts or relax at sparkling lakes. Its vineyards, lavender fields, and green woodlands offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling metropolis.

Food is essential to any Europe experience, and each country has its own distinct cuisine. Home to some of the most famed food scenes in the world, the continent serves an array of cuisine, from the freshness of the seafood-rich countries along its coast to the umami-heavy, hearty dishes of its Eastern regions. Savor the native flavors and traditions of the area, including Greek meze, Spanish tapas, French croissants and Italian pasta. This category examines regional specialties, culinary markets and traditional cuisines that embody each place.

Historical and Cultural Legacies

One of the most attractive things about Europe is its rich cultural and historical heritage. Every area of this continent has its own cultural identity, a product of a long history of evolution and with relevance to all elements of human civilization. The continent pioneered great movements in philosophy, science, art and politics and was the cradle of Western civilization.

European cultural foundations were laid in ancient Greece and Rome’s contributions to democracy, government, philosophy, literature and architecture. At its peak, the Roman Empire controlled much of present-day Europe, with implications for everything from language to law. Latin, the tongue of the Romans, is the basis for a number of modern European languages — Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese. The Roman legal system also influenced the legal systems of many modern European nations.

Except for the classical period, the Renaissance was a major turning point in history. Beginning in the fourteenth century in Italy, the Renaissance sparked an intellectual and cultural revival. Writing, science and the arts all flourished during this period of history, as innovators such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci pushed the bounds of human knowledge and creativity. It is the exploration of the Renaissance into the study of the individual, humanism, and reason that had a striking impact on the ideals, philosophy and behavior of Europeans that came to fruition in the Enlightenment and the saddle for the changes that followed in business, politics and society.

Religion has also been an important factor to European society. Christianity, or more to the point, the Roman Catholic Church, has been a major force in European society since the Middle Ages. Some nations find themselves under strong Catholic influences in their culture, design and daily life. Examples include the grand St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the countless Gothic cathedrals sprinkled throughout the region.

Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century, which challenged the Catholic Church’s monopoly, leading to the creation of Protestant churches throughout northern Europe. The Protestant Reformation was a large scale influence on religion and politics of Europe. These various religious groups have each sculpted a unique spiritual landscape across the continent.

Europe is a continent rich in culture and arts, and this is the home of some of the transformation that the world’s greatest authors and composers and artists brought to the table. You can see masterpieces from Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Picasso in museums and galleries; and music lovers can go from today rock music festivals in Berlin to classics in Vienna. Dynamic street art movement, contemporary dance performances and theatrical productions lend a contemporary touch to the region’s cultural attractions.

From World War II monuments to ancient Roman ruins, the historical sites across the continent offer a glimpse at the past. As well as beautiful churches, palaces, and castles introduced the stories that belong to the people who lived in them. This category considers the significance of these spaces and how the past continues to shape the present. Revisit the area’s monuments to centuries of monarchy, revolution and empire.

Cities today are combustion centers of art and style, where vintage flair meets cutting-edge infrastructure. From the hip, techy vibe of Stockholm to the haute-couture inner streets of Milan, urban centers are living monuments to the past that peer into tomorrow. Watch our video to learn how cities are evolving and holding on to their unique characters by showcasing the best shopping districts, entertainment venues and tech breakthroughs.

The Islamic culture, as well as the medieval Moorish colonization of Spain have infused the European culture. When we talk about the influence of the Moors we also need to talk about the Moors that were the driving force of European material progress in mathematics, astronomy, medicine and even architecture with a permanent influence on the development of both Western knowledge and even the Western civilization. Spain’s Córdoba and Granada are still home to architectural treasures like the Alhambra, which reflect the influence of Islam in intricate designs.

The Enlightenment (17th/18th Century) The Enlightenment, a movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, was another significant period in European cultural and intellectual history. Among those who emphasized reason, science and individual rights, and challenged conventional wisdom, were Voltaire, Rousseau and Kant. Theirs theories provided the theoretical framework for the democratic upheavals that followed – the French Revolution, which influenced the world of political systems. The Enlightenment, of course, fostered exploration and innovation that in turn allowed this country to eventually pioneer the Industrial Revolution.

