The pandemic has changed all of our worlds, and not just in the short-term. So it may take a while before Singaporeans can think about heading over to Europe again. However, this makes this a great time to read up, determine your travel destinations as well as plan the itinerary. To help you with all that and more, here’s our list of the top 7 travel destinations to visit in Europe for 2020. As we run through the destinations, you may also like to check out this Europe trip planner – https://triptile.com/
1. Colmar, France
We have to give our first destination to Colmar. The city famed for Alsace wines is also a perfect destination for romance, history buffs, foodies, music and culture lovers.
Known as the sunniest city in France, Colmar enjoys 300 sunny days a year which may make it comfortable for most of us who are used to warmer weather. For the colder months, the city is particularly magical at Christmas time. You should plan winery tours and visit some of the picturesque villages like Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé while you are there.
2. Helsinki, Finland
When it comes to visiting Northern Europe, most Singaporeans choose to visit Copenhagen, Stockholm, and occasionally Oslo. Despite being the Finnish Capital, Helsinki seems to be off the standard “Scandinavian tourist trail.” Which is a shame, because Helsinki offers a pleasant surprise for everyone.
Helsinki offers a laid-back vibe. The city commands one of the best public transportation systems in the world with a beautiful metro line and it is also easy to walk and bike everywhere. Helsinki is also made of a hub of other interesting cities and sights to visit such as neighbouring cities of Espoo and Vantaa, the historical town of Porvoo, Järvenpää-Tuusula area which is famous for its artistic heritage as well as the ironwork villages west of Helsinki. You can also get on the Helsinki to St.Petersburg train route.
Venture out to the forest, enjoy a concert, flow to a festival, enjoy a Nordic dinner or try one of those iconic public saunas – it’s all here.
3. Athens, Greece
Athens is a city that is always evolving. Here you find tradition clashes with modernity in museums and shops, restaurants and bars. Together with Rome, Athens is the cradle of our civilizations, an incredibly dynamic, lively, sparkling open-air museum.
A city of paradoxes and great contrasts as well as an intellectual beacon of the ancient world with spectacular Mediterranean landscapes bathed, Athens is a sophisticated cosmopolitan hub with many gastronomic offers, lively nightlife and a booming art scene.
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia’s capital city makes a choice destination for culture, food, diversity and architecture lovers. Magnificent Haussmannian buildings stand next to structures dating from the Middle Ages allowing you to enjoy neo-classical, Soviet and extremely modern buildings at the same time.
When you visit, be sure to climb to the top of Tbilisi and admire the Kartlis Deda statue, the protector of the city. This spot offers an exceptional panorama of the Georgian capital, the Peace Bridge, the Metekhi Church, the thermal baths, the new theatre and the Mtatsminda Amusement Park for young and old.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna has always remained as one of the European capitals of love. As one of the safest destinations in Europe, Vienna is also an ideal destination for families. The city offers beautiful history, great wine and dine experience with a vibrant organic and local markets as well as gorgeous architecture.
When you are there, make sure you climb aboard one of the most beautiful big wheels in Europe. You can also make your marriage proposal or treat yourself to a guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace and learn how to cook the famous strudel.
6. Cascais, Portugal
One of the most beautiful coastal destinations in Europe, Cascais is located on the Lisbon Coast and perfectly situated just two steps away from the capital city. It is also close to other must-see locations such as Sintra (UNESCO Heritage Site), Ericeira (World Surfing Reserve) and Mafra (the Portuguese Versailles).
With its year-round mild climate, Cascais is known as the ‘Portuguese Riviera.’ From pure leisure to business, golf, sun, sea and water sports, the city simply has it all and offers a new definition of the concepts of eco- and activity-based tourism.
7. Hévíz, Hungary
If you are big on relaxation and well-being, you are going to fall in love with Hévíz, a name that means “hot water” in Hungarian. The city has the world’s largest natural thermal lake surrounded by lush forests.
Located near Budapest and Vienna, Hévíz has been welcoming spa visitors since the 18th century. It’s probably the only spa destination where you can swim among lilies, relax with thermal mud massages on a floating pavilion on the lake, row a canoe in the steamy warm water of the stream or have a winter swim in the 24°C thermal lake while large snowflakes fall around you.
The city is ideal for families and lovers of outdoor sports (kayaking, golf, cycling, hiking) as well as gourmets.
We hope we have inspired your travel lust for Europe after the pandemic. If you have already travelled to any of these destinations, do share with us in the comments section below. Plan your trip well, stay safe and take care.
