I’ve already managed to check Copenhagen off of my European Wish-List #1! (Articles soon to come) Let’s see how many of these I can see during 2016…

6. Budapest, Hungary

Whenever I visit Eastern European countries, I fall in love with it even more. Many places are still rough around the edges, with a unique charm that can only come from not being overrun by tourist and tourist traps. From what I’ve heard, Budapest is one of these cities- known for a powerful history, an abundance of hot springs and bathhouses, delicious and inexpensive food and really cool architecture, like the Budapest Parliament building.

7. Bucharest, Romania

Described as a “dynamic, energetic and a little bit funky”, Bucharest is one European city I’m dying to visit! I love the idea that it is such a melting pot of the east and west and judging from the stories I’ve heard from friends that have visited there, it can get a bit wild!

Plus, Bucharest is home to the world’s second-largest building, The Palace of Parliament (after the Pentagon in Washington D.C.). Built in 1984, and still to be completed, it has over 3,000 rooms and covers 330,000 sq. meters. That is crazy!

8. Istanbul, Turkey

Few places have such deep and complicated history as Istanbul. Its strategic location has attracted many for centuries, with the physical reminders still left in tact. There is tons of beautiful architecture to see, including the mosques of the city such as the Sulaymaniyah Mosque. From what I’ve heard, the locals are really welcoming, hospitable and are open to sharing traditional experiences with visitors. As well, there is such an exciting, vibrant atmosphere around every corner!

Plus, I’m dying to try really original Turkish food. Here in German there are a lot of people with a Turkish heritage and thus many Turkish restaurants, grocery shops, etc. which I always love to eat at, but I’m really interested to compare!

9. Gdańsk, Poland

Considered unique compared to many other Polish cities, Gdańsk is known as being a port city that has been highly influenced by the wealthy merchant nations that conducted business there. After World War II, this European city had to be heavily rebuilt with a highlight being the Długi Targ (Long Market), which includes the 1618 Golden House, which is considered to have the most beautiful façade in the city. As well, it is full of narrow cobblestone streets, small cafes and dockside beer gardens- all my favorite things! Plus, there are some really cool festivals to see such as St. Dominics Fair.

10. Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík is the world most northern capital, which is initially discouraging to me as I really hate cold weather. But hopefully what it lacks in warm temperatures it makes up with a cool, creative culture, crazy nightlife and great food.

Plus, Iceland in general is full of so many natural gifts such as an abundance of hot springs heated by the underground geothermal activity, with one of them, Reykjadalur, being just a short 45 minute ride from Reykjavík.

Stay tuned, this list will definitely continue!

Featured image from Harold Litwiler via Flickr.