Political Development and Cohesion

This is described in the view of what, to use a Hegelian phrase, the political history of this country is the long story of a series of displacements, taking turns displacing each other in something akin to an experiment in dialectical governance. In the early modern period your idea of nation-states arose from the rubble of the Thirty Years’ War and the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which enshrined the foundations of modern state sovereignty. For much of those succeeding centuries of political history for Europe, these nation-states — along with others like France, England and Spain — would come to serve vital roles in the global stage.

The French Revolution in 1789 was a milestone and an important turning point in European history, which led to the downfall of the monarchy and laid the foundations of the values of liberty, equality and fraternity. The events in France were watched warily from the capitals of Europe and the revolution had an far-reaching effect upon contemporary movements for democratic and republican self government across the continent. Revolutions and political upheaval swept the 19th century, ending many absolute monarchies in favor of systems of governance that featured the Promise of democracy in many European States.

The 20th century Wars are vital in understanding the political stage of modern Europe. The Great War (1914–1918) toppled the Ottoman, German, Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires, resulting in a redraw of Europe’s borders. For much of the world, World War II (1939–1945) proved even more calamitous, with immense casualty lists and devastation. After World War II, Europe was split into two blocs: the communist, Soviet-occupied Eastern governments, and the capitalist, democratic Western ones, led by the United governments.

Iron Curtain, which divided the sides, and they competed for political and military superiority throughout the entire Cold War period. Then came the end of the Cold War, the reunification of Germany, the democratization of Eastern Europe — all following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 began a time of greater European cohesion and peace that helped facilitate some Eastern European states undertaking democratic changes and joining Western institutions.

Designing the structure of the European Union (EU) was the biggest political project Europe has ever undertaken. After World War II the European Union, was formed by six countries in 1951 as a result of their attempt to take back control from countries. Composed of the European Coal and Steel Community which was established to achieve economic cooperation and prevent future conflict among countries In the past few decades the European Union (EU) has slowly expanded, taking in more countries, gaining more power and states — and as of 2024 there are 27 political and economic ones.

By creating a single market and free movement between itself and other parts of the world the EU has also raised economic quality, facilitated peace in EU generally promoted stability But has had to face problems such as Brexit, the Eurozone debt crisis and growing Euroscepticism within an increasing number of member states.

Diversity and Geography

The varied character of Europe goes as much to the diversity of its landscapes — as much as its cultures and languages. From Norway’s rugged fjords to Tuscany’s rolling hills, the majestic peaks of the Alps to the sweeping plains of Eastern Europe, Europe’s geography has shaped its history, culture and way of life. Its geography has also influenced its political borders and economic activities.

Western Europe — which includes nations like France, Germany and the United Kingdom — has traditionally been the continent’s industrial and economic powerhouse. In that respect, this area is known for its powerful governance ranging from the latest technology and lifestyle standards. Every year, millions of holidaymakers and executives crank into the culture and business hubs of London, Paris and Berlin. It also does so partly because those cities are capitals of fashion, entertainment and the arts, which means Europe is the world center for regions that have been ever more critical to life in the 21st century.

Together, the countries of Southern Europe — especially Italy, Spain and Greece — boast stunning scenery, a rich historical heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle. Agriculture is the primary driver of the region’s economy, thanks to a warm climate and fertile soil, although tourism is among the main engines because of the area’s stunning seashores, ancient ruins and coveted art.

In the heart of Eastern Europe, where countries had been under the iron grip of communism through much of the 20th century — including Poland, Hungary and Romania among others — the collapse of communism brought tectonic shifts. But it expanded fast and became incorporated into the wider European economy, as many Eastern European states joined NATO and the European Union.

Countries of Northern Europe such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are known for a focus on environmental sustainability, strong social welfare systems, and quality of life. The Scandinavian way of doing government — blending strong welfare programs with free-market capitalism — has been praised worldwide for its ability to strike a balance between social equity and economic prosperity.

Festivals and events are part of the fabric of daily life across the continent, honoring everything from cuisine and culture to music and cinema. Local lifestyle, its most vibrant facets can be with us in events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Munich’s Oktoberfest or Venice’s carnival. Here’s what you need to know about when to go, what to expect and how to make the most of these exuberant celebrations.