Best Places to Visit in Europe

2022 has been the third time in the past 5 years that Vienna has been named the world’s most liveable city by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). However, Vienna has of course not been the only European city among the top 10. Actually, 6 of the world’s top 10 most liveable cities are European. Thus, when you are planning your next workation or worlk trip, you might want to consider them. To give you a little head start we did some research on what makes those cities so unique.

But before that, let’s take a look at how the economist evaluated which cities provide the best respectively the worst living conditions: “Every city is assigned a rating for relative comfort for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure” (The Global Liveability Index 2022, Economist Intelligence Unit).

But now without further ado, I present to you the most liveable cities in the world as of 2022:

VIENNA

Home of the Wiener Schnitzel, a European cultural jewel, and one of the most chill capitals in the world. I recently had a friend from New York visiting me in Vienna and he was baffled by the speed of life or lack thereof. Everything in Vienna is a bit slow and once you adapt to this unique rhythm there is no better place for relaxing your body and mind. Also, you don’t really have to plan to visit any historic monuments because they are literally everywhere. Just turn around and most likely you will face some historic site. Still, a few of the things you have to see in Vienna are: 

• Schönbrunn Palace: the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers is one of the most beautiful Rococo palaces in the world. And the Schönbrunn Zoo which is located in the same area is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Basically, everything in Vienna is old and beautiful. 
• Museumsquartier: I spent a lot of time there when studying. Museumsquartier is one of the most vibrant areas in Vienna with a great mix of restaurants, museums, and parks. Especially during summer, this is a great place to chill.
• Kahlenberg: if you are looking for the perfect view over Vienna, Kahlenberg is the place to go. Located in the 19th Vienna district you can either walk or ride your bike up this hill or take one of the many busses. My advice: the night view is even better than the day view. On top of Kahlenberg, there are many restaurants you can go to or you can just have a picnic. 

Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief Vienna and not Paris is the birthplace of the Croissant 😉

COPENHAGEN

Danes rank among the world’s happiest people and if you visit Copenhagen you will understand why it is among the best places to visit in Europe. Recreation areas such as city beaches, gastronomy, architecture, … Copenhagen has it all. 

A few recommendations:

• Carlsberg breweries: Denmark has a rich beer-making history and drinking culture, and the famous Carlsberg breweries are at the center of this heritage. A particular great idea on a hot summer day as there is no better antidote against the heat than a beautiful, chill, blonde beer.
• In case you drink one or two beers too many diving into one of the many harbor baths is a great way to get sober again. Not only is the Copenhagen harbor clean enough to swim in it, but it also allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery. 
• Just like in Vienna, history is everywhere in Copenhagen. Rosenborg Castle, Kronborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, there are too many historic sites to visit on just one vacation trip (which is why remote working with worlk is the better way to dive into Copenhagen’s rich culture, just saying …).

ZURICH

The first of two Swiss cities among the top 10 most liveable cities in the world, Zurich stands out for all the right reasons. This once Roman settlement is set alongside beautiful lake Zurich and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. With its blend of culture, traditions, and nature Zurich is intriguing to both culture seekers as well as outdoor enthusiasts. A small selection of places to visit in Zurich:

• Grossmünster: this Romanesque-style Protestant church is one of Zurich’s most prominent landmarks. From the top of the Karlsturm, you have a wonderful view of this vibrant city. 
• Talking about views you must not miss out on Uetliberg. Just a short train ride away Uetliberg is not only a summer attraction as during wintertime the hiking trails are turned into sledding runs. 
• If you make it back from Uetliberg in one piece you can relax in Zurich’s old town. Divided into two parts by the Limmat River, the historic heart of the city is home to numerous nice restaurants and bars. Just what you need after a busy day diving into the local culture. 

GENEVA

Just like Zurich, Geneva has its very own lake, Lac Léman. And just like its Swiss sibling, Geneva is surrounded by the alps. Mountains and water seem to be a winning combination to make it into the top 10 best places to visit in Europe. At the same time, Geneva is unlike any other city. Here are a few things you can only experience in Geneva:

• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum: this standout museum not only gives you an introduction to the history of the red cross but connects the past with the present by giving an overview of all the red cross activities that are happening in the world right now, allowing you to fathom the incredible scope of this humanitarian institution. 
• Exploring the city from the waterside: there are many different cruises offered to explore Geneva and its surrounding areas. From short one-hour trips to long dinner cruises, this is probably the most scenic way to marvel at the architectural and natural beauties this European jewel has to offer.
• Maybe unknown to many, wine is an important economic factor for Geneva. The numerous wine bars in Geneva and the surrounding vineyards are living proof. Strolling through the local vineyards and tasting different wines along the way – life doesn’t get much better.

FRANKFURT

Frankfurt made the biggest jump of all cities that were part of the Economist’s annual survey by improving 32 ranks. So what makes Frankfurt one of the best places to visit in Europe? Frankfurt manages to align its endearing local culture with its importance as one of the world’s most important economic hubs. Global but local, that’s Frankfurt’s slogan.

• Frankfurt’s Jewish community: Frankfurt’s Jewish community is the second largest in Germany as many museums and events are proof of that. Visiting the Jewish Museum or the Anne Frank Educational Centre will be memorable experiences. 
• Main Tower: Frankfurt’s famous Main Tower invites visitors to enjoy the Frankfurt skyline from 200 meters above the ground. A truly unforgettable view!
• Old Sachsenhausen: What immediately jumps out to visitors to the historic center of Frankfurt is the timber-frame houses. You will find many cozy little pubs where you can enjoy Frankfurt’s famous apple wine. If you really want to show off, you spell apple wine as the locals do: “Ebbelwoi”

AMSTERDAM

A list of the best places to visit in Europe would be incomplete without Amsterdam on it. One of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Amsterdam is  … bicycles of course 🙂 Cycling in Amsterdam is rather a way of life but a means of transportation. Just really make sure you unknowingly stand on a biking lane. Amsterdam bicycle riders are vicious! Other than that Amsterdam will be an unforgettable trip. A few things to do in Amsterdam:

• Haarlem is Amsterdam’s hub of art and culture. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam this former North Sea trade port is home to a plethora of museums, art galleries, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Whatever it is you are craving, you will find it in Haarlem.
• Look, I am a sucker for exploring cities from the waterside, so sorry for being repetitive, and bear with me. But Amsterdam’s cannel tours are something special. With 165 canals all over the city, there are so many places to explore and see which would have been invisible if traveling by foot. 
• If you visit Amsterdam, you have to also see the flowers of Amsterdam. “Every spring, the iconic Bollenstreek (Bulb strip) attracts admirers from around the world as millions of tulip bulbs burst into bloom” (iamsterdam.com). Flowers are not only beautiful, but they are also good for the soul.

That concludes our list of the best places to visit in Europe. There are obviously so many things to explore and see that a short vacation or a weekend trip is not enough. So, why don’t you combine business with leisure and worlk a bit? With worlk you can stay for longer periods of time in one of those exciting destinations without having to sacrifice your precious vacation days. Check out worlk today!