Do you have aspirations of a submersive European experience, but taking two months off from work is just unrealistic?
What if I told you that you really could experience a dramatic range of culture, food, and awe-inspiring sights by simply visiting 3 European cities in 10 days?
Barcelona, Nice, and Florence.
Read on for what could be the best 10-day guide you’ve ever read.
Sure, there’s something to be said about moving to a location to fully experience everything the area has to offer. I’m guilty of doing this in Asia and now in Europe.
That being said, I don’t think you need a solid two to three months off to fully experience Europe. Here’s my recap of 10 days across Europe, starting with Barcelona, Spain.
Stop 1: Barcelona, Spain
Why visit Barcelona?
For a host of reasons, Barcelona commands a visit.
Top reasons to visit Barcelona include:
- Standing in the La Sagrada Família and internalizing the vertigo feeling from looking up at the columns designed to feel like a forest.
- Watching the sunset from the Carmel Bunkers before admiring the twinkling city lights below as they mimic the Milky Way above.
- Eating tapas and drinking Spanish wine in a courtyard while kids play soccer with their friends in the adjacent cul-de-sac.
- Filling your phone’s storage capacity with insta-worthy photos of quaint streets and ancient architecture styles in the Gothic Quarter.
- Counting paddleboarders cruise by the Spanish coastline at Barceloneta Beach.
When to Visit Barcelona?
Barcelona is best visited outside of the European tourist season, around June through September. I visited Barcelona in late October and was rewarded with fantastic (yet chilly) weather and low crowds.
Where to Stay in Barcelona?
Stay in the Gothic Quarter, you won’t regret it. You’ll be only footsteps away from some of the most iconic attractions such as the Cathedral of Bareclona and La Rambla Boulevard.
What to see in Barcelona?
Great question! Click below for my recommendations 🙂
Stop 2: Nice, France
Why visit Nice?
Nice is the town you should visit if you’ve done enough city breaks and you need someplace to lie low for a while; a place to blend in with the locals and relax.
Where Nice falls short in terms of big city vibes, it makes up for in ways that resonate with the relaxation chord in your body.
Top reasons to visit Nice include:
- Sampling and buying homade lavender-scented souvenirs at the Flower March Market
- Sipping a bottle of French wine as you watch the sunset over the French Riveara from Colline du Château Park
- The chance to play James Bond at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in another country just 30 mintues away
- Strolling alongside the Ligurian Sea on the peacful boardwalk
- Standing in an actual part of Russia at the Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice; a Russian Orthodox church
When to Visit Nice?
Like with Barcelona, Nice is best visited outside of the European tourist season if you want to avoid crowds. Even in late October I still had relatively great weather and there were plenty of locals swimming in the sea.
However, if you want that golden tan from laying on the beach all day, early September might be best for you.
Where to Stay in Nice?
The closer you are to Cœur de Nice and Old Nice, the better off you are in terms of sight-seeing, shopping, nightlife, and dining.
I recommend Cœur de Nice simply because it’s in the heart of Nice.
What to see in Nice?
Great question! Click below for my recommendations 🙂
Stop 3: Florence, Italy
Why visit Florence?
Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and the city still embodies those characteristics today.
From the commanding beauty of Brunelleschi’s dome in the iconc skyline to Michelangelo’s David, attention to detail is everything here. That goes for the delicous carbonara and diavola pizza on every corner and alley way as well.
Top reasons to visit Florence include:
- Elevating your heartrate as you climb the steps inside the Duomo di Firenze to gaze at the craftsmanship of Brunelleschi’s dome
- Witnessing Michelangelo’s David, the famous statue you’ve only ever seen in magazines and movies growing up
- Viewing Florence’s sprawling beauty from within Giotto’s Bell Tower, covering your ears as the massive bells ring right below you
- Enjoying a glass of Italian wine while you scarf down a plate of delicious carbonara
- Window shopping for expensive jewelry along the Ponte Vecchio at night
When to Visit Florence?
Just like Barcelona and Nice, the is Renaissance city is best visited during “low tide” with regards to tourists. With so many attractions to see in such close proximity, you don’t want to be waiting in line for your entire vacation, do you?
Of note, Florence does one of the largest Easter celebrations in Europe; complete with fireworks! So, if you happen to have a 3- or 4-day weekend in early spring, go to Florence!
Where to Stay in Florence?
Because so much of Florence is within walking distance of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), I recommend staying as close as possible to the amazing attraction itself.
When searching, just look for accomodations southeast of the main train station in District 1 and you’ll be just fine.
What to see in Florence?
Great question! watch my video above for recommendations 🙂
