The Ten Most Visited Countries in Europe
10. Poland with 13,350,000 foreign visitors each year
Chopin’s homeland is certainly a diverse one. With beaches to the north, mountains to the south and pristine countryside in between, the food and towns in each region are quite unrelated. Walkable Krakow is a tourist favorite with its pierogies, friendly denizens and several UNESCO world heritage sites. Outdoorsy types will be especially enamored with Poland, as there are tons of hiking trails in the summer and great skiing in the winter.
A look at the historical treasures of Krakow.
9. Greece with 16,427,000 foreign visitors each year
The unmatched Greek hospitality is something that needs to be experienced, as do the sunsets, beaches and food. Probably the best adjective to describe Greece would be “breathtaking”: a nighttime view of Athens from the Acropolis, the white-washed houses of Santorini and the 1,000 miles of coastline are more than enough to brush away any lingering cynicism. The home of the Olympics has nothing to prove yet it still does, over and over again.
The ancient Acropolis is at the center of Athens.
8. Ukraine with 21,415,000 foreign visitors each year
Ukraine is still on the periphery of must-go destinations, but one thing may change that: it’s cheap. The ability to stay on budget allows visitors to sample the local vodka and beer as well as the carb- and meat-heavy cuisine to their hearts’ content. The capital, Kiev, has some truly inspiring churches which stand in stark contrast to the Soviet concrete blocks that were constructed after the city crumbled in World War II. Ukraine also offers the chance for a truly unique day trip to Chernobyl and the adjacent town of Pripyat, which was abandoned overnight and retains an uneasy, spooky feel.
A look at golden domes of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery.
7. Austria with 23,012,000 foreign visitors each year
Many may have been introduced to Austria via The Sound of Music, but those pastoral scenes are just the tip of Austria’s charms. This tiny country is a mecca for skiers most of the year, but those who are less athletically inclined can still enjoy the scenic views while tucking into rich desserts on cloudless afternoons. Salzburg’s favorite son Mozart still comes back to life at the city’s yearly international music festival, and visitors can also browse through the country’s famous exports at the Zotter Chocolate Factory and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds theme park, which features exhibitions of the company’s crystal creations.
Innsbruck is a great jumping off point for ski holidays in the Austrian Alps.
6. Russia with 24,932,000 foreign visitors each year
Playing word association with Russia may not sound so inviting: cold, vast and mysterious are some of the first that come to mind. But vast just means more places to visit. For those who have the time, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the best way to experience the wide open spaces and cities. Russia also offers a ton of micro-climates. Strip down in the 2014 Winter Olympics host city of subtropical Sochi or travel by reindeer in the world’s coldest city, Yakutsk. In between, Russia’s signature onion-shaped domes adorn beautiful churches, and it seems like almost every area is a must-see due to its World War II history, wild scenery or importance to Russia’s industries.
The Kremlin in Moscow is at the center of Russia’s political power.
5. Germany with 28,374,000 foreign visitors each year
Oktoberfest tends to spring to mind first when thinking about reasons to visit Germany, and there are plenty more. The Bachfest Leipzig and Wagner Festival are a veritable heaven for classical music lovers, while Berlin’s underground culture, alternative art scene and famed nightlife draw in all walks of life. The countryside is not to be missed, either. The country’s well-marked hiking trails allow for spectacular views of village houses and castles. And certainly not least, Germany borders nine countries, which provides the perfect excuse to rent a car and zoom down the speed-limit-free stretches of Autobahn to the next destination.
A look at Cologne and its stunning cathedral.
4. United Kingdom with 29,306,000 foreign visitors each year
The British reliance on tradition is working in their favor: since Prince William’s marriage in 2011 and the arrival of Prince George last July, interest in the Royal Family and all things British has skyrocketed. England remains expensive, but the plethora of things to do for free, including the vast British Museum and National Gallery, help balance budgets. London is the main draw for many, as history is literally at one’s fingertips, but Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland all have their own fascinating history, culinary delights and enough castles to seriously consider investing in one.
Camden is a fascinating part of London that’s home to markets and alt-culture.
3. Italy with 46,119,000 foreign visitors each year
Where do we even begin with Italy? The fashion, the food, the art, the architecture, the history? Italy is a paradise for lovers, foodies, wine snobs and history buffs — and everyone else, too. A late-night stroll through Roman ruins, hopping from one local butcher to the next to find the perfect prosciutto, browsing the boutiques once all that gelato takes its toll: all these experiences are heightened by simply being in a beautiful country that takes its epic history very seriously.
The Colosseum is an impressive reminder of Rome’s glorious past.
2. Spain with 56,694,000 foreign visitors each year
It’s no secret that Spain is still trying to claw its way out of an unprecedented recession. But Spain is rolling in the riches of its history and the artists and writers it has fostered. It’s hard not to spend an entire holiday exploring the well-preserved Moorish architecture and history in the Andalucia region or zooming around the twisting streets of Toledo, which was once the epicenter of Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups living in harmony. Spain’s endless culture also includes Museo del Prado and two museums dedicated to Pablo Picasso. Those who are lost can find themselves on the Santiago de Compostela trail or with a few too many on a Barcelona beach.
The beaches of Barcelona are some of the best urban beaches in the world.
1. France with 81,411,000 foreign visitors each year
France also tops the list of most visited countries in the world. With a reputation for impeccably dressed women, sexy accents and an overwhelming emphasis on love and food, is there really any surprise that France bests the rest by a large margin? Everyone knows that Paris boasts the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, but there’s so much more to France. Lyon is renowned for having the most Michelin-starred restaurants after London, Paris and Brussels, and of course the shimmering waters of the French Riviera, the picturesque villages and Alps to the southeast beckon. Even better, hitchhiking is legal, giving the whole deal a more adventurous-yet-safe feel. Although no matter where you go, an award-winning bottle of wine or Champagne is just an order away.
Luxury yachts dot the coastline on the French Riviera, but nowhere more so than Cannes.
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