5 European cities you need to visit in your 20s

Travelling is what opens your mind and lets you discover things you have never imagined. It could be a different culture, food or even language. It’s expensive, but Europe has become more inclusive and accessible to people, thanks to low cost flights. With a little bit of budgeting, you can still go on holiday to a different European city, even just for two nights.

There are five cities in Europe that are really making an impact in terms of entertainment, culture, lifestyle, history and momentum. It feels like they are alive and you should visit them first.

#1 – London

This is without any doubt, in my opinion, the best city in the world. London is the only city that has everything. If you look at the world, there are cities where the main focus is something. Rome is about culture. New York focuses on finance. San Francisco is home to the greatest revolutions in technology. London has them all. There is a growing tech scene, a huge financial hub, an amazing focus on art and a long history.

London has more than 8 million people. It looks more of a country, rather than a city. That’s why I think it’s the first place you should visit, just to taste what this all means.

#2 – Berlin

I have had the pleasure of living here for eleven months. Berlin is the European hub for experimenting and trying new things. No one cares if you are not dressed well or you are still wearing your pyjamas, because every form of expression is accepted. It sits at the centre of Europe and is leading the whole continent. The city is rich with things to see and visit, but also with lots of fun.

Berlin was split in halves thirty years ago by the wall. It was divided in an east side, the Russian, and a west one, the American. If you walk from east to west and you pay attention, you can notice two different cultures clashing together in one single unified city.

If you are a freelancer, this is the city to live. The costs are lower than London and you still get to see a lot, while meeting people from all over the world. Berlin is also becoming a European hub for tech startups.

If you love techno, you have to go there. There is no doubt in that. The best DJs are in Berlin and make sure to go to Berghain.

#3 – Barcelona

Barcelona is about fun, movida, but also culture. This is the city where one of the most influential and greatest architects of the past lived. I am talking about Antonio Gaudí. You will see his influence in La Sagrada Familia and Parco Güell.

Las Ramblas will be what you will remember the most. It’s the central most boulevard which cuts through the heart of the city centre and is a vibrant and lively promenade.

This city sits in front of the sea and the beaches are a great attraction, but also a nice place to relax after spending the day sightseeing.

#4 – Amsterdam

Amsterdam is about entertainment. This is a classic stop, if you are doing an Interrail across Europe. There are plenty of hostels where you can stay on a low budget. When I went there, I was most impressed by the buildings, which, as you can see from the picture, have their own style and the dozens of canals.

Amsterdam has become famous for legalising some drugs and prostitution. That’s why you will stumble across a lot of tourists that are there just for that. You will also see thousands of bikes and the probabilities of getting hit by one are high, so be careful. 😉

Entertainment is a thing, culture is another. If you want to breathe the latter, visit the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

#5 – Rome

I was born and raised in Rome and I am actually typing this article while visiting my family here. I don’t think it makes the list. If you are in your 20s, you want to have fun and see new things, exciting ones.

Rome is a city that lives in the past, with its own values; but is the most beautiful in the world. There is a huge difference between best, London, and beauty. That’s why I think you should visit Rome to have a look around and being immersed in what we like to call “The eternal city”.

The centre and in particular places like “Campo de’ Fiori” or “Trastevere” are unique. For this reason, the “Historic Centre of Rome” makes it to the list of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.