Europe has so many places to visit, with such diverse cultures, that it can be difficult to choose a destination. According to the Mastercard 2017 Global Destination Cities Index, the two most popular European cities to visit in 2017 were London and Paris, ranking at numbers two and three respectively. It's easy to see why, with famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Eifel Tower being available to see. 

 

But, if you have been putting your air travel to good use, and saving your air credit, what other European destinations could you consider visiting? Here are five of the best places to choose, where you can cruise along rivers and canals, sample local cuisine, admire the historic architecture, or visit a thermal spa. 

 

 

The entire city of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is hardly surprising when you consider that it's home to such architectural delights as the Cathedral, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, and the Palazzo Vecchio, which is the city's town hall. Add some amazing Tuscan cuisine, Renaissance art and boutique shopping to the package, and you can see why Florence is so appealing. 

 

Reykjavik is the most northerly capital city in the world, and it's small by the standards of many international cities, with a population of just 120,900, as of 2015. The city is no less cosmopolitan for its lack of size, and you can sample a variety of drinking and dining experiences, including some pretty wild nightlife. For a more relaxing experience, a visit to a thermal spa is a must. Blue Lagoon is the foremost thermal spa in Iceland, and is a fifty-minute drive from Reykjavik, just off the Reykjavik to Keflavik highway. 

 

There are three main ways to get around Amsterdam, on foot, by bike, and by canal boat. Exploring the canals is an especially popular activity for visitors; there are 165 canals in total. After spending time on the water, you can visit one of the city's famous museums, including the Rijks museum, the Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House. 

 

The capital of Ireland is a vibrant and welcoming destination. The city is the home of the Guinness Brewery and Jamieson's distillery. You can take a tour of both, and even have a go at tasting both drinks. Dublin is a historical city, and you can take a look at one of the most famous Medieval manuscripts in the world, the Book of Kells, which is located at Trinity College. In the evening, why not visit one of the restaurants and bars in the Temple Bar district, or hop aboard the Ghost Bus for some scary adventures. 

 

 

London and Paris may be the most popular destinations to visit in Europe. But, there are many more places to see on the continent. Hopefully, you have been inspired by our choice of five of the best.