The attraction of a vacation in the “Old World” is almost impossible to ignore. Every year, hundreds of millions of travelers crisscross the globe to take in the sights and sounds of the planet’s most famous cities, but what are the ten must visit places in Europe? With so many ancient cities and beautiful buildings, it is nearly impossible to pick just thirty – but here are a few everyone can agree on and one or two that are up for debate.

Paris

Every year, the City of Light is among the most-visited destinations in the world. With an almost innumerable amount of places to visit in Paris and experiences to have – looking out over the metropolis from the Eiffel Tower, anyone? – you will want to make sure you schedule plenty of time for your vacation in the capital of France. Take in the masterpieces at the Louvre and spend some time strolling along the Seine River or just sit at a corner café and enjoy the delicious pastries. No matter what you do, it’s pretty much impossible to get it wrong in this amazing destination.

Rome

The Italian capital has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years and, thus, has been referred to as the Eternal City. Much of its history is as a central location for power in the Roman Empire and Catholic Church, so vast wealth gave birth to grand building projects and artistic commissions. Seeing everything would take months or years, but most start with a visit to Vatican City and its museums. If you want to feast your eyes on the works of the Italian masters, amble around the Galleria Borghese, the family’s converted villa holds a vast collection of paintings and sculpture. Of course, you can walk the streets and see classic architecture – it’s easy to turn around a corner and stumble upon the Colosseum, Pantheon and Forum Romanum.

Munich

This city in southern Germany is known as the a world beer capital thanks to the famous Oktoberfest, where local brewers gather to showcase their wares in late September and early October. Now a modern center of publishing and banking, too, the city holds more to its historic roots than others in the country. State-of-the-art BMW headquarters and surrounding high-rises stand out in the northern quarter as a far cry from the magnificent gothic churches and castles in Old Town. If that’s not enough, Munich is considered to have some of the foremost city parks in Europe, with the Englischer Garden the biggest and most popular.

Venice

Only Paris could make a convincing argument it is more a lover’s destination than Venice. This gorgeous “City of Canals” sits on the Adriatic Sea in Italy’s northeastern coast, filling the hearts of all who visit with an unmistakable sense of romance. It is renowned for its music and art – only Florence could say it has more to offer – but you must visit St. Mark’s Basilica on the sprawling Piazza San Marco to get a feel for the architectural history, too. You’ll want to take a ride in one of the famous gondolas and float down the canals while being serenaded by the highly-trained gondoliers. And, if you happen to visit during the 

Carnival, a scene of intrigue in Shakespearean drama and James Bond movies, romance might find you amongst the elegant gowns and playful masks.

London

With its blend of historic architecture and high-tech buildings, as well as wonderful culture and cuisine, the English capital is a favorite stop for many. History buffs will clamor for a visit to Buckingham Palace and Tower of London, but there are numerous museums and galleries to choose from. On top of that, you can slide over to the West End for a play or musical. Or, if for a quiet evening among the bright lights, book a cruise down the Thames River as the sun sets.

Amsterdam

It might be recognized more for its salacious attractions, but the capital of Holland is quite delightful apart from its Red Light District and “coffee” shops. Walk the urban trails amongst narrow houses and buildings dating to the 17^th century, then relax in one of its lush green spaces. A trip to the Rijksmuseum to see works from Rembrandt and Vermeer is a must, as is time at the Van Gogh Museum. Stand in the shadows of the Westerkerk spire and admire the 500-year-old architecture, but make sure to walk up to the observation deck – the view from the church’s 275-foot-tall tower is well worth it.

Barcelona

It’s hard to argue with the beauty of the architecture within this city on the Spanish coast. The weather is phenomenal and the sights are top-notch, but you will find your stomach ends up being happiest after a trip. Thanks to the local fishing culture and the proximity with France, the area is able to combine a wide number of influences into a unique cuisine – the Catalan <em>paella</em> is famous and wines from the Penedes region vineyards are almost as renowned as those from their neighbor to the north.

Banja Luka, Bosnia

You will love the tree-lined avenues and verdant gardens of this Eastern European gem – it might even be able to trick some into thinking it is Paris! The “Green City” is a beautiful location with a growing number reputation amongst travelers in search of natural surroundings and solitude. The nearby pools and thermal springs attract many looking to take a dip in the warm waters to sooth aches and pains. Of course, if you want something a bit more challenging, go whitewater rafting down the Vrbas River and slosh around in one of Europe’s growing adventure sports hubs. After you dry off and get back to town, stop in the city square and wander among the striking gothic architecture while choosing where to stop for dinner from the abundance of restaurants.

Lucerne, Switzerland

There are tons of great mountain escapes in the Alps, but none is quite like this small Swiss town. Set on the stunning Lake Lucerne at the base of jagged alpine peaks, you will have a hard time finding a more picturesque setting for hiking and relaxation anywhere in the world. The town itself is quaint and cozy – bet on feeling as though you’ve snuck off to a faraway land hidden from the stresses of everyday life while you sip a cup of tea on the dock or enjoy a delicious dessert from one of the restaurants.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Many will point to Monaco or Santorini if you ask where to find the best stretch of waterfront in Europe, but they are off the mark. Stop in this lovely city on the Adriatic Sea and enjoy its amazing climate and ancient buildings. The walking path along the bay is something out of a medieval castle, giving visitors a unique contrast of manmade marvels and the natural splendor of emerald green waters. Plus, the hills to the north are dotted with vineyards and olive groves, providing a number of opportunities for enjoying cuisine paired with excellent wines.