8 amazing places in Europe to visit besides Paris and London!

So I had a dream the other night where I was in Vienna, Austria for Christmas. I then googled "Vienna at Christmas" and was astonished that it was actually as beautiful as I pictured in my dreams! I took this as a hint that I should go to Vienna at Christmas, so hopefully that will happen within the next 5 years.

This got me thinking, without the dream, I would've never thought to go to Vienna. When most people think of European major destinations they think of Paris and London (me included!), but below are x other awesome places in Europe! (The descriptions are from around the web, but hopefully I'll be able to do my own reviews some day)

1) Vienna, duh! (Austria)

Vienna's broad, sweeping boulevards are as grandiose as anything in Paris, with a lovely homely atmosphere. Today, the city is as handsome and elegant as ever, but it feels fresh and sprightly. With a host of new bars and restaurants to compliment its haughty monuments, Vienna has rediscovered its joie de vivre.

2) Florence, Italy

Florence has long been perceived as one of Italy's most enchanting cities. And it's easy to see why, with some of the most famous art in the world (by Michelangelo, Botticelli, et al) on display, a beautifully romantic setting, shopping aplenty and superb Tuscan food. What's more, if you feel like exploring further, you can be deep in lovely Chianti countryside in less than half an hour.

3) Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital of the world's oldest kingdom has become a cutting-edge city boasting avant-garde design, art and architecture as well as chic and inventive new restaurants. Its medieval centre is perfect for exploring by foot, and the city also boasts some of the best in contemporary design, particularly when it comes to interiors. Copenhagen is very child friendly, and is a good choice for families. The Danes have a reputation for being friendly, tolerant and allegedly the happiest nationality on earth - making their capital a great choice for a hip, laid-back and relatively undiscovered weekend break destination.

4) Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen is situated in one of the most impressive trough valleys in the Alps, between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks. With its 72 thundering waterfalls, secluded valleys, colourful alpine meadows and lonely mountain inns, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland.

5) Athens, Greece

The capital city of Greece, Athens is filled with scents and sights that you are sure not to forget easily. Just make sure you devote enough time as there's plenty to see, plenty to do, plenty to eat and then some more. It's the perfect place to mix exploring and sunbathing! Despite being one of the world’s oldest cities, Athens is a modern and sophisticated 21st century capital. It is a destination that has plenty to offer, depending on your travel interests.

6) Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam is a city, but it is also a country by itself, a small nation inside a larger one”, wrote Geert Mak in ‘Amsterdam: a brief life of the city’. You’ll probably not only find the city different from the rest of Holland, but also different to anywhere else you have been. Take any city of comparable size in any country and you’ll conclude that Amsterdam is exceptional. With its 175 nationalities it is the most multicultural city in the world. It has the appeal of a metropolis yet at the same time it doesn’t seem bigger than a huge village full of little wonders to explore.

7) Madrid, Spain

With its lovely temperatures and gorgeous restaurants, Madrid is positively one of the most amazing places to visit in Europe. Spend the day checking out modern art museums, and the nights enjoying tapas and the nightlife. This is a city for everybody, and it's simply unbeatable in terms of simplicity and uniqueness. It's a bustling, energetic, vibrant capital with a social atmosphere.

8) Berlin

Contrasts between historical buildings and modern architecture, between the traditional and the modern are what set the city apart from the rest. The sights of Berlin – from the Brandenburg Gate to the Federal Chancellery – tell the story of an entire nation. Germany's capital is home to all the major goverment buildings, most notably the historic Reichstag, seat of the German parliament. Berlin is a city of art, artists and museums.